In this popular reference, Mace (formerly, Alzheimer's Association board of directors and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) and Rabins (psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) provide both practical advice and comfort for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The fourth edition includes new information on diagnostic evaluation; resources for caregivers; updated legal and financial information; current information on nursing homes and other communal living arrangements; and the latest information on research, medications, and the biological causes and effects of dementia. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Now in its fourth edition, this continues to be one of the best resources on coping with people who have dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. In 18 chapters Mace (emer., Johns Hopkins) and Rabins (Johns Hopkins) provide practical, comprehensive coverage of all aspects of dementia, from diagnosis to research to behavioral problems of patients and coping mechanisms. According to the authors, an estimated five million people in the US have some degree of dementia with intellectual impairment. Since the mental impairment for Alzheimer's disease is progressive and irreversible, caregivers, often family members, are so overwhelmed that a day seems longer than 24 hours--hence the 36-hour reference. Dropped from this edition is a section titled "Further Readings," but the appendix "Using the Internet" has been expanded. The book offers updated sections on dealing with legal and financial issues and on diagnostic evaluation, and an appendix listing helpful organizations. Mace is also the author (with D. H. Coons and S. E. Weaverdyck) of Teaching Dementia Care (2005). Another good source that is specific to Alzheimer's disease is Elaine Moore's Encyclopedia of Alzheimer's Disease (CH, Jul'03, 40-6161). The 36-Hour Day should be in all public and university libraries, and caregivers might consider purchasing it. ^BSumming Up: Essential. Lower-/upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, professionals/practitioners, and general readers. T. M. Racz emerita, Eastern Michigan University From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.