Alzheimer's and other dementias / Julian C. Hughes.

With more people in the world living into older age, this book takes a look at the spread of dementia, and provides information and advice for sufferers, their families, and the medical professionals who care for them. Written by a consultant in old age psychiatry, the book provides an overview of all the different types of dementia (including younger-onset dementias), from the most-recognized type, Alzheimer's, to the less-frequent types, such as those caused by inherited metabolic disorders or HIV. The book guides the reader step-by-step through how the brain works, and explains the effect of dementias on the brain, and the impact on an individual's cognitive function. A dedicated chapter explains how a diagnosis is reached, including the different modes of assessment, from blood tests carried out by a general practitioner physician, to specialist scans, highlighting how the brain actually works. Detailed sections cover the latest treatments available, including the controversial use of antipsychotic medication, and the possibility of disease-modifying treatments in the future. The book also explains how the multi-disciplinary team works together to look after the sufferer's social needs, such as bathing and washing, as well as their spiritual and palliative needs. This book provides all the relevant information and guidance for sufferers, family and their care-givers to choose the right intervention at the right time, to create, as it advocates, a unique and personalized management plan.