Rethinking Dementia: Ripples and Responses - Softcover

Chapman, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0645588113 ISBN 13: 9780645588118

Publisher: Palaver Books, 2024

Synopsis

Rethinking Dementia author, Michael Chapman, is a dual specialist in geriatric and palliative medicine. In this book he acknowledges that dementia is a tragic, feared and all too common condition that challenges how we wish to live and age; and that, currently, there are few effective medical treatments available and there is no cure. Chapman, however, invites us to see the challenges that dementia poses in a new way. Based on research with people with dementia, his clinical experience as a doctor working with people with dementia, their stories, the stories of those closest to them, and the evidence and ideas available in health literature, he undertakes a major rethinking. Chapman proposes a "systems approach" to understanding and dealing with the rippling effects of dementia because the effects of a person's brain damage are not limited to that particular person, for that person's family and friends are also affected greatly. As well, the person's primary care physician (GP) and consultants/specialists (neurologists, psychiatrists) and other healthcare professionals (e.g., neuropsychologists, nurses, clinical social workers), and communities (e.g., respite centers, dementia cafes, houses of worship) are also affected as they are involved in the assessment, care, and support of people diagnosed and their families. These are only parts of what Dr. Chapman refers to as the many "rippling effects" of dementia that extend well beyond the person diagnosed. Through focusing on the networks of people involved in the dementia experience through a systems approach he argues that dementia offers us as individuals and as a community an opportunity for deep learning and hope.  

About this title

About the Authors

Michael Chapman is a dual specialist in geriatric and palliative medicine based at a metropolitan hospital on Ngunnawal country in Canberra, Australia. Michael's research focuses on issues of ageing, death and dying. He has a particular interest in dementia and cognitive impairment, in care ethics, and in exploring and supporting care systems. Michael has roles with multiple universities and academic journals and is the recipient of numerous project grants including from the Australian Medical Research Futures Fund.

Mirranda is a printmaker, animator, educator, illustrator and graphic story-teller based on Wurundjeri land, Melbourne, Australia. Her first graphic novel Hidden was published in 2011 by Black Pepper Publishing. Her second graphic novel Underground: Marsupial Outlaws and Other Rebels of Australia's War in Vietnam was released by Allen & Unwin in 2021. Both titles have been released in French by La Boîte à Bulles.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palaver Books
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0645588113
• ISBN 13: 9780645588118
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Burton Mirranda
• Number of pages: 296