The Myth Of Senility

Theorizes that senility is often socially induced, resulting from a lack of prestige, economic independence, and physical well-being, and looks at alternatives to institutionalization.

This collection will present works that offer illuminating perspectives on the remarkably diverse Asian American populations of the United States. As a population that is neither black nor white, the range of experiences of these groups, many of whom arrived as refugees, presents other perspectives on the cultural mosaic that constitutes the United States. Studies of Asian Americans sheds light on issues related to immigration, refugee policy, transnationalism, return migration, cultural citizenship, ethnic communities, community building, identity and group formation, panethnicity, race relations, gender and class, entrepreneurship, employment, representation, politics, adaptation, and acculturation. The writings in this collection are drawn from a wide variety of disciplines to provide a broad and informative array of insights on these fascinating and diverse populations.

Cultural responses to most illnesses differ; dementia is no exception. These responses, together with a society's attitudes toward its elderly population, affect the frequency of dementia-related diagnoses and the nature of treatment. Bringing together essays by nineteen respected scholars, this unique volume approaches the subject from a variety of angles, exploring the historical, psychological, and philosophical implications of dementia. Based on solid ethnographic fieldwork, the essays employ a cross-cultural perspective and focus on questions of age, mind, voice, self, loss, temporality, memory, and affect. Taken together, the essays make four important and interrelated contributions to our understanding of the mental status of the elderly. First, cross-cultural data show the extent to which the aging process, while biologically influenced, is also very much culturally constructed. Second, detailed ethnographic reports raise questions about the behavioral criteria used by health care professionals and laymen for defining the elderly as demented. Third, case studies show how a diagnosis affects a patient's treatment in both clinical and familial settings.; Finally, the collection highlights the gap that separates current biological understandings of aging from its cultural meanings. As Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia continue to command an ever-increasing amount of attention in medicine and psychology, this book will be essential reading for anthropologists, social scientists, and health care professionals.

Ballenger's work contributes to our understanding of the emergence and significance of dementia as a major health issue.

The Dignity Within A Handbook for Caregivers, Family, and Friends Of the estimated 5 million Americans who have Alzheimer's disease, more than 70% live at home, with family and friends. Alzheimer's Disease: A Handbook for Caregivers, Family, and Friends is a unique resource for those caregivers so that they can be better equipped to nurture people living with Alzheimer's disease. This expert guide educates the reader on the physical changes in the brain as the disease progresses and outlines what can be done from a caregiver's standpoint at each stage. It stresses the importance of self-care in ensuring that you are prepared to support the person with Alzheimer's disease. Packed with tips and techniques from five authorities in the field, this book answers critical questions such as: What caregiving style will suit me best? What skills are likely to remain as Alzheimer's disease progresses? How do I balance my needs with the needs of the person I'm caring for? How do I find the time to rest and relax? When is it time to consider an assisted living community or a nursing home? And much more! The most important tenet of this book is that we can better care for people with Alzheimer's disease by recognizing the ''essence within'' a person living through the different stages of the disease. This positive approach will help both caregivers and people affected by Alzheimer's disease live with a sense of dignity, importance, and self-esteem.

As the essays in this volume show, conceptualizing dementia has always been a complex process. With contributions from noted professionals in psychiatry, neurology, molecular biology, sociology, history, ethics, and health policy, Concepts of Alzheimer Disease looks at the ways in which Alzheimer disease has been defined in various historical and cultural contexts. The book covers every major development in the field, from the first case described by Alois Alzheimer in 1907 through groundbreaking work on the genetics of the disease. Essays examine not only the prominent role that biomedical and clinical researchers have played in defining Alzheimer disease, but also the ways in which the perspectives of patients, their caregivers, and the broader public have shaped concepts.