Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Families, Friends and Care-Givers

by Daniel Kuhn, Bennett David A. (Foreword)

This edition includes the latest information on Alzheimer’s risk factors, treatments, and prevention, as well as a new chapter, "Voices of Experience," composed of reflections by family members. It also provides information about new drugs approved since 1999 and the federal government’s decision to cover counseling and other health-related services through Medicare.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Daniel Kuhn, MSW is Vice President of Education at All Trust Home Care, a home services company that specializes in the care of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, with offices in Hinsdale and Deerfield, Illinois. Since 1973, he has been active in the fields of health care and aging as a social worker and an educator. He completed a master's degree in social work at the University of Illinois in Chicago and is a licensed clinical social worker. He has authored or co-authored more than 50 publications on dementia care, end-of-life care, and family caregiving issues. He was the 2009 recipient of the Mental Health and Aging Award by the American Society on Aging. In 2015, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. He frequently gives presentations at conferences throughout the U.S and Canada.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In Alzheimer’s Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers, Daniel Kuhn takes you gently but firmly by the hand and guides you into a better understanding of Alzheimer's Disease. He offers you not only practical, clear, and compassionate strategies for coping with the myriad of challenges you will face, but also philosophies for living life to the fullest with Alzheimer's. You will finish this book informed, reassured, inspired, and grateful. If you are reading anything about Alzheimer's Disease, this book should be at the top of your pile." --Lisa Genova, New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice.

[B Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided a good, albeit dated, introduction to cognitive decline. Written in 3 sections, it helped me begin to chart a course for my loved one and changed some of my methods when dealing with their behaviors.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Kuhn has done a marvelous job in talking about the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. So little is known about the disease as of this date. The only true diagnosis is after death and an autopsy confirms the diagnosis. He gives a great deal of information about the early stages and a lot of help in finding those who can be of help to those with Alzheimers and with those who care for and love them. This book should be on the shelf of anyone who has somebody in the early stages of Alzheimers.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms"

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I found especially interesting were the quotes from AD sufferers. It would be all too easy to discount their side of living with this disease, and the author stresses the need to treat those afflicted with dignity and respect. This is the ideal book for those newly diagnosed with the condition, and those close to them, as it gives very good advice in how everyone can work towards a solution that, sadly, at this time does not include a cure.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chapter on communication is excellent and is a must-read for caregivers for the elderly. Some of the tips apply to communicating with the hard-of-hearing as well as to those with mild cognitive decline or full-on Alzheimer's.

[Nathan Seale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and practical guide to caring for someone with AD.

[Dr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Last chapter is dared, but the principles are still important.

[Kathryn Sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for people who have no previous knowledge of Alzheimer's and a good review for those of us who have been dealing with it with relatives for awhile.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an informative book about the first stages of Alzheimer's. It not only talks about what is needed to be done as a care taker but also helps one to understand the disease, what to expect, and how to take care of oneself as well. The author helps with the practical but also the personal in making sure one is cared for. respected and can still live a fulfilling life. I recommend this book for anyone who is entering into this disease or is a loved one or care taker of someone who is.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is informative. It is effective in helping you understand what the person who has Alzheimer's is going through and the role that you play in giving care for a loved one with this disease. It is a lot of information to process. A great book to answer some questions you may have about Alzheimer's.

[Becka Book Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe anyone caring for a dementia patient would be well-served to take the time and energy to read this. Kuhn gives both excellent information to help understand the disease and practical guidance on "where do we go from here?"

[Amanda Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful guide for anyone who works with or has a relative or friend who has Alzeimers. The guide gives you stages as well as things to expect that you may not consider, like finacial obligations and dealing with important decisions for someone unable to make them for themselves.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom was just diagnosed with Alz and this was the 1st book I read on the subject... excellent.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book - I learned a lot from it and I think it will help us cope with some of the issues we're starting to face with an aging parent.

[Linda Leafloor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most references pertain to U.S., not much help here in Canada.