American College Of Physicians Releases New Patient Education Resources

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging;  Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia;  Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 24 Mar 2007 - 19:00 PDT

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The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released "Alzheimer's Disease: A Guide for Patients and Families" and "Guide to a Restful Sleep." Available for free to ACP member physicians to distribute to patients and their families, each topic includes a DVD and guidebook.

Alzheimer's Disease: A Guide for Patients and Families

Up to 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Scientists do not know what causes Alzheimer's disease but they know that the risk of getting it increases with age. It usually begins after age 65.

"It can be difficult for patients to find out they have Alzheimer's disease," said Patrick C. Alguire, MD, FACP, ACP's director of education and career development. "By learning more about Alzheimer's disease, patients and their families can understand what to expect and plan for the future."

Sponsored by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, "Alzheimer's Disease: A Guide for Patients and Families" is designed to help patients and their families understand possible warning signs of Alzheimer's disease; who is at risk; how it is diagnosed; the stages of the disease; treatment and support options; and how to plan for future care, including living arrangements, money management, transportation, and legal arrangements.

The Alzheimer's disease guidebook includes a workbook section that provides questions to discuss with family members and caregivers. The DVD is narrated by television broadcaster and journalist Deborah Norville, whose grandmother had Alzheimer's disease.

Guide to a Restful Sleep

If someone has difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep (trouble returning to sleep after awakening), waking up too early, or poor quality of sleep (not feeling refreshed after sleep), it could be insomnia.

"It is normal to have trouble sleeping now and then," Alguire said. "Over time, however, getting too little sleep can lead to serious problems such as daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating, bad moods, poor work performance, and depression. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to help improve your sleep."

Sponsored by Sanofi-aventis, "Guide to a Restful Sleep" is designed to help people improve their sleep by understanding insomnia and its causes, providing tips for sleeping better, and working with their doctor and exploring treatment choices.

The restful sleep guidebook includes a workbook section that provides suggested questions to ask a doctor and a chart to record sleep patterns. The DVD is narrated by actress Finola Hughes, who suffered from insomnia.

ACP members can order the Alzheimer's disease and restful sleep programs for free at http://www.acponline.org/catalog/campaign/pated_videos.htm. The guidebooks also can be downloaded from the ACP Web site http://www.doctorsforadults.com/.

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The American College of Physicians (Doctors of Internal Medicine. Doctors for Adults') is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States. ACP members include 120,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internists specialize in the prevention, detection, and treatment of illness in adults.

ACP was founded in 1915 to promote the science and practice of medicine. In 1998 it merged with the American Society of Internal Medicine, which was established in 1956 to study economic aspects of medicine. ACP works to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine.

Contact: Steve Majewski
American College of Physicians

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