The Bottom Line
If you're looking for an Alzheimer's book that you can count on, whether you're needing an accurate diagnosis, a realistic treatment plan, or tips about how to continue to live a full life with Alzheimer's disease, "The Alzheimer's Action Plan" is the book for you.
Pros
- Comprehensive yet highly readable.
- Successfully speaks to those with dementia and their caregivers.
- Includes case examples.
Cons
- Does not cover late-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Description
- Published in 2008 by St. Martin's Press.
- 470 pages, including several appendices with useful reference materials.
- Unique section on clinical research trials and how to decide whether to participate in them.
Guide Review - "The Alzheimer's Action Plan" -- An Alzheimer's Book to Add to Your Library
In "The Alzheimer's Action Plan," P. Murali Doraiswamy, MD, Lisa Gwyther, MSW, and Tina Adler accomplish a rare feat: They provide a comprehensive yet highly readable manual about Alzheimer's disease to three different audiences. People who have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or a related dementia, their caregivers, and those who are simply concerned about their memory and want to do what they can to prevent dementia will all find this book a valuable resource.In this unique blend of science and practical advice, the authors write in a compassionate, respectful style that immediately puts the reader at ease. They also offer hope for those facing life after diagnosis by sharing helpful strategies derived from years of experience working directly with Alzheimer's families.
Chapters include:
- Could It Be Alzheimer's?
- What Looks Like Alzheimer's and Feels Like Alzheimer's But Isn't Alzheimer's
- Why to Seek a Diagnosis Now
- Where to Go -- And How to Pay for It
- Making the Most of the Doctor's Appointment
- The Best Memory Tests
- The Truth About Alzheimer's Treatment
- The Best Drugs to Treat Alzheimer's
- Clinical Trials: Can You (Safely) Get Tomorrow's Treatments Today?
- How Will We Treat Alzheimer's in the Future?
- Heading Toward a New Normal: Living Well with Early-Stage Alzheimer's
- The Middle Years: Finding Peace of Mind
- Changes in Behavior and Emotional Well-Being
- Medications for Depression, Anxiety, and Sleeplessness
- Finding a Calm in the Storm: Medications to Treat the Worst Behavioral Symptoms
- What's Good for Your Heart Is Good for Your Brain: Diet, Exercise, and Supplements
- Staying Connected: Keeping Your Brain Active
- Our Top 40 Questions and Answers
My only disappointment was that the book did not address late-stage Alzheimer's, but I respect the authors' view that this stage requires a separate focus from the early and middle stages.
