About the Book
Tom Kitwood breaks new ground in this book. Many of the older ideas about dementia are
subjected to critical scrutiny and reappraisal, drawing on research evidence, logical
analysis and the author's own experience. The unifying theme is the personhood of men and
women who have dementia - an issue that was grossly neglected for many years both in
psychiatry and care practice.
Each chapter provides a definitive statement on a major topic related to dementia, for
example: the nature of 'organic mental impairment', the experience of dementia, the agenda
for care practice, and the transformation of the culture of care.
While recognizing the enormous difficulties of the present day, the book clearly
demonstrates the possibility of a better life for people who have dementia, and comes to a
cautiously optimistic conclusion. It will be of interest to all professionals involved in
dementia care or provision, students on courses involving psychogeriatrics or social work
with older people, and family carers of people with dementia.
Key features:
- One of the few attempts to present the whole picture.
- Very readable - many real-life illustrations.
- Offers a major alternative to the 'medical model' of dementia.
- Tom Kitwood's work on dementia is very well known.
Recommendations
"For some years now, Tom Kitwood's work on dementia care has stood out as the most
important, innovative and creative development in a field that has for too long been
neglected. This book is a landmark in dementia care; it brings together, and elaborates
on, Kitwood's theory of dementia and of person-centred care in an accessible fashion, that
will make this an essential source for all working and researching in the field of
dementia care."
- Robert Woods, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Wales
