Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps in Caring and Treatment [Hardcover]

Daniel Kuhn (Author), David A. Bennett (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2003

The first part of this important book offers a comparison of the normal aging pattern of the brain and what happens with Alzheimer's. It explains the difficulties of diagnosis, risk factors for developing the disease, treatments, and guidelines for prevention. The second part is devoted to practical ways that families can help the patient, including adapting to changing relationships, establishing new ways of communicating and decision making, and planning for the future. The last part offers advice about self-care for family members and helpers, from joining a support group to exploring spiritual resources.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

With increased awareness of the symptoms of Alzheimer's and improved diagnostic techniques, more people are learning that they or a family member have a memory disorder. Yet few books aimed at helping families understand and cope with the disease's early stages have been availableAuntil now. Kuhn, a social worker and education director at Chicago's Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, guides families in developing a philosophy of care, offering clear, current information on the nature of the illness along with anecdotes drawn from his own practice and first-person caregiver accounts. Throughout, Kuhn stresses the importance of sharing the care by involving others. Especially valuable is the extensive resource list of web sites, organizations, and references to consumer and professional literature. More details, particularly on such topics as finding knowledgeable medical providers, would have strengthened this worthwhile book. Still, this is a much-needed addition to the Alzheimer's literature. For all consumer health collections.AKaren McNally Bensing, Benjamin Rose Inst. Lib., Cleveland
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile

In a smoothly abridged and information-packed audio, an experienced mental health practitioner focuses on the early stages of this devastating disease. He clarifies the differences between Alzheimer's symptoms and impairments due to normal aging or other brain syndromes. His explanations of the medical and physiological reasons for Alzheimer's symptoms are very accessible. Without being melodramatic he sounds sensitive to how families experience this kind of loss. Helped by a reasonably optimistic reading by William Dufris, the author's recommendations cover a wide range of social and medical options, all intended to help families retain some sense of order and equilibrium while they cope with this kind of tragedy. T.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 274 pages
• Publisher: Publishers Group West (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897932633
• ISBN-13: 978-0897932639
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,559,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Daniel Kuhn, MSW is a Community Educator at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, based in Mount Prospect, Illinois. He is former Director of the Professional Training Institute for the Alzheimer's Association - Greater Illinois Chapter. Since 1973, he has been active in the fields of health care and aging as a social worker and an educator. He completed a master's degree in social work at the University of Illinois in Chicago and is a licensed clinical social worker. He has authored or co-authored more than 50 publications on dementia care, end-of-life care, and family caregiving issues.He was the 2009 recipient of the Mental Health and Aging Award by the American Society on Aging. He frequently gives presentations at conferences throughout the U.S and Canada.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the leading book in the field, November 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers (Paperback)

When the first edition of this book appeared in late 1999, it became the antidote for the scary books about Alzheimer's disease that have dominated the literature since the 1980s. By focusing on the early stages of the disease, Kuhn provides the right dose of help and hope to those struggling to come to terms with the myriad changes in roles and responsibilities of all concerned. The second edition provides updated information while leaving intact positive messages about living with Alzheimer's and not merely surviving through it. A new chapter gives voice to experienced family members who share valuable lessons. This book provides accurate information about the disease and useful tips that enable family members, friends and interested professionals to cope with someone's memory loss and other thinking problems. It's the one book that should be read by all starting down this difficult road. And doctors should be writing down this title on a prescription pad!

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Road Map for Families, March 19, 2004

By 

Jacqueline Marcell "Author, Speaker, Radio Host" (Irvine, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers (Paperback)

I wish this book had been available when I started the caregiving journey with my parents, both with (mis-diagnosed) early stage Alzheimer's disease. I had to learn everything the hard way. Knowledge is power and this book will explain all the details your doctor doesn't have time to tell you. If you know anyone starting down this path with elderly loved ones, this is a book they will thank you for.

I also interviewed Mr. Kuhn on my radio program, Coping With Caregiving (wsRadio.com) and was impressed further by his vast knowledge and by the way he explained Alzheimer's early stage, which is so easily overlooked by families as well as physicians.

-Jacqueline Marcell, Author 'Elder Rage', International Speaker on Eldercare & Alzheimer's, Host 'Coping With Caregiving' Internet Radio Show at wsRadio

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed, May 28, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps in Caring and Treatment (Paperback)

This book covered all the issues I'm facing, both as a son of an reciently diagnoised dad, and as a legal agent for another family member with Alzheimer's. This has been by far the best book I've found on the practical matters that must be addressed early on (i.e. driving, finances, and care choices). For now, this is my reference book. I'd strongly suggest starting with this book if Alzheimer's has entered your family or close circle of friends.