The Dementias: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research

Confusion. Fear. Isolation. This is the human experience of dementing illness,
and it is at the heart of this practical, informative volume by a broad range of
clinically grounded experts.

This book is designed to meet the needs of
clinicians dealing with persons with dementing illness and to serve as an
introduction to the pathophysiology of dementing illness and a resource for
clinical investigators.

The giant strides in dementia research since the
publication of the first edition in 1991 have generated optimism that we will
soon be able to delay onset and even prevent these diseases that devastate both
patients and caregivers. This third edition has been revised, updated, and
expanded to cover changes in the classification, management and treatment of
dementing illnesses and to give a more extensive account of basic and clinical
research findings. At the same time, this remarkable volume indicates the
interaction of the patient's personality, the caregiver, and the environment
with the pathophysiology of dementing illnesses that creates the variety of
symptoms accompanying these illnesses and impacting their treatment.

Like
the second edition, this third edition has three sections, flowing from
diagnosis through management/treatment to research. New to this edition are A
world-class presentation on the molecular and genetic basis of Alzheimer's
disease A beautifully illustrated chapter on contemporary neuroimaging
Discussions of mild cognitive impairment, the frontotemporal dementias, and the
dementias associated with Lewy bodies

This third edition is exceptionally
valuable for addressing the day-to-day challenges of dealing effectively and
humanely with persons with dementing illness. Case examples are used in the
chapters on psychological/behavioral and drug management to indicate practical
approaches to maintaining patients at their optimal level of function. Unlike
similar texts, this volume also reviews legal and ethical issues in the care of
persons with dementing illness and shows how clinicians and caregivers how to
mobilize community resources. Extensive reference lists round out each chapter.
The book concludes with 11 assessment guides and rating scales and an
index.

Now more than ever, there is hope that advances in understanding
dementing illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease will lead to their effective
treatment, and ultimately to their prevention. Until then, clinicians, families,
and society will continue to be faced with the challenges posed by these
illnesses-making this book a "must read" for physicians and other health care
professionals, whether in training, in practice, or engaged in clinical
research.