A Book Review
Book Review. Alzheimer's Disease by Paul Dash and Nicole Villemarette-Pittman
I can recommend this book on Alzheimer's disease. Written by Paul Dash MD, an Assistant Professor of Neurology, and Nicole Villemarette-Pittman, PhD, a Research Coordinator, both from LSU Heath Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. The book is a well written, informative and accessible source of information and guidance about Alzheimer's disease.
Written for the "Quality of Life" guide series on diseases and ailments affecting the brain and central nervous system, the book begins well with a dedication the, "caregivers - the true frontline warriors". However I recommend it not only for caregivers but for anyone that wants a book to porvide them with facts. It provides these facts in a way that makes even the most complicated information understandable and interesting.
A good example, and one that is not always dealt with in similar books, is the chapter on How memory works. By explaining how memory works it becomes easier to understand the experience of someone with Alzheimer's disease, to see how the disease progresses and why people with Alzheimer's have the problems they do. By understanding such processes anyone involved in care, from medical professionals, caregivers, to family and friends, are better able to deal with the resulting behavior difficulties. In a similar fashion an 8 page chapter on anatomy and biochemistry provides a very readable account that improves our knowledge of Alzheimer's but does not confuse or bore.
Also dealt with are alternative treatments for Alzheimer's and the exciting advances being made through research into this devastating disease.
Of course the book contains lots of the other things you would expect to find in a book on Alzheimer's disease; practical issues, treatments of the disease and behavioral symptoms, other types of dementia, the stages and prognosis. Why the book works so well is that in less than 200 pages you really feel you know more about Alzheimer's without being overwhelmed by it.
Alzheimer's Disease by Paul Dash and Nicole Villemarette-Pittman is the result of a partnership between AAN Press American Academy of Neurology and published by Demos Medical Publishing Inc New York 2005. If you would like to buy a copy of Alzheimer's Disease by Paul Dash and Nicole click here to compare prices.
