The Moral Challenge of Alzheimer Disease - Rilegato

Post, Stephen G.

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0801851742 ISBN 13: 9780801851742

Casa editrice: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995

Riassunto

In a society that so values memory, intellectual abilities and economic productivity, people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementing illnesses are easily cast aside as unworthy of equal moral, social, and political protection. This book argues that such a society must work to ensure honour and respect for those marginalized, and even ghettoized, by forgetfulness. The book encourages humane and dignified care for people with dementia by examining the moral basis for such care against the background of cultural trends that threaten it. It argues that maintaining the emotional and relational well-being of those with dementia depends on caregivers who see dignity even in those severely affected by this kind of condition. It addresses specific ethical issues of interest to health care professionals, families and affected individuals, including topics such as diagnostic disclosure, restrictions on driving privileges, the extension of autonomy through advance directives, behaviour control, quality of life in relation to treatment limitations, hospice care and euthanasia. In cases of profound dementia, the book concludes, appropriate care focuses on well-being rather than on the intentional prolongation of life. With examples of actual case experiences described throughout, this book is a useful resource for family members and health professionals whose lives have been shaped by loyalty to those with dementia, for individuals who are themselves at risk of developing dementia, and for students of biomedical ethics.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

"This is a much needed and inspirational addition to the literature of Alzheimer's disease... As I read this book I kept paper and pen on hand, writing notes to myself, excited and intellectually challenged by each page... I strongly recommend this powerful book not only to those professionals working with dementia clients but to all in elderly services. Ethics Committees will find ti invaluable as will nursing home administrators, directors of nursing, and all who care for people no longer able to care for themselves." -- Journal of Long-Term Care Administration

"Health professionals who deal with dementia, as well as family members who care for relatives who become disabled, will find this book thoughtful, engaging, and provocative." -- New England Journal of Medicine

"Peppered with personal anecdotes, this book gives readers unfamiliar with the disease a feel for the experience of both caregiver and patient. The book contains practical advice for health care professionals and family caregivers on how to handle common but difficult ethical dilemmas. It has something for everyone." -- Journal of the American Medical Association

"An intelligent and morally informed treatment of dementia in the aged." -- First Things

"Full of nourishing food for thought... The Moral Challenge of Alzheimer Disease presents the reader with a clear offering of concerns, ideas, and issues about the quality of life and quality of choice issues." -- American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease

"Stephen Post has produced an outstanding, potentially classic book. It is well written, clear, patiently argued, and broadly referenced. Readers can learn much about Alzheimer's disease from this book." -- Health Affairs

"[The Moral Challenge of Alzheimer Disease] is an integrated document of extraordinary value to any family that finds itself presented with those difficult and often painful personal challenges... [It] is a hallmark work for anyone who wishes to gain a richer understanding of dementia, its genetics, its epidemiology, and the issues of living with the disease." -- Peter M. Jucovy, Perspectives in Biology and Medicine

L'autore:

Stephen G. Post is professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Data di pubblicazione: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0801851742
• ISBN 13: 9780801851742
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 160