Description
This definitive handbook assembles the most recent advances in knowledge about dementia, Alzheimer Disease, and related disorders as they affect persons with intellectual disabilities. Diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and management and care practices are detailed in a practical manner making this a useful tool to both students and trained professionals. After an introduction to the subject, the book begins with persoanl accounts of three affected individuals whose signs of dementia are described from clinical, family member, and care-provider perspectives, respectively. The biology and physiology of dementia, as well as the neurological and medical complications associated with it, are then provided in Parts Two, three, and Four. The application and practical perspectives of this handbook are enhanced in Part Five which details the best practices available to meet the needs and challenges involved in care and quality of life issues. The challenge raised by the rapidly growing number of aging individuals with intellectual disabilities forms the basis for the final part of the volume, an analysis and presentation of rarely addressed policy issues. Extensive resource information and a comprehensive glossary contribute to the useful nature of this handbook. Practitioners, service providers, educators and students will benefit from the accessability and practicality if this text as well as the breadth and depth of knowledge of the editors and contributors.
Table of Contents
Part I
Introduction
Aging and Dementia
Perspectives of a Care Provider
A Parent's Experience
Part II
Biomedical Considerations
Risk Factors and Biological Consequences
Neurological Aspects
Associated Medical Aspects
Perspectives on Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment Methods for Diagnosis of Dementia
Adaptive Behavior
Part III
Clinical Considerations
Down's Syndrome
Dementia and Depression
Psychiatric Disorders
Psychotropic Medications
Part IV
Program Considerations
Maintaining Communication
Specialty Clinic Perspectives
Adult Day Services
Supports in Small Group Home Settings
Coping with Losses, Death and Grieving
Part V
Education and Policy Considerations
Dementia Assistance Resources
Dementia and Public Policy Considerations
Future Prospects
