A definitive and compelling book on one of today's most prevalent illnesses. In 2020, an estimated 5.8 million Americans had Alzheimer’s, and more than half a million died because of the disease and its devastating complications. 16 million caregivers are responsible for paying as much as half of the $226 billion annual costs of their care. As more people live beyond their seventies and eighties, the number of patients will rise to an estimated 13.8 million by 2050. Part case studies, part meditation on the past, present and future of the disease, The Problem of Alzheimer's traces Alzheimer’s from its beginnings to its recognition as a crisis. While it is an unambiguous account of decades of missed opportunities and our health care systems’ failures to take action, it tells the story of the biomedical breakthroughs that may allow Alzheimer’s to finally be prevented and treated by medicine and also presents an argument for how we can live with dementia: the ways patients can reclaim their autonomy and redefine their sense of self, how families can support their loved ones, and the innovative reforms we can make as a society that would give caregivers and patients better quality of life. Rich in science, history, and characters, The Problem of Alzheimer's takes us inside laboratories, patients' homes, caregivers’ support groups, progressive care communities, and Jason Karlawish's own practice at the Penn Memory Center.

The Alzheimer's Workbook is an in-depth, easy to use guide to help caregivers track, document and understand the behaviors of a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia disorders. * Helps caregivers track the Alzheimer's person through the 3 stages of the disease. * Space for notes to chronicle the progression of the disease. * Hundreds of practical, common sense problem solving suggestions to ease the stress of both caregivers and the person with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Workbook was written by Elizabeth Cochran, a home health nurse and case manager with a Masters Degree in Health Education who cared for her mother-in-law for four years in her home.

As some people age, their brain begins to deteriorate, causing loss of memory and other problems. Researchers are still unsure of the exact causes of Alzheimer's disease, but they believe lifestyle and genetics play a role. Through informative sidebars and enlightening infographics, which supplement the relatable text, readers learn about what Alzheimer's is and how to support a loved one who has been diagnosed. They also learn what is being done to work toward a cure for this disease.

Given the success of Volume I of this Research Topic, we are pleased to announce the launch of Volume II: “The Alzheimer's Disease Challenge”. The repeated failure of clinical trials on the amyloid-based medications and the pessimistic calculations of Alzheimer's disease cost burden for the next few decades present a severe challenge to humankind with severe social implications. In recent years, several alternative diagnostic and treatment procedures have been presented to treat and manage Alzheimer’s disease as it has been nearly impossible to suggest a holistic solution. Several revelations in human biology have highlighted the multiparametric character of the disease. Besides the amyloid aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles that result in Aβ toxicity and tau phosphorylation, processes such as Gene Mutations, Proteins Misfolding, Brain Biochemical and Histopathological Changes, Behavioral Changes, Nutrition and Metabolism Alterations, and Autonomic Dysfunctions due to Central Nervous System dysregulations are common signs and probably early diagnostic biomarkers in most of the Alzheimer's classification categories.

This groundbreaking book is based on the findings of the first major study on spiritual reminiscence work with people with dementia. Carried out over a decade, the study confirmed spiritual reminiscence to be an effective means of helping people with dementia to find meaning in their own experience, and interact in meaningful ways with others. The authors present the evidence for the efficacy of spiritual reminiscence with this group, and drawing on examples demonstrate its many benefits, as revealed by the study, including the affirmation of identity and worth whilst promoting resilience and transcendence; reducing levels of depression; and giving people with dementia a voice with which to express grief, despair, joy, wisdom, insight and humour. Specific practice issues are addressed, including how to maximise communication and nurture connections during sessions; the role of symbol, ritual and liturgy and how to design an effective spiritual reminiscence program. Transcripts of sessions are included throughout the book as examples, providing unprecedented insight into how people with dementia experience spiritual reminiscence, and encouraging reflective practice. The book closes with a set of suggested questions and discussion topics which can be used as the basis of a six week program. Providing theory and the latest research as well as a wealth of practical information and examples to guide practice, this book will be of interest to dementia care practitioners and activity coordinators, pastoral carers, aged care chaplains, practical theologians, students, academics and researchers.

FIRST STEPS FOR FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND CAREGIVERS.