Dementia

Book excerpt: Dementia: From Diagnosis to Management - A Functional Approach is a comprehensive description of a functional and behavioral approach to assessing and treating persons with dementia. While very practical, the information is embedded in a scientific context of the causes, neuropsychological manifestations, and complications of dementia. The management of the impairments of dementia is centered on its functional consequences and impact on daily living. The chapters describe behavioral interventions and environmental strategies that aim to improve daily activities and quality of life from a proactive communication and memory basis. Specific suggestions are provided to enhance family involvement and staff relationships, interdisciplinary cooperation, reimbursement, and documentation across various home and institutional settings. The book is written in a straightforward style and is evenhanded in its critical analyses of the evidence available to inform practice. The extensive clinical backgrounds of the authors allow them to use ‘real world’ case studies to illustrate common challenges of persons with dementia and potential solutions for caregivers. Further resources and clinical materials are included in comprehensive appendices. The volume provides essential reading for clinicians and administrators who seek to improve the lives of people with dementia and those who care for them. It is also an invaluable reference for beginning students in adult language disorders and gerontology.