Evidence Based Dementia Practice

The era of therapeutic nihilism in dementia has ended, with the emergence of agents for symptomatic treatment, those that delay the course of the disease or prevent the onset of dementia, and new methods to manage symptoms. With the expansion of therapies, there is a clear danger of being overwhelmed by the volume of data. This book is designed to collect this information, distil what is relevant and reliable, and present it in a format that is useful to clinicians who manage and treat people with dementia. The book is designed to bring together the latest, best and practical evidence on all aspects of management, from diagnosis and therapy to social and ethical considerations. The editors are all dynamic clinicians involved in the care of patients with dementia and the evaluation of therapies. Two of the editors are the leaders of the Cochrane Collaboration for the examination of therapies for dementia. There are no other books that take such a practical and problem-oriented or approach to the diagnosis and management of dementia. Furthermore none but this can be described as truely evidence-based.

This new edited volume seeks to meet the growing need for ways to support people with dementia across the whole course and trajectory of dementia care, with a wide scope of expertise. The book addresses how practitioners and carers can apply psychosocial interventions - which take into consideration the individual, social and environmental aspects of a person's life - across this trajectory, right from the earliest stages through to practice in care home settings. Divided into four sections, each covers a different context in which people with dementia can be supported: at home; in community settings; family and carer support; and those in care homes and hospitals. In addition, there is a distinct focus throughout on evidence-based practice and its implementation in real-world settings. This book is essential reading for any practitioner and caregiver wanting to support people with dementia.

This essential textbook on dementia care introduces the knowledge that nurses need, including the evidence base for practice and the guidance to transfer this newly acquired knowledge into everyday practice. Each of the 25 chapters are written by experts in the field of dementia care and are grounded in thoroughly researched, up-to-date evidence, have a direct bearing to nurse practice, and use case studies to give examples of application of the evidence to practice. It begins by introducing dementia as a diagnosis, a syndrome, and a set of diseases, signs and symptoms. It then deals with various principles that underpin dementia care, including person-centred care, behaviours that challenge, risk management, and understanding relationships affected by dementia. Finally, it assesses dementia care across a range of care settings, such as primary care, care homes, domiciliary care, acute hospital, and hospice services.

Rehabilitation helps individuals maintain and optimize independence. Historically, people with dementia have received little rehabilitation and the focus has been on care to replace lost function. Dementia Rehabilitation is a resource for health and social professionals, service planners, policy makers, and academics. The book makes a compelling case for rehabilitation for people with dementia, including the views of people with dementia and the research evidence. For each area of function, the research evidence and relevant theory is summarized, followed by practical information on clinical assessment, and delivery of therapies. Identifies rehabilitation as a human right for people with dementia. Reviews functions affected by dementia, including cognition, communication, and physical function. Outlines evidence-based strategies to maintain function and to delay decline. Describes how to maintain activities of daily living and leisure activities. Includes techniques to maintain self-identity and mood. Recognizes the importance of environment and care partners in supporting rehabilitation. Summarizes models of care for rehabilitation.

This book provides an overview of the demographic, clinical, and psychosocial context of dementia care. With its focus on patient and family perspectives, this book describes evidence-based approaches towards prevention, detection, and treatment of dementia that is like any other book. The text presents memory clinics, care management, home-based interventions, palliative care, family caregiver programs, specific to dementia care. Additionally, the text examines strategies to support transitions to acute care and long-term care. The text also places a special emphasis on measures of quality, cultural sensitivity, and implications for health care policy. Written by experts in the field, Dementia Care: An Evidence-Based Approach is an excellent resource for clinicians, students, healthcare administrators, and policymakers who aim to improve the quality of life of both the person with dementia and their informal caregiver.

For the increasing number of people diagnosed with dementia each year, treatment in the early stages can make a significant difference to their quality of life. This book provides examples of psychosocial interventions: taking into consideration the individual, social and environmental aspects of the person's life. It looks at ways of providing support at the time of diagnosis and goes on to explore a variety of interventions and services for the treatment of early dementia. Bringing together the knowledge and experiences of professionals from both the UK and Europe, the contributors describe interventions for both psychological and practical problems with case examples such as memory support groups, art therapies and assistive technologies for use in the home. This accessible book will be essential reading for practitioners and carers working with those with early dementia and will be extremely useful in both professional development and for those new to dementia care.

This scholarly yet accessible textbook is the most comprehensive single text in the field of dementia care. Drawn from research evidence, international expertise and good practice guidelines, the book has been crafted alongside people with dementia and their families. Case studies and quotes enrich every chapter, illustrating the realities of living with dementia and bringing theory to life. Fully updated with 10 brand new chapters, this landmark textbook has enormous breadth and gives an authoritative overview of dementia care. The 2nd edition now includes chapters on the following topics: • Dementia friendly communities • Representations of dementia in the media • Younger people with dementia • The arts and dementia • Enhancing relationships between families and those with dementia • Whole person assessment • Dementia friendly physical design • Transitions in care This compelling new edition is a must purchase for those working or volunteering in health and social care, undergraduate and postgraduate students across a range of disciplines in health and social work, and anyone interested in the field of dementia care including people with dementia and their families. “While we have made significant advances in the care for people with dementia and their families, there is much work yet to be done. This book provides a fantastic framework in which to set our understanding of dementia and to take things forward.” Alistair Burns, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, UK “Bravo to the authors of Excellence in Dementia Care! They have created a must read guidebook for those providing care to persons experiencing cognitive changes and their families. This collaborative effort focuses on successful provider strategies encompassing topics across the dementia journey and is filled with spot on, relevant, and timely information. Best of all, this work is loaded with real case studies to help translate knowledge to practice, making it a true resource for all practitioners.” Suzanne Bottum-Jones, MA, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA