Medical
The 15 sources listed below are each rated on how they can help caregivers better understand and manage the medical care needs of people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
We also have a separate section on Hospital Visits.
Sources are ranked from highest to lowest.
We also have a separate section on Hospital Visits.
Sources are ranked from highest to lowest.
ALZSmart Score™ - Excellent85%
Caregiver Action Network
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
[Video 32:01] Comprehensive overview of how to managing someone else's medications.
ALZSmart Score™ - Excellent85%
Caregiver Action Network
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
[Video 24:35] Comprehensive overview of how to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals.
ALZSmart Score™ - Excellent80%
The 36-Hour Day (6th Edition)
Nancy L. Mace, MA and Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH
Pages 112-129
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
The scope of this chapter includes non-Alzheimer's medical problems. Begins with 15 signals of illness to look for. Has more details on the following issues: pain, falls & injuries, pressure sores, dehydration, pneumonia, constipation, dizziness, and seizures. Also goes in-depth into dental, vision, and hearing problems. Has a section on visiting the doctor and entering the hospital.
ALZSmart Score™ - Good65%
A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia
Laura N. Gitlin, PhD and Catherine Verrier Piersol, PhD, OTR/L
Pages 36-39
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Explains how to be a medical advocate; including 5 critical issues you should be aware of when talking to the doctor. Has 12 suggestions when talking with doctors about medications. 10 tips of dehydration. Also has 9 signs of dehydration and how to increase fluids.
ALZSmart Score™ - Good65%
Surviving Alzheimer's (2nd Edition)
Paula Spencer Scott
Pages 46-50
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Practical information explained from a geriatricians point-of-view. Highlights 5 'Wishes' to give family caregivers added awareness to important things that don't appear urgent on the surface.
ALZSmart Score™ - Good60%
National Institute on Aging (ADEAR)
Geo Location: All (US)
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Has 8 questions to know about each medicine the person with Alzheimer's disease takes. Also has suggestions on tracking medication and taking them safely.
ALZSmart Score™ - Good60%
VeryWell Health
Esther Heerema, MSW
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Lists 14 suggestions on when you should call the doctor.
ALZSmart Score™ - Average55%
Mayo Clinic
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Offers 7 tips to get the most out of your loved one's medical appointments.
ALZSmart Score™ - Average55%
Understand Alzheimer's
Pages 35-44
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Discusses how to work with your doctor to adapt treatment as the disease progresses. Explains how to perform an effective appointment. Describes treatment (when the book was written) and medication management. Shows how to improve functioning with physical and occupational therapy. Plus 10 tips on a successful medical visit.
ALZSmart Score™ - Average55%
The Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver's Handbook
Sally Willard Burbank, MD and Sue Pace Bell
Pages 224-235
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Explains how to tactfully let medical staff know the severity of the dementia in your loved one. Describes balancing the risks and benefits of medications, sleep pills, and pain pills.
ALZSmart Score™ - Average55%
Confidence to Care (aka Home Instead)
Molly Carpenter
Pages 75-79
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Begins with an example of medication mismanagement. Explains why this might happen. Has 7 bullet points for care approaches. Offers examples of how to communicate with a person who is prone to wandering. Concludes with 4 tips on prevention.
ALZSmart Score™ - Average50%
WebMD
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Provides 6 tips to taking medications safely in early to middle stages of Alzheimer's. Also has 6 steps you can take in later stages.
ALZSmart Score™ - Average45%
Dementia Care Central (National Institute on Aging)
Geo Location: All (US)
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Lists 5 suggestions for caregivers. Also discusses technology solutions such as medication management systems.
ALZSmart Score™ - Average45%
Crisis Prevention Institute
Lee Elliott
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Q & A format with 5 questions caregivers ask doctor's.
ALZSmart Score™ - Satisfactory35%
What To Do Between the Tears …
Tara Reed
Pages 66-70
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Explains how to think through and plan medical options, especially emergency medical care options.
