The Alzheimer's Cope Book: The Complete Care Manual for Patients and Their Families

Alzheimer's is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.; two million diagnosed cases are known to exist. For the families of those two million, this slender volume may make the going a bit easier. At present, the message is not one of hope for cure, but merely of coping. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's provokes emotions akin to those of grieving: denial, fear, depression and then acceptance. But acceptance is not enough--Alzheimer's compels victims and their families to pay rigorous attention to practical matters, the sooner the better. The book's four sections take the reader systematically through the questions and problems he or she will face. Markin knows what he's talking about--his own father was a victim. Legal matters such as guardianship, wills, trusts and power of attorney should be resolved early, he cautions, and explains how. Financial considerations (health and life insurance, protecting assets and evaluating balance sheets) come next. The cardinal rule: ``Protect the patient from injury in the home, and protect the home from the patient.'' Not least important, he reminds caregivers to give themselves a break from the task from time to time to preserve a ``sanctuary'' and to keep in touch with the outside world. Markin is too prone to exclamation in his prose, but his message deserves the greatest emphasis. (Oct.)