Random House New Zealand, Auckland, 2013. Good secondhand copy.

Thorough and compassionate information about dementia and Alzheimers for caregivers and people with early dementia.

This comprehensive book has been written to give people the information they need to understand and come to terms with this illness, and cope with the changes that occur as the disease takes its course. It explains what dementia is, the different forms it takes, how and where to get help, diagnostic tests, treatment and medication, and the services available. It examines the issues involved in both caring for a sufferer at home, and when the time comes to choose residential care.

It is difficult for carers to achieve the right balance of reality and hope. Dementia can be a grim condition, which progressively deprives people of the attributes they value. But in this book, old-age psychiatry specialist Dr Chris Perkins aims to help caregivers at all levels deal with it with acceptance and compassion, offering humane and respectful care to people with dementia.