The Small Guide to Alzheimer's Disease

by Gary Small MD, Gigi Vorgan

Overview

"No question it is a frightening diagnosis, but whether you are a patient, family member or caregiver, you can't help feel empowered and optimistic after reading this book. This small guide will leave a big impression." – Dr. Sanjay Gupta, M.D., Bestelling author & CNN Chief Medical Correspondent

From New York Times bestselling author and expert on neuroscience, memory, Alzheimer's Disease and dementia, The Small Guide to Alzheimer's Disease provides a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, and related disorders, along with the latest treatment solutions from conventional and alternative therapies to new scientific discoveries, lifestyle changes and interventions.

Alheimer's Disease and related dementia illnesses are among the most frightening diagnoses in the US, affecting nearly six million adult Americans. This accessible guide starts with providing readers with an overview of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia: what it is, who gets it, how to recognize it, major causes (genetics, environment, etc.). As bestselling author of The Memory Bible and The Memory Prescription, as well as Director of the UCLA Longevity Center, Dr. Gary Small is on the cutting edge of breakthrough treatments, as well as prevention strategies.

 In addition to case studies and patient interviews, all chapters will include side-bars with factoids, lists, and other helpful information.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781630061272
Publisher:	Humanix Books
Publication date:	03/10/2020
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Dr. Gary Small is a memory, brain & aging expert and Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Director of the UCLA Longevity Center at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior. Named one of the world’s leading innovators in science and technology by Scientific American, he has appeared frequently on Today, Good Morning America, PBS, and CNN and lectures throughout the world.

Dr. Small has written over ten books, including The New York Times Bestseller The Memory Bible, as well as The Memory Prescription, The Longevity Bible, The Alzheimer’s Prevention Program, The Other Side of the Couch, The Naked Lady Who Stood on Her Head, iBrain, 2 Weeks to a Younger Brain, SNAP!: Change Your Personality in 30 Days, The Small Guide to Anxiety & the Small Guide to Depression.

http://drgarysmall.com/

https://www.newsmax.com/health/insiders/dr-small/id-222/ 

https://w3.mindhealthreport.com/Health/MHR/Offers/MHR-Renewal 

The author lives & works in the Los Angeles metro area.

Gigi Vorgan, in addition to working as a coauthor with her husband Dr. Gary Small, has written feature films and for television. Vorgan and Dr. Small have written over ten books, including The New York Times Bestseller The Memory Bible, as well as The Memory Prescription, The Longevity Bible, The Alzheimer’s Prevention Program, The Other Side of the Couch, The Naked Lady Who Stood on Her Head, iBrain, 2 Weeks to a Younger Brain, SNAP!: Change Your Personality in 30 Days, The Small Guide to Anxiety & the Small Guide to Depression.

http://drgarysmall.com/

https://www.newsmax.com/health/insiders/dr-small/id-222/ 

https://w3.mindhealthreport.com/Health/MHR/Offers/MHR-Renewal 

The author lives & works in the Los Angeles metro area.

Table of Contents

Preface xi

Chapter 1 Is It Normal Aging or Something Worse? 1

What Is Alzheimer's Disease? 2

Common Psychological Reactions to Age-Related Memory Loss 5

What's the Difference between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia? 5

Symptoms of Dementia 7

Possible Causes of Dementia 8

The Brain Ages Gradually 9

Common Symptoms of Normal Brain Aging 10

Depression and Anxiety Worsen Memory 14

Diagnosing Major Depression 18

If in Doubt, Just Find Out 19

Chapter 2 Seeing the Doctor 21

Navigating Denial 25

Connecting with a Doctor 29

Doctors Who Care for Memory-Impaired Patients 30

Organizations for Finding a Doctor for Cognitive Issues 32

What to Expect at the Doctor's Office 33

Summary of Assessment Procedures 34

Preparing for the Appointment 35

Information Contained in Doctor's Notes 36

Medicines That Worsen Memory 37

Beware of Anticholinergic Drugs 39

Anticholinergic Medicines That May Impair Memory 41

The Diagnostic Process 42

Features of Different Types of Dementia 45

Laboratory and Genetic Testing 46

Recommended Laboratory Tests for Assessing Cognition 46

Diagnostic Scans 48

Discussing the Results of the Evaluation 50

Chapter 3 The Latest on Medicines and Supplements 53

Medicines for Treating Dementia Symptoms 56

Drugs for Treating Alzheimer's Symptoms 58

Potential Benefits of Dementia Medicines 61

Getting Realistic about Alzheimer's Medicines 61

Possible Side Effects of Anti-Alzheimer's Medicines 63

Treatments for Mood and Behavior Problems 64

Potential Benefits and Risks of Supplements 68

Anti-inflammatory Supplements 71

Antioxidants 73

B Vitamins 75

Vitamin D 76

Melatonin 76

Supplements Used for Memory and Brain Health 77

Phosphatidylserine 77

Huperzine A 78

Apoaequorin 78

Chapter 4 Practical Strategies for Caregivers 81

Taking Away the Car Keys 83

Signs of Driving Trouble 85

Tips for Confiscating the Car Keys 86

Dementia and Retirement 86

If Dementia Interferes with Work 87

Money Matters 88

Home Safety Strategies 90

Fall Prevention Tips 91

Strategies for Reducing Agitation 92

Interventions for Reducing Agitation 94

Personal Hygiene 95

Getting Help 96

Options for Hired Caregivers 97

Home Alone vs. Senior Living 99

Technology to the Rescue 101

Chapter 5 The Emotional Roller Coaster of Caregiving 105

Coming to Grips: The Five Stages of Caregiving 108

Denial 109

Emotional Turmoil 110

Chasing a Cure 111

Grief 111

Acceptance and Resolve 112

Caregiving Can Be Dangerous to Your Health 113

Take a Break: Respite Care 114

Types of Respite Care 114

Getting Real about Caregiver Expectations 116

Staying Connected 117

Beware of Depression 120

Strategies for Beating Depression 124

Chapter 6 Lifestyle Habits That Protect Your Brain 127

Helping People Change Their Habits 131

The Brain-Healthy Lifestyle 133

Physical Exercise 136

Mental Stimulation 137

Exercise Your Neural Circuits 138

Computer Brain Training 139

Mental Benefits of Technology Use 141

Techniques for Improving Memory 141

Memorize a To-Do List 143

Staying Socially Connected 143

Balanced Nutrition 144

10 Nutrition Tips to Keep Your Mind Sharp 146

Stress Management 149

10 Tips for Reducing Caregiver Stress 149

Try This Stress-Reducing Meditation 152

Chapter 7 New Research: Hope vs. Hype 155

Searching for Treatments That Modify the Disease 158

Volunteering for a Clinical Trial 159

Checklist When Considering Enrollment in a Clinical Trial 161

Research on Disease Biomarkers 162

Examples of Biomarkers under Study for Alzheimer's Disease 164

Different Strategies for Attacking the Disease 165

Examples of Alzheimer's Treatments under Study 166

Chapter 8 Planning for the Future 169

When Does Genetic Testing Make Sense? 170

Advanced Directives 171

Strategies for Dealing with Conflicts over Advanced Directives 173

Managing Finances 175

Tips on Managing Money for a Loved One with Dementia 176

Senior Living Options 177

Looking to the Future while Appreciating the Present 180

Acknowledgments 181

Bibliography 183

Index 197

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This practical field guide deciphers the complex diagnosis and treatment tools that everyone must understand to combat this epidemic." – Dr. Mehmet Oz, M.D., Bestselling author & Host of The Dr. Oz Show

“Millions of people are impacted every day by Alzheimer’s. Those who get this mind-blowing disease and those who care for them deserve this guide.” – Maria Shriver, Bestselling author, journalist & Founder of The Women's Alzheimer's Movement

"No question it is a frightening diagnosis, but whether you are a patient, family member or caregiver, you can't help feel empowered and optimistic after reading this book. This small guide will leave a big impression." – Dr. Sanjay Gupta, M.D., Bestselling author & CNN Chief Medical Correspondent

“A concise, comprehensive guide that provides answers to the questions that people with dementia and their caregivers commonly ask.” – Dr. Peter Rabins, M.D., M.P.H., coauthor of The 36-Hour Day  

“An accessible, practical, and essential guide for millions of patients and caregivers who must cope with this dreaded disease.”– Dr. Murali Doraiswamy M.D., coauthor of The Alzheimer’s Action Plan