WHAT IF IT'S NOT ALZHEIMER'S

In the shadow of Alzheimer's Disease, the most common form of dementia, lurk a number of other neurodegenerative syndromes that display a degeneration of mental abilities and require specialized treatment. Lisa and Gary Radin, mother and son, experienced first hand a lesser though still conspicuous progressive cognitive impairment known as frontotemporal dementia in their husband/father. The road the Radins embarked upon was certainly uncharted, and they undertook this guide to provide help for those in a similar situation. They have assembled a collection of articles dealing primarily with FTD (while touching upon other dementias, such as vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies), covering the syndrome's particularities, how to approach managed care and daily routines, what resource and assistance programs are available (all dementias are costly), and ways in which the caregiver can take care of themselves under what are extremely trying circumstances. The contributors provide the nuts and bolts?how to find a good doctor, the importance of rehabilitation, socialization, activities, exercise, creating a supportive environment, caregiving options and financial and legal matters?tendered in voices that are by turns direct, understandable and supportive. The Radins have produced an informed shoulder to lean on during a difficult and emotional time.