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Confusion in Old Age
Confusion in Old Age, by Dr J P Wattis (BMA Family D o c t o r Guides). Equation i n association with British Medical Association; further information from Thorsons, Wellingborough, 1988 (ISBN 1 85336 076 71.Illus. 109 pages. €2.99. The scene is set w i t h several thumb-nail sketches giving glimpses into the lives of some carers. All are struggling t o cope with a demented spouse and w i t h the psychological impact and physical implications of their changed role. This b o o k l e t i s specifically written for these carers. It is attractively laid out with blocks of text relieved by line drawings, photographs, and captions. Case studies are highlighted on a coloured background and as such are easy to pick out. Norman changes of ageing are outlined as a background against which the many different causes of confusion are displayed. The longest chapter devotes 12 informative and jargon-free pages to the causes and manifestations of Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia. Subsequent chapters identify many other causes of confusion, discuss the use of drugs and examine behavioural problems and their management. The facts are presented candidly and positive solutions are offered. The booklet concludes w i t h some information on sources of help, statutory, voluntary, and private, together w i t h a list of useful addresses. The small typeface and rather closely packed lines may create difficulties for those with less than perfect eyesight, but this new publication is very readable, needing a mere couple of hours from cover t o cover. It will enable carers t o achieve a greater underslanding of the problems which face them; therapists with an interest in elderly people will also benefit from reading it. ROSEMARY ODDY GradDipPhys MCSP Living w i t h ME: A self-help guide, by Dr Charles Shepherd. Cedar, Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, London SW3 6RB, 1989 (ISBN 0 434 11156 2). Illus. 232 pages.
f4.99.
Among the growing number of books being published about myalgic encephalitis (ME), Dr Shepherd's stands out as being one of the most comprehensive and useful to date. Dr Shepherd has had personal experience of the disease for some years. He is a qualified medical practitioner w h o n o w writes and broadcasts on general medical matters as well as ME. The book first deals w i t h the historical background of these diseases. It then continues by simplifying what is at present known about the enteroviruses, the immune system, cardinal symptoms and secondary problems, etc. The second part deals with practical steps towards living with ME. It gives advice on coping with the medical personnel involved; employment, running a home, mobility and relationships. Three case histories follow. The self-help chapter deals well w i t h exercise, current medication and other matters; usually learnt by bitter experience. A chapter dealing with alternative therapies follows. This is particularly valuable to patients, their families, therapists and medical personnel, since many sufferers seek diligently for help and are frequently
Wsiotherapy, August 1989,V O ~75, no 8
disappointed in the long term. The number of alternative therapies proliferating seem nearly as multitudinous as the number of different mutating viruses. Dr Shepherd, I believe, gives a balanced view in the light of present scientific knowledge, which is sparse. Part four includes a number of useful addresses and information for those w h o are temporarily or permanently disabled owing t o any disease or disability. This book is a fund of accumulated knowledge, both personal and acquired. It should be available both for reading and for reference in department and practice libraries. ELIZABETH HOLLOWAY MCSP
ME: The vicious circle. An illustration from 'Living with ME'
Physical Therapy Management of Arthritis, edited by Barbara F Banwell and Victoria Gall. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1988 (ISBN 0 443 08438 6).Illus. 212 pages.
f 24.95.
The preface of this book concludes that the treatment of arthritis is an exciting and challenging area of physiotherapy. Many treatment activities are basic, but decisionmaking is essential and must certainly be based on knowledge and experience. The book tries, and succeeds, t o impart information on many aspects of rheumatology, including a chapter on juvenile arthritis. The first chapter deals in some detail with the pathogenetic mechanisms of representative i n f l a m m a t o r y disease, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It focuses on the complexities of t h e pathogenesis of these diseases, emphasising the importance of relating these
Post-natal Exercises: A six-month fitness programme for mother and baby, by Barbara Whiteford and Margie Polden. Century Hutchinson Ltd, Brookmount House, 62-65 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4NW, 1984,revised edn, 1989 (ISBN 0 7126 2464 3).Illus. 128 pages. €5.95. This revised edition has filled a few gaps in what was already an invaluable book for all new mothers and for those w h o work w i t h them. I particularly welcomed the realistic attitude t o regular post-natal exercising and the heartening advice that this is 'never too late'. The improved chapter on the postCaesarian mother, an often neglected subject, has not only new material but a more helpful and consequential format. I feel that an illustration of the new suggested position for changing nappies on the floor would have been helpful. A little more advice, other than bed rest, on back care after disc damage would have been welcome. It was good to find emphasis in this edition on the value of contracting pelvic floor muscles t o assist recovery after episiotomy or tear and I was glad that the way to use ice was t o be shown by the obstetric physiotherapist and not left for the mother t o work out for herself. Many mothers will be interested in the paragraph on baby massage and hopefully will become more aware of the importance of touch. I would like t o see this clear, beautifully illustrated book by the bedside of every new mother and in the library of every obstetric physiotherapist. PAMELA SPARK MCSP
mechanisms t o eventual treatment. The summary is extremely helpful. One of the most important aspects of care is in marrying patient needs and priorities with available resources and mutual goals. This is explored in subsequent chapters, together w i t h information about studies completed in America on patient care, particularly patient self-care. Exercise and other treatment modalities, splinting and joint protection, are discussed, w i t h good illustrations of splinting techniques. The importance of patient compliance is also included. The book concludes with a physiotherapy protocol for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Although some of the text leans towards American terminology, I enjoyed the book and found it extremely interesting. ANNE SPAIGHT MCSP
.
Dellresred U C I a l a r r a , H e a d s Wlth Calhlr
Typical rheumatoid foot deformities. One of the line illustrations from 'Physical Therapy Management of Arthritis'
487
f4.99.
Among the growing number of books being published about myalgic encephalitis (ME), Dr Shepherd's stands out as being one of the most comprehensive and useful to date. Dr Shepherd has had personal experience of the disease for some years. He is a qualified medical practitioner w h o n o w writes and broadcasts on general medical matters as well as ME. The book first deals w i t h the historical background of these diseases. It then continues by simplifying what is at present known about the enteroviruses, the immune system, cardinal symptoms and secondary problems, etc. The second part deals with practical steps towards living with ME. It gives advice on coping with the medical personnel involved; employment, running a home, mobility and relationships. Three case histories follow. The self-help chapter deals well w i t h exercise, current medication and other matters; usually learnt by bitter experience. A chapter dealing with alternative therapies follows. This is particularly valuable to patients, their families, therapists and medical personnel, since many sufferers seek diligently for help and are frequently
Wsiotherapy, August 1989,V O ~75, no 8
disappointed in the long term. The number of alternative therapies proliferating seem nearly as multitudinous as the number of different mutating viruses. Dr Shepherd, I believe, gives a balanced view in the light of present scientific knowledge, which is sparse. Part four includes a number of useful addresses and information for those w h o are temporarily or permanently disabled owing t o any disease or disability. This book is a fund of accumulated knowledge, both personal and acquired. It should be available both for reading and for reference in department and practice libraries. ELIZABETH HOLLOWAY MCSP
ME: The vicious circle. An illustration from 'Living with ME'
Physical Therapy Management of Arthritis, edited by Barbara F Banwell and Victoria Gall. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1988 (ISBN 0 443 08438 6).Illus. 212 pages.
f 24.95.
The preface of this book concludes that the treatment of arthritis is an exciting and challenging area of physiotherapy. Many treatment activities are basic, but decisionmaking is essential and must certainly be based on knowledge and experience. The book tries, and succeeds, t o impart information on many aspects of rheumatology, including a chapter on juvenile arthritis. The first chapter deals in some detail with the pathogenetic mechanisms of representative i n f l a m m a t o r y disease, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It focuses on the complexities of t h e pathogenesis of these diseases, emphasising the importance of relating these
Post-natal Exercises: A six-month fitness programme for mother and baby, by Barbara Whiteford and Margie Polden. Century Hutchinson Ltd, Brookmount House, 62-65 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4NW, 1984,revised edn, 1989 (ISBN 0 7126 2464 3).Illus. 128 pages. €5.95. This revised edition has filled a few gaps in what was already an invaluable book for all new mothers and for those w h o work w i t h them. I particularly welcomed the realistic attitude t o regular post-natal exercising and the heartening advice that this is 'never too late'. The improved chapter on the postCaesarian mother, an often neglected subject, has not only new material but a more helpful and consequential format. I feel that an illustration of the new suggested position for changing nappies on the floor would have been helpful. A little more advice, other than bed rest, on back care after disc damage would have been welcome. It was good to find emphasis in this edition on the value of contracting pelvic floor muscles t o assist recovery after episiotomy or tear and I was glad that the way to use ice was t o be shown by the obstetric physiotherapist and not left for the mother t o work out for herself. Many mothers will be interested in the paragraph on baby massage and hopefully will become more aware of the importance of touch. I would like t o see this clear, beautifully illustrated book by the bedside of every new mother and in the library of every obstetric physiotherapist. PAMELA SPARK MCSP
mechanisms t o eventual treatment. The summary is extremely helpful. One of the most important aspects of care is in marrying patient needs and priorities with available resources and mutual goals. This is explored in subsequent chapters, together w i t h information about studies completed in America on patient care, particularly patient self-care. Exercise and other treatment modalities, splinting and joint protection, are discussed, w i t h good illustrations of splinting techniques. The importance of patient compliance is also included. The book concludes with a physiotherapy protocol for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Although some of the text leans towards American terminology, I enjoyed the book and found it extremely interesting. ANNE SPAIGHT MCSP
.
Dellresred U C I a l a r r a , H e a d s Wlth Calhlr
Typical rheumatoid foot deformities. One of the line illustrations from 'Physical Therapy Management of Arthritis'
487