Dementia and Memory: Introduction for Professionals in Health and Human Services

"Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are an epidemic that affect people from all walks of life around the world. Given that there is no cure or highly effective treatment for ADRD, it is a problem that isn't going away any time soon. ADRD isset to be a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the 21st century. Worldwide 44 million people live with ADRD, and this figure is expected to reach 135 million by 2050 (ADI, 2013). Due to these projections and growing concern around ADRD, there has been increased attention around building a workforce with the skills to provide high quality care to those with ADRD. Comprehensive care for people living with ADRD will require coordinated health and social care systems with a well-trained workforce. The diverse workforce includes health care and medical providers such as physicians; nurses; psychologists; and pharmacists as well as direct care workers; home health aides and certified nursing assistants. It also includes non-medical professionals such as health educators; social workers; gerontologists; allied health professionals like physical, speech, or occupational therapists; case managers; long term care administrators; elder law attorneys, art and music therapists, and more. In fact, we believe the best treatment for those with ADRD is always a multidisciplinary approach to care. Each profession, each individual, plays a critical role in the care continuum including: pre-diagnosis; diagnosis; post-diagnostic support; coordination and care management; community services; continuing care; and end-of-life palliative care. The continuity of care between different care providers, multiple sectors and system levels and active collaboration between professional and family caregivers is crucial. Those at the forefront of care for those with ADRD need to be adequately informed and trained to respond to the complex needs of people with ADRD as well as to communicate and work effectively with professionals outside of their own profession"--
Addresses the psychology and treatment of diseases that affect the memory of an aging population The aging population is growing, with a significant portion of the population over the age of 65. Epidemiological research suggests that rates of age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease will increase. Older individuals and their families face a host of problems related to the diagnosis, treatment, and psychological management of these conditions. There is a growing demand for healthcare personnel and professionals in the human and social services who have the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of this special population. Dementia and Memory: Introduction for Professionals in Health and Human Services aims to provide an introduction to dementia and memory disorders for professionals in public health, nursing, social work, gerontology, psychology, and beyond. This book offers a scientifically rigorous approach with an approachable writing style, making it an ideal resource for all helping professions. All chapters take a multi-disciplinary approach to instruction, and all diseases are presented with applicable historical background. For each condition covered, from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to depression and frailty, you’ll find a description of the condition, epidemiological data, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and a case vignette. You’ll also learn about older adults’ daily needs, behavioral interventions, caregiver stress, and more. Gain background knowledge of age-related conditions including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body dementia, multiple sclerosis, and more Learn about the neuroanatomy of the aging brain and how its manifestations lead to unique caregiving issues and challenges Discover pharmacological, management, and intervention techniques that will help you better care for aging adults Combat caregiver stress and compassion fatigue when dealing with difficult memory disorders and dementiaAnyone who works with older adults in community, clinical, or research settings will benefit from this in-depth information on conditions of aging and dementia.