Living in the Moment

Book excerpt: Like a What to Expect When You're Expecting for dementia, Living in the Moment offers a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide to understanding Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases, and what to do next. For caregivers and patients alike, renowned geriatrician Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk offers a path for patients to live a healthy and full life with dementia. A loved one’s dementia diagnosis can leave you feeling scared and overwhelmed. But you are not alone. Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, founder of ElderConsult Geriatric Medicine, has led thousands of patients through a brain disease diagnosis, equipping them with knowledge, tools, and support to help them live happy and engaged lives. She shares her expertise in this practical reference that offers helpful explanations, advice, and guidance through an often confusing and challenging new landscape. Dr. Landsverk’s advice covers understanding the disease itself to managing a patient’s aggression and paranoia, from protecting against elder abuse to creating a long-range plan for patients and caregivers that includes home care, assisted living, and hospice care. LIVING IN THE MOMENT promises a plan that will minimize medication, treat pain, and relieve agitation, without falling back on standard medical approaches. Here is everything you need to know about caring for your loved one and making his or her life the best possible, starting now. You’ll learn: * How to recognize the earliest dementia changes How to create a plan of action for today—and tomorrow—that will help to manage this new normal Innovative new activities, and holistic interventions that can slow the progression of dementia Comprehensive information on both prescription and OTC medications that can help or hurt dementia patients Dealing with day-to-day challenges, from staying mobile to overcoming agitation and aggression without resorting to sedation A guide to understanding powerful medications that are often prescribed, and do not work How to relieve pain and calm agitation – without sedation or drugs How to keep your vulnerable loved one safe and secure—both physically and financially How and where to get help, including online support groups, home health care agencies, care managers, neuropsychologists, communities and day programs for people with dementia, and government agencies Tips on keeping your loved one at home versus placement Dr. Landsverk demystifies the ins and outs of dementia, explaining what it is and what it’s not, making sure you and your loved one will be ready to address whatever develops and maintain quality of life. Uniquely, Living in the Moment will transform how you think about dementia, providing comfort and support for the best life possible—at any stage.