As indicated by the title, this is a reference book and not a book to be read from cover to cover. I am in the early stages of being a caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient so have not used the book a lot at this point. It will be helpful having it available to me for future questions that arise. About half of the book is the encyclopedic section with topics to be searched. Also included is an extensive list of treatment centers (care facilities) for each state. Finally, a list of various types of resources is given followed by an index. Even though some of these lists will become outdated, they will be a good starting point for anyone who is beginning to manage care for an Alzheimer's patient. I am glad that I have this book in my library. ( )

This is probably the best reference book on Alzheimer's I've ever come across. Not only does the glossary cover the medical lingo that is associated with the disease, it also include a helpful state-by-state listing of facilities that care for Alzheimer's patient. An absolute must have for any loved one or care giver who works with those who have the disease. ( )

I am so thankful that I was chosen to receive this book. It is very well written and contains so much vital information. I am a member of a church that provides Respite Care for people in our community with Alzheimer's and my dad and all his siblings had Alzheimer's. So this is very dear to me to be able to learn more about the disease and help other that are dealing with it also. I have shared this book with several people and they are also wanting to get copies for their family. Thanks again for allowing me to be a part of the review group. ( )

The bulk of this newly updated reference work is comprised of two parts, roughly equal in length. The first half is an alphabetical listing of terms dealing with Alzheimer’s disease itself, along with definitions/explanations of concepts in many related areas, such as treatments (“Chelation Therapy”), drugs (Memantine”), brain anatomy/physiology (“Hypothalamus”), notable individuals involved in research ( “Alzheimer, Alois,”), organizations (“National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center”) and other pertinent subjects.
Entries contain much useful, solid and up-to-date information, however, readers should be aware that there is a fair amount of “medicalese” to contend with. The article on “Brain,” for example, contains the following passage: “Similar to the spinal cord, the brain is surrounded by three meninges, the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater” (page 35). For anyone lacking medical training, this type of language only serves to confuse, rather than enlighten. While the reader may flip to the entry entitled “Meninges of the Brain” on page 116 to discover that the previous article was discussing the three separate membranes that envelop and protect the brain, it is time-consuming and frustrating to have to consult multiple articles when looking for a quick answer to a question. Clearer explanations of purely medical terminology would be greatly appreciated for any future editions. To this book’s credit, numerous well-drawn black-and-white sketches illustrate physical/anatomical items covered herein.
The second half of this volume consists of a directory of “Long Term and Day Care Treatment Centers, By State,” i.e., “…a list of nursing homes in the United States that accommodate individuals with Alzheimer’s disease” (page 183). Full contact information is given for each facility, along with the number of beds, current licensure, level of care provided and other details. Entries are alphabetically arranged by state, and then by city within each state.
Rounding out this volume is a listing of health care and academic institutions involved in Alzheimer’s research, such as clinical trials, and a very helpful “Resources” section, which is a bibliography of print/electronic material regarding not only Alzheimer’s disease itself, but also attendant issues, such as diet and nutrition, care for the caregiver, legal assistance and much else of value.
Elaine Moore is a freelance medical writer and laboratory consultant with over three decades of experience in writing and research and this is reflected in the authoritative tone of the articles in this volume. While perhaps more recondite than the Facts on File entry in this field, The Encyclopedia of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2nd ed., by Turkington, Mitchell and Galvin of 2010, the McFarland title is nevertheless the most current and comprehensive and is therefore recommended for purchase by all public and academic libraries. ( )

This resource book would be a very useful reference in public, academic and church libraries. Beginning with an encyclopedia of medical terms that may help caretakers decipher doctors' explanations, the book includes an extensive state-by-state list of care facilities that accept Alzheimer's patients, as well as listing other resources and research facilities that may assist caretakers. ( )