A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia

by Helen Buell Whitworth MS, BSN, James Whitworth

Overview

"Jim and Helen Whitworth have done an outstanding job not only of collecting a comprehensive compendium on all aspects of LBD, but they also have provided a personal touch with a moving compilation of anecdotes, stories, and quotes. I commend them for their efforts and will most certainly recommend this book as required reading for all my LBD patients and their families." -James E. Galvin, MD, MPH, Director, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Chief of Cognitive Aging for Palm Beach and Broward Counties, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia is the first book to present a thorough picture of what Lewy body dementia really is. Combining current strategies for managing symptoms and behaviors with personal examples that connect to readers' own experiences, this is the ideal book for caregivers, family members, and friends of individuals seeking to understand the disease and provide support to their loved ones. Written in easy-to-read language, the chapters incorporate handy facts and tips throughout, definitions of key terms, and practical wisdom to help caregivers navigate the day-to-day. Links to online resources, support groups, and associations are collected at the end of the book for further reference.

As a complete guide to Lewy body dementia, this revised and updated second edition includes coverage of recent research developments and topic areas of growing interest, including:

Updated information on the latest drug and treatment options

Brand new chapter on the psychology of dementia, explaining the ways dementia changes the brain and how caregivers can continue to relate to their loved ones

Discussions of the various causes for dementia-related behaviors and responsive dementia care techniques for caregivers to follow

Expanded section on alternative therapies in a new chapter dedicated to managing stress

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826148742
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	10/21/2020
Edition description:	Second Edition, New Edition
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Helen Buell Whitworth, MS, BSN, is a retired nurse, educator, and writer. After she and Jim married, she joined his mission and became a passionate advocate for Lewy body dementia care partners and their loved ones.

James (Jim) Whitworth is one of the co-founders of the nationally known Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) and served as the organization's first president after his first wife died with LBD.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

1 What Is Lewy Body Dementia" 1

2 How Do I Find a Specialist and Get a Diagnosis I Can Trust" 13

3 Slowing the Progress of Dementia 25

4 Coping With Cognitive Symptoms 33

5 Coping With Motor Dysfunctions 61

6 Sleep Disorders and Lewy Body Dementia 69

7 What Are Perceptual Dysfunctions" 81

8 Drug Sensitivities and Adverse Reactions 93

9 Managing Acting-Out Behaviors 119

10 Coping With Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunctions 139

11 Coping With Urinary Tract Dysfunctions 161

12 How Do I Build a Health Care Team" 169

13 Managing Legal and Financial Issues 197

14 End-of-Life Issues 211

15 How Do I Take Care of Myself" 223

Glossary 237

Acronyms 257

Online Resources 263

References 265

Index 273

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Natalya V Shneyder, MD (Mayo Clinic Arizona)
Description: This is a comprehensive description of problems and some possible solutions for people who are involved in the care of patients or loved ones with Lewy body dementia (LBD).
Purpose: This book aims to educate and raise awareness about LBD and issues that patients and caregivers may encounter during this rough journey.
Audience: It is a valuable resource for caregivers, which include spouses and children as well as nurses and nurses' aides caring for people with dementia. Family doctors and neurologists also will benefit, as it uncovers a lot of questions that they should address during visits with these patients.
Features: The book includes recommendations for dealing with cognitive, behavioral, general health, and legal issues in patients with LBD, as well as tips for self-maintenance during the difficult times of caring for a loved one with LBD.
Assessment: This is a great resource for information about dealing with LBD, although it is not a substitute for physician advice on specific care issues, especially medications.

Doody's Review Service