The Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems

491 Pages·2008·2.02 MB·English

by  P. Murali Doraiswamy

PRAISE FOR THE ALZHEIMER’S ACTION PLAN

“This timely, state-of-the-art book directed at patients with Alzheimer’s disease,
their informants, and their primary care physicians . . . is highly informative,
interactive, and easy to read. . . . I fully expect that this exceptionally well-
written, reader-friendly book will become the standard resource for patients with
Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. Its up-to-date information, patient-
centered approach, and focus on prevention and treatment directed at patients
with incipient Alzheimer’s disease distinguish it from The 36-Hour Day by
Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins.”
—Journal of the American Medical Association

“Check out The Alzheimer’s Action Plan, one of the best books about this illness
to cross our desks. The authors, P. Murali Doraiswamy and Lisa Gwyther,
explain—in painstaking but lucid detail—how to diagnose, treat, and live with
memory problems.”
—The Wall Street Journal

“Evidence-based content, conversational writing, and a good dose of humor
make this an outstanding addition to collections on aging and caregiving and an
excellent companion to Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins’s The 36-Hour Day.
Highly recommended.”
—Library Journal (starred review)

“Probably the most complete book we’ve seen on Alzheimer’s in the many years
we’ve looked at this disease.”
—AARP “Prime Time Radio”

“[The Alzheimer’s Action Plan] offers cutting-edge information about diagnosis,
care, and clinical trials. . . . Organized into a bite-sized format; bullet points,
boxes, and checklists make the information readily accessible. . . . The book
offers an interdisciplinary overview of medical, scientific, psychological, and
personal perspectives on Alzheimer’s disease. . . . Reading this book felt like
having a best friend who works in the field of Alzheimer’s and gives insider
information about navigating the medical system.”
—The Alzheimer’s Research Forum

“Dr. Doraiswamy has done a masterful job of communicating what the layman
should know on the treatment, the caregiving, and, most important, the
prevention of Alzheimer’s. It was gratifying to learn about the mountain of
evidence that what is good for your heart is also good for your brain.”
—Arthur Agatston, M.D., cardiologist and #1 New York
Times bestselling author of The South Beach Diet

“Memory does matter. Adults across the life cycle are asking questions, many
questions! The authors answer these questions for the educated public, family
members who encounter memory loss in a loved one, and even adults who
believe they are experiencing early memory loss. The answers are
comprehensive and understandable, no small accomplishment given the plethora
of new information available—information that at times is not only confusing
but also conflicting.”
—Dan G. Blazer, M.D., Ph.D., former Dean of Medical
Education at the Duke University School of Medicine
and past president of the American Geriatrics Society

“If you and your family face the specter of Alzheimer’s disease, run—don’t walk
—to get Lisa Gwyther’s help. She combines many years of experience with
empathy and respect for the patient. That results in the most sensible,
compassionate, and practical advice. . . . She is my hero.”
—Naomi S. Boak, executive producer of the Emmy
Award–winning PBS special The Forgetting:
A Portrait of Alzheimer’s

“This book is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide for the diagnosis and
management of Alzheimer’s disease. Whether you are a health-care professional
or have Alzheimer’s in your family or are simply interested in living to an old
age, this book is a must-read.”
—Deepak Chopra, M.D., New York Times bestselling author
of Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide

“I love this book! A powerful and vital resource for people who need it the most.
Dr. Doraiswamy is that unique blend of medical expertise mixed in with warmth
and compassion and topped off with humility that makes him rare and
wonderful.”
—Leeza Gibbons, Emmy Award–winning TV host and
founder of Leeza’s Place and the Leeza Gibbons
Memory Foundation

“Lisa Gwyther is a national treasure. She has been a pioneer in providing
innovative care and education for Alzheimer’s patients and their families for
many years. Lisa’s long experience helping families cope with the challenges of
memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease makes her uniquely qualified to co-author
this book. Families experiencing the new world of memory loss and Alzheimer’s
couldn’t ask for a better companion for the journey. Her warmth, compassion,
and wisdom shine through, and will help light the way.”
—Pat Lynch, director of communications for the Alzheimer’s
Center Program, National Institute on Aging

“The Alzheimer’s Action Plan provides a clear and compelling message that
there is something we can all do about Alzheimer’s disease. The book presents
accurate, up-to-date information and step-by-step recommendations that people
with the disease, their families, and friends can use now to reduce the potentially
devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease.”
—Katie Maslow, M.S.W., Associate Director of Quality Care
Advocacy for the Alzheimer’s Association and winner of the
2003 ASA Award from the American Society on Aging

“Most of us will either get Alzheimer’s or care for a loved one who has it. This
action plan can empower you to make a difference.”
—Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., co-author of the #1 New York Times
bestseller You: The Owner’s Manual

“A readable, informative, and thorough guide to the early stages of Alzheimer’s
disease. I highly recommend it.”
—Peter V. Rabins, M.D., co-author of The 36-Hour Day: A
Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s
Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and
Memory’s Loss in Later Life

“Dr. Murali Doraiswamy, one of America’s top memory and Alzheimer’s
specialists, has packed this book with expert advice and compassionate wisdom,
creating an indispensable guide for anyone concerned about their own memory
or that of a loved one. Both accessible and comprehensive, this is a must-read
not just for families, but for their doctors as well.”
—Gary Small, M.D., director of the UCLA Center on Aging
and author of The Memory Bible and The Longevity
Bible

“The authors speak authoritatively, providing sound evidence for the points they
make that is based on the current understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, but the
language they use and the tone of the book will make their advice and guidelines
for Alzheimer’s care and treatment readily accessible to the public. . . . Bravo on
a job so well done!”
—John Q. Trojanowski, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Alzheimer’s
Disease Center, the University of Pennsylvania
The Alzheimer’s
ACTION PLAN
The Alzheimer’s
ACTION PLAN
P. Murali Doraiswamy, M.D.
and Lisa P. Gwyther, M.S.W.
with Tina Adler
ST. MARTIN’S GRIFFIN NEWYORK
THE ALZHEIMER’S ACTION PLAN. Copyright © 2008 by P. Murali Doraiswamy and
Lisa P. Gwyther. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. For
information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y.
10010.

www.stmartins.com

Book design by Maura Fadden Rosenthal / Mspace
The Library of Congress has catalogued the hardcover edition as follows:
Doraiswamy, P. Murali, 1963– The Alzheimer’s action plan : the experts’ guide
to the best diagnosis and treatment for memory problems / P. Murali
Doraiswamy and Lisa P. Gwyther ; with Tina Adler.—1st ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN-13: 979-0-312-35539-5
ISBN-10: 0-312-35539-4
1. Alzheimer’s disease—Popular works. I. Title.
RC523.2 .D67 2008
616.8'31—dc22
2007051833

ISBN-13: 978-0-312-53871-2 (pbk.) ISBN-10: 0-312-53871-5 (pbk.)
First St. Martin’s Griffin Edition: May 2009

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
To my grandparents, Dr. P. K. Kalyanaraman and Dr. K. A. Kalyanam, who
inspired my medical career; my family, P. K. Doraiswamy, Uma Doraiswamy,
Anu, Shivaraman, and Aditya, for their love and support; and to Saraswati, the
goddess of learning.
—PMD

For Naomi, Selwyn, Miriam, Bob, Marni, and Ryan for their unwavering
commitment to meaningful work, and for Emma, Avery, Elena, and Aidan with
fervent hope that the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s will enhance the
quality of their lives.
—LPG

To Doug for his support and encouragement, to Mikaela and Ella for their
patience and good humor, and to Mary Jo and Hans for everything.
—TA
NOTE TO READERS

Medicine is an ever-changing science, and as new research or clinical experience
increases our knowledge, it may change diagnosis and treatment. The authors
have checked with sources believed to be reliable, at the time of writing, in their
efforts to provide information. However, the authors are not engaged in
rendering medical or any professional services in this book, and the information
in this book is not intended as a substitute for advice from your doctor. It is
impossible to list every risk or benefit associated with diagnostic tests,
medications, lifestyle changes, and herbal and alternative medicines, and
individual experiences may vary. Individual readers are solely responsible for
their own health-care decisions; the authors and the publisher do not accept
responsibility or liability for any adverse effects individuals may claim to
experience, whether directly or indirectly, from the information contained in this
book.
The fact that an organization or Web site is listed in the book as a potential
source of information does not mean that the authors or publisher endorse any of
the information they may provide or recommendations they may make.
The stories in this book are fictional accounts based on the experiences of
many individuals. Similarities to any person or persons are coincidental and
unintentional.