Patients with Memory Disorders: An Introduction for Psychotherapists

by Volker Völzke

Overview

Memory disorders in everyday life impair the quality of life of those affected and also have an impact on the therapeutic approach. Knowledge of the diagnosis, therapy and compensation of memory disorders of various causes significantly improves the therapeutic options. Volker Völzke imparts in this essential practice-related basic knowledge: What diagnostics and what tools are available and what do memory deficits mean for therapy and counselling? Can psychotherapy with people with memory disorders be carried out successfully at all? How can people who care for patients with memory disorders be given qualified support and advice?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783658398002
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	02/09/2023
Series:	essentials
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Dr. rer. medic. Dipl.-Psych. Volker Völzke, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Supervisor, Psychological Psychotherapist as well as Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, is Head of Therapy, Psychology&Neuropsychology at the VAMED Clinic Hattingen.

Table of Contents

Memory functions and systems.- Learning and memory as a temporal process.- Learning and memory across the lifespan.- Factors that negatively influence learning and memory.- Acquired brain damage.- Types of dementia.- Diagnosis and assessment.- Principles of exercise and therapy.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Jill N. Littrell, BA, MA, MA (Northeastern Illinois University)
Description: Part of the Essentials series, this book serves as a primer for psychotherapists to begin or further their work with clients. Memory issues can significantly impact patients' and therapists' ability to work together. Many medical factors lead to memory impairment and therapists must be able to pinpoint specific causes in order to help patients. Understanding the reasons behind the loss of function gives therapists the compassion and capacity to continue their work, regardless of the patient's progress. The book has been translated from its original German to English for the author to share his knowledge from the medical to the practical. It is an essential starting point for all psychotherapists.
Purpose: The book begins with brain neurology then transitions to outlining the thought process used to understand patients' minds. Understanding the basis of learning and memory enables therapists to use diagnostic assessments to gain a deeper understanding of patients. The book offers practical recommendations for implementing effective psychotherapy to reduce frustration and encourage the continuation of treatment. Readers will understand patients' limitations and learn to see them as guideposts instead of end posts. This valuable book aims not only to serve as a reference guide, but also to capture the heart of caring therapists with words of encouragement and faith.
Audience: While the book's subtitle claims to be "An Introduction for Psychotherapists," it is in fact aimed at a much wider audience. Anyone struggling to understand memory issues can consume the book in a short time and come away with a much better understanding of how to communicate with those suffering from memory disorders. Many medical conditions result in issues with memory and associated executive functioning skills. The major emphasis of late has been on traumatic brain injury, but dementia and neurological diseases also require the basic skill of remembering words and actions in time and space. Losing that capacity can frustrate both patients and therapists. In addition, individuals can recognize these issues in their own lives and gain insight from these practical recommendations. The book is useful to the audience as it opens readers' eyes with compassion and encouragement.
Features: While the book may pare down to the essentials of psychotherapy, it also covers the key elements of how learning and memory work and the areas of the brain responsible for these processes. It delineates this information in tables that pinpoint where breakdowns occur, giving readers clues into relevant assessments. The book also highlights certain difficult terms with explanations for continued clarity. As readers learn how to develop a possible effective plan, the book suggests other contributing factors that might impede their progress. Three chapters review 20 specific medical conditions to consider while formulating plans. The following chapter reviews key assessments and continues with concrete instruction on these valuable tools, ending with practical recommendations on how to implement future psychotherapy. The book highlights "Practical Examples" throughout this section, providing application through assessments. While the illustrations are not necessarily easy to use, most psychotherapists would not require further explanation because of their ongoing training.
Assessment: This is a concise reference book to help guide psychotherapists in treating individuals with memory disorders. As the population ages and medical advancements continue to extend our longevity, more people are living with memory issues than ever before. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to implement standard treatments when patients cannot remember discussions or apply knowledge gained between sessions. Therapists and patients can become frustrated and disengaged when memory issues impede their progress. The book's translation from German to English takes care in presenting this information, first using artificial intelligence to translate the author's words followed by a human revision to achieve the desired style. The result is a comprehensive book on quite a difficult topic that is understandable, relevant, and practical.

Doody's Review Service