ABSTRACT
Alzheimer's disease, stroke and Parkinson's disease are the most prevalent brain diseases in the elderly. The psychiatric and behavioral consequences of these and other brain disorders contribute greatly to the decline in function of these patients, often leading to greater suffering and a decreased quality of life, placement in institutions and increased stress on the family and other caregivers. The authors in this book discuss the psychiatric consequences of brain disease in the elderly with a particular focus on the management of these disorders...We believe that this book will be helpful to all those working with the elderly, whether in the community or in the institution. This includes physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists and all those working with this patient population...The case vignettes in this book bring life and added meaning to the subject and form a bridge between theory and actual clinical problems. Our understanding of these issues often stems from the special and deep relationship which develops between professionals and their patients. As clinicians we must be aware of our indebtedness to our patients and their families, as we search together for an understanding of how to cope with these often insurmountable problems(AU)