Dementia

The Oxford Specialist Handbooks series provides readers with clear, concise information on all that is needed to successfully train in the medical sub-specialties. Each book gives an overview of clearly defined procedures, skills, guidelines, and technologies and provides practical tips and case studies to supplement hands-on experience. Where appropriate, each book complements the revised curriculum as developed by the Specialist Advisory Committees. Dementia is a growing issue, exacerbated by improvements in health care which have led to an ageing population; currently three quarters of a million people suffer from dementia in the UK, and this is expected to rise to 1.8 million by 2050. This book concentrates on advanced disease and addresses issues such as pain management, decision-making, spiritual needs, communication, the Mental Health Capacity Act, dementia in the younger patient, and the carer's perspective. Written by specialists, this book will be invaluable for doctors and nurses involved in palliative medicine, geriatrics, and old-age psychiatry, and the generalist who treats the patient with dementia. Written in a succinct, concise format to facilitate quick access to information Written by three leading experts in the fields of palliative medicine and old-age psychiatry and including authors from the field of geriatrics A portable, practical, and accessible handbook on a complex group of patients Edited by Victor Pace, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, St Christopher's Hospice, London, UK, Adrian Treloar, Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Old Age Psychiatry, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and Sharon Scott, Senior Research Nurse, Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Mental Health Sciences, University College London, UK CONTENTS   Abbreviations 1: Introduction to dementia 2: Dementia and its management 3: Young onset dementia 4: Advanced dementia 5: An overview of palliative care 6: Distress in dementia 7: Principles of physical symptom assessment in dementia 8: Pain and pain control 9: Other physical symptoms 10: Mental distress and psycho-behavioural problems 11: Managing disability in dementia 12: Intercurrent illness 13: Deciding on appropriate intervention 14: The terminal phase 15: Bereavement 16: Communication 17: Person centred dementia care 18: Choice, capacity, care and the law 19: Spiritual care 20: Provision of appropriate care 21: A family carer's perspective 22: Caring for the carers 23: Some other therapies 24: Financial issues Appendix 1 - Further information Appendix 2 - Some relevant drug interactions Appendix 3 - Important neurochemical syndromes Appendix 4 - Body dermatomes