Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers by Daniel Kuhn and M.D. David A. Bennett

With increased awareness of the symptoms of Alzheimer's and improved diagnostic techniques, more people are learning that they or a family member have a memory disorder. Yet few books aimed at helping families understand and cope with the disease's early stages have been availableAuntil now. Kuhn, a social worker and education director at Chicago's Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, guides families in developing a philosophy of care, offering clear, current information on the nature of the illness along with anecdotes drawn from his own practice and first-person caregiver accounts. Throughout, Kuhn stresses the importance of sharing the care by involving others. Especially valuable is the extensive resource list of web sites, organizations, and references to consumer and professional literature. More details, particularly on such topics as finding knowledgeable medical providers, would have strengthened this worthwhile book. Still, this is a much-needed addition to the Alzheimer's literature. For all consumer health collections.AKaren McNally Bensing, Benjamin Rose Inst. Lib., Cleveland
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
When the first edition of this book appeared in late 1999, it became the antidote for the scary books about Alzheimer's disease that have dominated the literature since the 1980s. By focusing on the early stages of the disease, Kuhn provides the right dose of help and hope to those struggling to come to terms with the myriad changes in roles and responsibilities of all concerned. The second edition provides updated information while leaving intact positive messages about living with Alzheimer's and not merely surviving through it. A new chapter gives voice to experienced family members who share valuable lessons. This book provides accurate information about the disease and useful tips that enable family members, friends and interested professionals to cope with someone's memory loss and other thinking problems. It's the one book that should be read by all starting down this difficult road. And doctors should be writing down this title on a prescription pad!