Dementia and Social Work Practice

Dementia is one of the most devastating illnesses as it involves a progressive decline in mental functioning leading to eventual total incapacity. Thus, it affects all aspects of diagnosed individuals - eventually robbing them of their very identities. There are many types of dementia, but the most common form is Alzheimer's disease (AD) which affects over 4 million Americans, the majority of whom are age 65 or older. However, although associated with aging, the illness is also found in persons in mid-life where the impact can be particularly severe as it affects employment, income, and the expected life course. The theme of this book underscores the many factors associated with dementia and its care, and the ways in which social work involvement can be most valuable. The chapters, written by leaders in the field of dementia care, examine the development and impact of dementia and the many ways in which social work expertise can be most effectively utilized by clinicians, researchers, and advocates.

""This is a good book to have available, not just for social work faculty and students, but also for those in the health sciences, psychology, and sociology....Recommended. Lower-level undergraduate through professionals/practitioners.""-- Choice This book contains a volume of expert articles on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of dementia. Readers will be learning the latest assessment instruments and distinguishing between Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's dementias. The effects of culture and diversity on the treatment of persons with dementia are examined as well as the benefits and drawbacks of adult day services, community care, and residential care. Finally, there are intervention strategies for every stage of dementia as well as a discussion of legal, financial, and psychological stresses of caregivers with dementia.