'Alzheimer's ...dementia...senility'. These words strike terror into the hearts of all older people who have misplaced their keys or forgotten the name of the person in front of them. - The sad truth is that dementia is here to stay. In New Zealand today there are approximately 38,000 people with dementia. By 2051 it is likely that this number will have risen to 50,000. In some way, inevitably, it will affect us all ...as sufferers, or as carers, or as part of the wide circle of family, friends, professional and voluntary workers needed to support the main caregiver. The effects of dementia spread far into the community. This comprehensive book has been written for New Zealanders, to give them the information needed to understand and come to terms with this illness, and cope with the changes that occur as the disease takes its course. The New Zealand Dementia Guide explains what dementia is, the different forms it takes, how and where to get help, diagnostic tests, treatment and medication, and the services available. It examines the issues involved in both caring for a sufferer at home, and when the time comes to choose residential care. It is difficult for carers to achieve the right balance of reality and hope. Dementia is a grim condition, which progressively deprives people of the attributes they value. But in this book, Chris Perkins aims to help caregivers at all levels deal with it with acceptance and compassion, offering humane and respectful care to people with dementia. Dr Chris Perkins (FRANZCP) trained at Otago Medical School and worked as a GP in Wellington and Thames, before training in psychiatry in Hamilton and Auckland. Since qualifying she has worked mainly in old-age psychiatry in both the public and private sectors.