As soon as I received this book, I knew the perfect person to help me write the review—my mother who is now the main caregiver (outside the rest home) for my grandfather who has dementia and is in a secure unit. My mother was so pleased with the book she is now asking for it back: “I can now recognise some of the signs mentioned in the book such as the small shuffling steps,” and “one of the rest-home workers thought I was a nurse after I armed myself with knowledge gained from this book.” She also said that she could now empathise more with her mother who struggled to take care of, and love, her husband because of the dementia.

The book truly lives up to its name of being a guide, as it is very informative and provides useful information (importantly in a New Zealand context) about almost everything most readers need to know about dementia: the types of dementia and degrees of severity; therapies and treatments (including medication); being a caregiver; choosing and understanding residential care; behavioural and psychological difficulties; end-of-life issues; special needs; and spiritual; cultural, legal, and ethical issues. The book finishes with a glossary, contact details (of support people and organisations including websites and phone numbers) section, reading list, and index.

The chapters are positioned logically, and contain easy-to-understand, double-spaced text, which aids readability along with good use of bullet points and blank space. There are, however, few illustrations or diagrams. Other good features of the book are a summary at the end of each chapter to consolidate one’s learning, and true stories written in the first or third person. The book could either be read cover-to-cover and/or used as a trusty reference. I imagine the book would be most suitable for people caring (either at home or professionally) for people with dementia, especially in its early stages so they know what lies ahead; it can certainly inform and empower them. Every New Zealand rest home should have a copy for its staff, and probably most already have it.

Although the book is well-bound and has an attractive cover, the pages themselves are of a budget, newsprint type (no colour), probably to make the book more affordable so it reaches a larger readership. Perhaps if there are further editions then the paper could be upgraded.

Chris(tine) Perkins, who trained at Otago Medical School and then worked as a GP before specialising in old-age psychiatry in both the public and private sectors, modestly states at the end: “I hope this book has gone a little way to addressing some of the fears and prejudices we have about dementia, so that we can be more understanding and compassionate towards these people and those who care for them”—a classic understatement. Recommended.