Introduction

This definitive handbook assembles the most recent advances in knowledge about dementia, Alzheimer Disease, and related disorders as they affect persons with intellectual disabilities. Diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and management and care practices are detailed in a practical manner making this a useful tool to both students and trained professionals.

Personal Accounts

After an introduction to the subject, the book begins with personal accounts of three affected individuals whose signs of dementia are described from clinical, family member, and care-provider perspectives, respectively.

Biology and Physiology

The biology and physiology of dementia, as well as the neurological and medical complications associated with it, are then provided in Parts Two, three, and Four.

Practical Perspectives

The application and practical perspectives of this handbook are enhanced in Part Five which details the best practices available to meet the needs and challenges involved in care and quality of life issues.

Policy and Resources

The challenge raised by the rapidly growing number of aging individuals with intellectual disabilities forms the basis for the final part of the volume, an analysis and presentation of rarely addressed policy issues. Extensive resource information and a comprehensive glossary contribute to the useful nature of this handbook.

Practitioners, service providers, educators and students will benefit from the accessibility and practicality of this text as well as the breadth and depth of knowledge of the editors and contributors.