Alzheimer Solutions: a Personal Guide for Caregivers.Knittweis J, Harch J. Sausalito, CA 94965, Lucid Press, 2002, paperback, 177 pp, ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m : 0-9646184-5-1, $21.95. This is a reader-friendly text that uses a question-and-answer format to offer practical solutions to the typical problems faced by caregivers of patients with Alzheimer disease Alzheimer disease Degenerative brain disorder. It occurs in middle to late adult life, destroying neurons and connections in the cerebral cortex and resulting in significant loss of brain mass. . It also addresses the emotional and physical well-being of the caretaker. Jim Knittweis' personal experience as the caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer disease helps give the book credibility. Chapter 1 provides information on dealing with problems related to activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, grooming, personal hygiene personal hygiene person n → Körperhygiene f , and sleeping. The chapter explains how to limit distractions and organize the environment for safety, how to limit agitation or behavioral problems, and how to guide the patient to complete tasks effectively. The syndrome of "sundowning" (increasing confusion toward the early evening horns) is addressed, and methods for organizing the environment or planning the day's activities to avoid sundowning or decrease its effects are discussed. A variety of medical problems can affect patients with Alzheimer disease. Swallowing problems, constipation, urinary incontinence Urinary Incontinence Definition Urinary incontinence is unintentional loss of urine that is sufficient enough in frequency and amount to cause physical and/or emotional distress in the person experiencing it. , urinary tract infections urinary tract infection (UTI), n infection in one or more of the structures that make up the urinary system. Occurs more often in women and is most commonly caused by bacteria. , dehydration dehydration Method of food preservation in which moisture (primarily water) is removed. Dehydration inhibits the growth of microorganisms and often reduces the bulk of food. , and pressure sores are common. Multiple solutions for effective medication management in the presence of swallowing difficulties are provided in chapter 2. Each medical condition is defined and elucidated with a list of common causes, signs, and symptoms. The caregiver is given advice on recognizing and preventing the problems or managing the associated effects. As emotional and mental decline occurs, the patient's communication ability becomes impaired, angry and aggressive behaviors appear, and wandering becomes a safety issue. Chapter 3 recommends strategies for successful communication and the avoidance (or control) of angry and aggressive behavior. The causes of wandering are explained, and prevention and protection strategies are provided, with emphasis on environmental modification, the use of ID bracelets, and registering with the "Safe Return Program" of the National Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimer's Association, incorportated on April 10, 1980 as the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc., is a non-profit American voluntary health organization which focuses on care, support and research for Alzheimer's disease. . The reader is directed in the registration process. Chapters 4 and 5 focus on injury prevention and maintaining the patient's quality of life. The authors explain methods for safeguarding the home and car and recommends engaging the patient in regular physical exercise and mental stimulation. Examples of specific activities are provided. Insight into managing a travel experience is also included. Chapters 6 through 8 concern the family and primary caregiver. The strength of these chapters lies in their advice to caregivers to recognize and manage their own stress, depression, guilt, and grief through positive family interactions, community resources and support groups, and respite care Respite Care Short-term or temporary care of a few hours or weeks of the sick or disabled to provide relief, or respite, to the regular caregiver, usually a family member. Notes: . This book concludes with appendixes that provide resources to supplement the information from each chapter. Each resource is listed with standard contact information and a Web address. The authors provide an excellent guide for first-time Internet users. Useful information for evaluating and choosing nursing homes and a product resource guide are included as well as a glossary of medical, legal, and financial terminology. With these appendixes, the authors achieve their objective of providing a comprehensive resource guide for the caregiver. Judith Verbanets, PT Del Mar Del Mar is the name of several places in the United States of America:
Ms Verbanets specializes in neurologic rehabilitation rehabilitation: see physical therapy. in the outpatient and home health environments. |
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