Dementia is a frightening and common 'illness' among the world's growing population. The numbers of older people are steadily increasing, together with the demands on services and on carers, whether relatives or paid staff. Our additude is sometimes influenced by the concept and terminology used when 'treating a patient with dementia', instead of 'caring for a person with dementia'. This is very important , as many interventions will involve long-term managment or coping strategies rather than treatment. Dementing conditions are often irreverible; approaches should focus more on improving quality of life, rather then treatment and cure.

This book is divided into three parts. Part I defines the various types of dementia within the context of ageing and abnormal ageing. Chapter 1 provides the reader with an overview of dementia and is designed to enlighten both the uniformed as well as the informed carer, therapist, and clinician. The importance of recognising physical and psychological problems related to ageing is highlighted. The subject of ageism is discussed from several standpoints, together with some recommendations for good practice in the care of older people. Chapter 2 defines the various types of dementias, distinguishing vascular from non-vascular types, and discusses the problems of differentiating dementia from depression in diagnosis. The causes and progress of each type of dementia are discussed. Chapter 3 is a specialist chapter on dementia and people with learning disabilities. The difficulty in identifying dementia in this population is presented, and the controversial topics of social and cultural differences and social rejection are discussed and evaluated.

Part II presents ways of coping with dementia, dicussing ways of assessing, treating and managing it. Chapter 4, pratical ways of assessing dementia are presented. Normal memory is considered, together with various tools to help with the assessment process. Chapter 5 discusses the treatment of dementia, and in Chapter 6, various management options are discussed.

In Part III, dementia is investigated, Chapter 7 looks at various studies into dementia, and Chapter 8 addressing the topic of learning disabilities and dementia. Finally, Chapter 9 presents future directions for helping people with dementia.