Living with the Challenges of Dementia

More than 800, 000 people in the UK are currently affected by dementia, a figure set to increase as the population ages. This book, addressed to carers and loved ones, explores how to handle the difficult emotions involved in looking after a loved one with dementia, such as denial, shame, anger, guilt and grief. It examines the harrowing process of effectively losing a person on a day-to-day basis, and suggests the best ways to maintain psychological health and well-being.
Topics include:· Understanding the changes in memory, personality and behaviour· Developing an understanding of personal challenge· Overcoming loneliness and isolation· How family dynamics may affect the caring experience· 'The long goodbye' - coping with progressive decline· Severe dementia and end of life care· Finding meaning in the experience - is there a 'positive' side of looking after someone with dementia?