Abstract

*Highly Commended in the Health and Social Care category at the 2012 British Medical Association Book Awards*

Behaviours that challenge can significantly interfere with the quality of life of a person with dementia, as well as that of those who live with and care for them. Yet there is a great deal of confusion surrounding how such behaviours should be addressed. This book provides theory and practical guidance on the assessment and treatment of behaviours that challenge in dementia, with a particular emphasis on non-pharmacological approaches.

The author describes the different categories and causes of challenging behaviour in people with dementia, and provides tried-and-tested models which will aid identification, assessment and treatment. A thorough evaluation of the use of psychotropic medication is provided, as well as of a wide range of psychological and biopsychosocial interventions. The book contains useful tools and protocol derived from the author's work at a specialist challenging behaviour unit, as well as case studies which demonstrate how the various models may be used in practice.

This will be an invaluable resource for any professional involved in the assessment and treatment of behaviours that challenge in people with dementia, including psychiatrists, psychologists, community psychiatric nurses, GPs and occupational therapists. It will also be of interest to those involved in commissioning, providing and managing services.

This practical book provides a thorough look at the stages of assessment and treatment of people with dementia with behaviour that presents challenges to clients and carers, and is delivered in a clear, step-by-step and easy to follow manner. With years of valuable experience and a reputation in the area, James' work serves as an insightful illustration of how to establish and manage a service dedicated to improving dementia care... This is a thorough and practical handbook that would be thumbed through on a regular basis within any dementia care setting. It presents a person and carer centred approach, useful even with clients with severe dementia, suggesting individualised alternatives for appro9poriate assessment and intervention,.
International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support
(...) while the themes are not easy the books are written in an engaging style which helps the reader to a greater understanding of what can be done by carers and how, through these interventions, it is possible to enhance the well-being of those with dementia.
Dementia Newsletter

*Highly Commended in the Health and Social Care category of the 2012 BMA Medical Book Awards*

'This book examines the different categories and causes of challenging behaviour in people with dementia. It provides theory and practical guidance on the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviour, with a particular emphasis on non-pharmacological approaches.'

Journal of Dementia Care
Ian Andrew James is Head of Newcastle Challenging Behaviour Service and Consultant Clinical Psychologist for Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust. Having graduated in Psychology from the University of Aberdeen, he undertook a PhD in cognitive psychology at Lancaster University. After completing his clinical training at Newcastle University, he spent four years at Newcastle Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies Centre, undertaking work on therapeutic competence. He has published extensively in the field of mental health, training and clinical supervision, and is a regular speaker at national and international conferences. He is a lecturer on the Clinical Psychology course at Newcastle University, and now focuses on applying therapy to people with dementia. Ian Andrew James is the author of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Older People, also published by JKP.
Understanding Behaviour in Dementia that Challenges comes from Jessica Kingsley, a prolific publisher of mental health-related books. It contains a succinct chapter on the use of psychotropic medication to control such behaviours, but the primary focus is on non-pharmacological approaches, using examples and cases from the author's work at the Newcastle Challenging Behaviour Service. The descriptions of the ways in which care home staff, family members, and patients themselves are brought together to bring about more acceptable behaviour are sensible, and the case studies seem convincing.
Journal of International Psychogeriatrics
Ian Andrew James has combined knowledge and extensive practice to provide a systematic first line alternative to the use of antipsychotics. For practitioners struggling to find ways of alleviating distress in people with dementia, this scholarly book, with its bio-psychosocial framework and rich tapestry of case material, is a "must".
Esme Moniz-Cook, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Clinical Psychology and Ageing, University of Hull