Dementia and Memory: A Handbook for Students and Professionals

Dementia and related diseases are likely to affect at least four in every hundred 75-79 year olds in the developed world over the coming years. Faced with an expanding older population, it is crucial that we develop our understanding of how to treat people suffering from such conditions. This accessible book provides extensive information on the different types of dementia and on memory problems more generally. It includes detailed coverage of how to alleviate memory problems and discussion on issues such as ageism. For the student reader, there are descriptions and discussions of key topics as well as practical step-by-step guidance. The book includes a memory test as well as a comprehensive list of useful addresses and suggestions for further reading. This book will be an invaluable resource for the trained healthcare and medical professional and for the student reader.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface; Introduction. Part I Defining dementia and memory: Introduction to dementia; Definition of dementia; Memory disorders; Learning disability and dementia. Part II Coping with memory problems: How to treat memory problems; Advanced memory strategies; Case studies on Memory. Part III Coping with Dementia: How to assess dementia; How to cope with dementia; How to manage dementia; Case studies on dementia; Case studies on dementia and learning disability; Future directions for people with dementia; Test your long-term memory; Glossary of terms; Useful journals and magazines; Bibliography; Index.

About the Author :
Dr Simon B.N. Thompson is a Specialist in Clinical Neuropsychology at the Neuropsychology Assessment & Consultancy, Portsmouth, UK. He was formerly Visiting Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Portsmouth, and was an NHS Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist. He has over 20 years experience treating patients with a range of neuropsycholological problems including dementia, stroke and head injuries. He has over 100 publications including international academic journals and seven books, three of which have been adopted as core texts for training courses. He has talked on BBC Radio and at key international conferences, has been Expert Witness to the Royal Courts of Justice, London and continues to contribute to teaching and international research.

Review :
’This book contains a comprehensive overview of dementia and memory problems. The text is written in a way that renders it easily accessible for the reader. It contains practical techniques to alleviate memory problems and to overcome everyday forgetfulness. The book contains up to date references and considers current issues such as ageism. This is a book that will be invaluable to students, healthcare practitioners, Clinical Psychologists and Medical Practitioners. It contains information on practical memory assessments, useful addresses and organizations as well as references for further reading.’ Nigel North, Salisbury District Hospital, UK ’Thompson’s book is a handy introduction both to the memory problems which we will all have to face and to the more specific dementias which many of us will have to face...I would recommend his book to clinicians...’ Journal of Mental Health