Living with the Challenges of Dementia

More than 800,000 people in the UK are currently affected by dementia, a figure set to increase as the population ages. This book, addressed to carers and loved ones, explores how to handle the difficult emotions involved in looking after a loved one with dementia, such as denial, shame, anger, guilt and grief. It examines the harrowing process of effectively losing a person on a day-to-day basis, and suggests the best ways to maintain psychological health and well-being. Topics include: · Understanding the changes in memory, personality and behaviour · Developing an understanding of personal challenge · Overcoming loneliness and isolation · How family dynamics may affect the caring experience · ‘The long goodbye’ - coping with progressive decline · Severe dementia and end of life care · Finding meaning in the experience – is there a ‘positive’ side of looking after someone with dementia?