Some experts feel that in defining dementing disorders, there has long been an emphasis on cognitive abnormalities at the expense of neuropsychiatric manifestations. Dementia: Management of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms (C Ballard, J O'Brien, I James, A Swann, eds, Oxford University Press, £29.95, pp 316, ISBN 0 19 263175 6) attempts to address this perceived imbalance. It is a comprehensive overview of the subject, with a chapter on each symptom—for example, psychosis, depression, or wandering. The authors look at psychological and alternative therapies as well as drug treatments.
Alzheimer's disease is the commonest cause of dementia and accounts for between one half and two thirds of cases. Numbers are set to increase as the population ages and as yet there is no cure. Alzheimer's Disease: Policy and Practice across Europe (M Warner, S Furnish, M Longley, B Lawlor, eds, Radcliffe Medical Press, £19.95, pp 200, ISBN 1 85775 416 6) considers the differing needs of those with Alzheimer's and of their carers and how they are currently being met.
The often blurred boundaries between epilepsy and movement disorders are the subject of a book by an international team of specialists. Epilepsy and Movement Disorders (R Guerrini, J Aicardi, F Andermann, M Hallett, eds, Cambridge University Press, £80, pp 557, ISBN 0 521 77110 2) looks at the clinical, neurophysiological, genetic, pharmacological, and molecular factors that underlie the relationships and differences between the two disorders. It is an authoritative and academic account and is aimed at neurologists and neuroscientists. Meanwhile, Quality of Life in Epilepsy: Beyond Seizure Counts in Assessment and Treatment (G Baker, A Jacoby, eds, Harwood Academic Publishers, £38, pp 316, ISBN 90 5323 121 6) reminds us that managing epilepsy also involves understanding the cognitive and behavioural consequences of the disorder. A final section contains chapters on the role of the nurse, social worker, general practitioner, and clinical psychologist in improving the quality of life of those with epilepsy.
Parkinson's Disease in Practice (C Clarke, Royal Society of Medicine Press, £14.95, pp 103, ISBN 1 85315 486 5) offers a short, colourful, diagram packed overview and is therefore ideal for general practitioners or nurse specialists who want a quick update. The book focuses on the medical management of Parkinson's, with five of the 13 chapters devoted to explaining the drugs commonly used.