Alzheimer's: An Engineer's View (Paperback)

Fred Walker (author), Dr. Chris Pomfrett (author)

£7.50

Paperback 88 Pages / Published: 20/10/2013

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Synopsis

Dementia is a cruel illness which affects people in different ways. No two patients are alike and people 'cope' in different ways. There is no right or wrong way to react to gradually losing a loved one. This short book describes in a pragmatic way how Fred Walker, and healthcare professionals, dealt with his wife's diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Throughout her journey he tried to step into her world of dementia and use an engineer's perspective to develop solutions to cope with her increasing disabilities and changes in personality. The clinical symptoms are described from the earliest signs, originally attributed to age, through to an eventual diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and during on-going care. As such the hope is that it will be a guide to anyone who not only wants to know the facts, but who also needs to know the human cost behind those facts. As a neurophysiologist, co-author Chris Pomfrett discusses the possible explanations for the symptoms from a medical perspective, which I hope will be beneficial to healthcare professionals enabling them to have a better understanding into not only the science behind Alzheimer's but also equipping them with the ability to appreciate the challenging situations encountered by many unpaid carers. There is also a description of the current pathways and recommendations for diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease from the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE).

Publisher: Stellar Books Publishing
ISBN: 9780956508966
Number of pages: 88
Weight: 195 g
Dimensions: 210 x 148 x 6 mm

MEDIA REVIEWS

For those who are interested on a less personal level on what having Alzheimer's actually means, Fred Walker's story will touch your heart and help you realise that you are not alone in what you might be experiencing. As an engineer he gives a hard-headed and honest account of the story of his wife's dementia that is then interpreted scientifically by Chris Pomfrett." Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield CBE "This book is an eye-opener and a "must read" for everyone who has been touched by Alzheimer's in one way or another. It would also be especially beneficial to healthcare professionals." Dr Robert Jenyo MB BS, FRCGP "Everyone should read this booklet. Not only is it "Joan's Story" but it is also "Fred's Story." The tale of how an engineer, with an engineer's perspective on life, managed to explain to himself what was happening to his wife." Dr Karen Drabble MB ChB "By reading Fred's deeply moving story, anyone touched by Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia will know they are not alone. It chronicles the fears and frustrations, the love and laughter and the tears and trauma he and his late wife Joan experienced together." Rebecca Wood CEO Alzheimer's Research UK