Ann Has Dementia
Sheila Hollins, Noelle Blackman and Ruth Eley. Illustrated by Lisa Kopper
We regret that
RCPsych Publications will not be publishing
this title (Dec 2011).
This title will now be
published in 2012 by 'Beyond Words', using the new ISBN number
978-1-874439-14-1. Please direct queries regarding
this title to: Beyond Words, telephone 020 8725 2784.
We are sorry to disappoint our customers
and apologise for any inconvenience.
People with intellectual disabilities
(especially those with Down’s Syndrome) tend to develop dementia
ten years or so earlier than those without, plus it can be harder
to diagnose. In this book Ann becomes forgetful and does
things that start to worry her friends, like putting the milk in
the washing machine and going to the shops wearing her
nightdress. She visits the doctor and is diagnosed with dementia.
Ann’s GP (family doctor) and supporter try to provide the right
care for her at home in the early days of her dementia. However,
Ann becomes so confused that she eventually moves into residential
care.
The book is suitable for use either when a
person with an intellectual disability has dementia themselves, or
when a friend or family member does. There is text at the back of
the book that includes: background information on dementia
(including baseline assessments, early signs and the importance of
identity and recording changes), guidance for supporters and carers
on using the books, a suggested storyline, plus updated contact
details for supporting organisations and related resources (both
printed and online).
About the authors:
Sheila Hollins - Professor of Psychiatry of
Learning Disability at St George’s, University of London.
Noelle Blackman - Deputy CEO of Respond
(a charity that supports people with learning disabilities who have
experienced abuse or trauma), London.
Ruth Eley - Independent health and social
care consultant and former National Programme Lead for older people
and dementia in the Dept of Health.