Diagnosing dementia

For people living with dementia, their families and carers. The Dementia Guide is an important resource for any person impacted by any form of dementia, of any age. The Guide contains information about the impact dementia may have on a person, the treatment, support and services they may need.
The 4th edition of this guide is now available to read online, download a pdf, listen to an audio version or request a print copy.

With clear and sensible information about recognising symptoms, getting help, managing financially, staying at home, treatment, being a carer and staying positive, this guide will help those with dementia and their families to make sure that they can stay well and happy as long as possible.

When Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with young-onset dementia at the age of fifty-eight, her brain was overwhelmed with images of the last stages of the disease - those familiar tropes, shortcuts and clichés that we are fed by the media, or even our own health professionals. But her diagnosis far from represented the end of her life. Instead, it was the start of a very different one. Wise, practical and life affirming, What I Wish People Knew About Dementia combines anecdotes, research and Wendy Mitchell's own brilliant wit and wisdom to tell readers exactly what she wishes they knew about dementia.

Provides a thorough, practical guide on coping with the diagnosis, managing symptoms, finding meaningful activity, planning for the future, maintaining important relationships, participating in research, and much more. This book is a working guide to help the person with Alzheimer's feel empowered to move forward in life in light of this challenging diagnosis.

This book is all about how to make life with dementia as positive as possible - to maximise quality of life for all concerned. Just as we need to exercise our body's muscles to keep them strong, flexible and working well, so too do we need to exercise our mental muscles (our brain) to strengthen and maintain our neural capabilities. By tailoring activities to suit the needs and abilities of people living with dementia, we can help: maintain relationships with others; maintain self-identity; enhance mental function by providing physical and mental stimulation; stave off boredom; and, experience happiness and pleasure.

Diagnosed at age 58, psychologist Richard Taylor shares a revealing account of his slow transformation and deterioration over a 6-year period after his diagnosis. With remarkable clarity and candour, Taylor gives voice to the thoughts, fears, and desires of all people with Alzheimer's disease and offers valuable insights for their caregivers. More than 80 brief essays and vignettes poignantly address issues faced by those with Alzheimer's disease, including loss of independence and personhood, communication difficulties with caregivers, and never-ending uncertainty about the future.