This guide on Alzheimer's disease is for those who care for Alzheimer's patients, as well as those who want to learn more about the disease. It answers these questions: (1) what is Alzheimer's? (2) how does the disease progress and how long does it last? (3) how do families cope? and (4) who can provide assistance and information? The guide also…

Describes third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), noting that upper age limit was removed and that older black, Mexican American, and white populations were oversampled. Sees NHANES III component for older adults providing multidimensional overview of physical and functional health status (osteoporosis; arthritis;…

Notes that some demented elderly people can still recall emotionally subjective past. Outlines case study that illustrates how emotional autobiographical memories of past events can be stimulated through individual use of reminiscence and counseling skills. Suggests that there are possible therapeutic effects attached to this approach and that…

This report on Alzheimer's disease in North Dakota discusses the heightened awareness of the disease and the shift in the age structure as two possible reasons for the increase in recognized incidences of the disease. It explains the three epidemiological indices commonly used to describe a population in the study of dementing illnesses:…

Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia in middle-age and older adults is becoming more evident because of growing numbers of older people and better diagnosis and detection methods. Describes the behavioral and physical symptoms of the disease as well as specific suggestions for care of patients with Alzheimer's disease, including dealing with…

Describes assessment technique used by interdisciplinary staff on coed Alzheimer's disease unit to help determine patients' competencies to participate in intimate relationships. Two case studies are presented to highlight how assessment led to treatment decisions. (Author/NB)

Notes that, as American population ages and mental health counselors focus services on older adults, the identification, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of dementia will become valuable clinical skill. Presents nontechnical information regarding dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct dementia, testing, and therapeutic…

Describes bibliotherapeutic process and techniques that mental health counselors can use to effect intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual growth in older persons. Envisions new opportunities for work with older persons who are chemically dependent, victims of abuse, or Alzheimer patients. Proposes research tool that observes participant's…

The introduction to this Technical Committee Report reviews the health status of the older population and examines major disease entities where health maintenance and promotion can play a role. Part One, "Health Maintenance and Health Promotion Services," discusses the physical and social environments, indicators of change in physical…

The first section of this Technical Committee Report provides a brief summary of the major health problems of the elderly. Problems are categorized under the general headings of health maintenance, chronic illness, mental illness, multiple impairments, demographic characteristics, manpower (geriatric medicine, nursing, and other health…