In this book the readers are given to understand that the different and uncharacteristic behaviour (behavior) of their relatives are not knowingly mean, selfish or planned, but are symptoms of deficits in functional cognition.  The deficits that are described are referred to as a "backward slide", which is akin to baby development milestones in reverse (Echoes theoretical tenet of reversed ontogenesis - Levy, 2005).  The different levels and behavior are predictable patterns of motor and verbal skills, social behavior, self awareness and awareness of context (circumstances in which an event occurs) - Earhart (2006).

The book has been specifically written for the general public to inform them of the plight of so many elderly people, who have deficits in functional cognition (the "backward slide").  Though this book specifically targets the elderly, many readers will be able to relate some of the stories and situations to younger adults, as no age group is exempt from acquiring deficits in functional cognition.

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Do you have difficulty understanding:

• Why your elderly relative can be so insensitive and difficult?

• Why they do not take any notice of your well-meaning advice?

• Why they cannot do what they say they can do?

The contents however, have equal relevance for the younger generation who may well face similar challenges in the future. The following chapters will provide information to all readers. The eight chapters in this book provide information for all readers:

Chapter 1 - outlines how a decline in cognition can begin, the concerns and fears felt by middle-aged family members and the processes they go through to try to get answers to questions about what is happening to their elderly relatives. Also, how the ever widening gulf between the elderly and their families, due to the rapid change in today’s lifestyle and the development of information and technology, which can be so overwhelming, is leaving so many elderly behind and forcing them to depend more and more on their adult children for help in sorting out their affairs. In addition, how this situation is further compounded by healthier lifestyles and longer lives and the need for middle-aged family members to provide ongoing assistance for many more years than required in the past. Further, that having high verbal skills and a store of knowledge and experiences does not give the elderly any advantage when they are faced with the need to adapt to a new situation. This chapter ends by describing the feelings of middle-aged family members in their unexpected caring roles, and points out that the reactions of their elderly relatives, even the most aggressive and rude, are natural reactions. 

Chapter 2 - describes the first signs of a “"backward slide", what is occurring, and how and why it has occurred. This leads into chapter 3, which describes the biological process.

Chapter 3 – takes an in-depth (fleeting and simple in neurological terms) look at the brain processes that are affected, and how various attributes of being human are disrupted, by a ‘"backward slide"’. Particular reference is made to ‘out of character’ behavioural responses.

Chapter 4 – contains life stories pertaining to different levels/modes of functional performance. The stories start with the functional level/mode of an elderly man who has a very minimal cognitive deficit, and each successive story illustrates the functional level of people at each subsequent level/mode and how middle-aged family members have handled the different situations. 

Chapter 5 – contains four stories of middle aged carers who are confronted with the responsibility of having to assist with the care of two or more members of their families who have been subjected to varying degrees of “"backward slide". These stories are included to demonstrate to the reader the complex problems associated with cognitive disabilities and the ramifications for family carers. The stories also illustrate the feelings of despair that family carers experience when the legal system fails to support their concerns for their elderly person they are caring for.

Chapter 6 – describes the stress which primary carers experience and the need for them to understand the serious effects it has personally upon them, as well as the need for them to give priority to their own health and well being if they are to successfully get through this exacting phase of their lives.

Chapter 7 – examines the alternatives available to family members for communicating with and handling ageing relatives who are performing at different levels/modes, including those with difficult personalities. There is also a dot point reference list of handling techniques available to family members.
Appendix 1 to Chapter 7 is a “Guide to Handling Approaches”

Chapter 8 – provides advice on the steps that can be taken by middle-aged carers to lessen the burden of care and points out the immediate need for them to understand and critically examine their own futures, for they too are ageing and need to plan ahead. If, for them, future plans include moving or renovation, decisions must be made that will, as far as possible, minimize a "backward slide". Finally, this chapter concludes with some amusing stories, which illustrate the necessity for middle-aged caregivers to see the funny side of their caring experiences and maintain their sense of humor. 
Appendix 2 to Chapter 8 is “A Safety Issues List to Ponder and to Consider” for reference. 

This book will appeal to:

• Middle-aged people, who are caught in the unexpected role of caring for ageing relatives;

• Readers of Healthcare and Lifestyle Books, who are concerned for their future health needs and have a desire to remain self-reliant;

• Healthcare Clinicians, Community Care Organizations and Caregiver Associations, not all pertaining to aged care, as deficits in functional cognition can manifest from any diagnosis, where normal brain function is compromised;

• International readers, as the subject matter is a human neuro-biological condition evident worldwide in all races and cultures. The greatest need for people to read this book exists in highly populated democratic societies e.g. USA, United Kingdom, Europe and Japan, where assistance and care for a growing number of people with cognitive failures has become a placement and funding nightmare; 

• Owners, Employees and Volunteers of Aged Care Facilities, who struggle to understand the thinking and behaviour of many of their consumers;

• Community Care Organizations and Carers Associations, who assist as best they can those people with deficits in functional cognition;

• For all those people who desire to know ‘Why?’

Book Launch

Australian Federal Minister for Ageing Kevin Andrews launches book by Delaune Pollard. Read More...

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