Dementia - Support for Family and Friends, Second Edition

Dave Pulsford was formerly Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at the University of Central Lancashire, UK, and is now retired.Rachel Thompson is Admiral Nurse Professional & Practice Development Lead for Dementia UK in London, UK.

• Introduction; PART I - Living with Dementia; 1. Becoming Familiar with Dementia; 2. Being a Family Member or Friend of a Person with Dementia; 3. Someone Close to me may have Dementia - Assessment, Diagnosis and Types of Dementia; 4. Sources of Support for People with Dementia, Families and Friends; PART II - Understanding dementia as it progresses; 5. The Early Years of Dementia; 6. Managing Change as Dementia Progresses; 7. Social & Leisure Activities as Dementia Progresses; 8. The Challenges of Dementia; 9. Considering Residential Care for People with Dementia; 10. When Dementia has become Advanced; 11. The End of Life; Conclusion - Suffering from Dementia or Living with Dementia?; Resources

I am delighted the authors have updated what was already a well respected book and made it totally relevant to today. Whilst there are many books by professionals working alongside those of us with dementia few are as comprehensive and sensitive in both their content and tone. The authors really "get inside" the complexities of dementia by informing and offering practical guidance which if taken and applied can help people affected by dementia live as well as possible with this immensely challenging condition. I am delighted that the authors devote much attention to the need for support for both the diagnosed person and those closest to us because I know that dementia can be a lonely and foggy experience, this book shows this need not be the case, as reading it will help steer us from the mists of frustration to the sunshine of hope. This book is an essential read and guiding companion for all who care for those who have dementia, be they family or professional carer and should be on all suggested book lists for students considering working with those of us with dementia. Consequently I fully recommend it.