This paper was presented at the World Congress of Gerontology in Vancouver, BC, Canada in July, 2001. When this paper was written, Gwendolyn was a Graduate student at the University of Victoria, Centre on Aging, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. This manuscript is the result of a Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an Interdisciplinary M.A. in the departments of Psychology, Sociology and Nursing.

This paper explores the concept of Vascular dementia and Alzheimer type dementia. It examines the etiology of these dementias, including what is happening in the brain and the resulting behavior, illustrates some assessment criteria, and identifies a problem solving approach in dealing with some of the behaviors.

This paper integrates the concepts of dementia, delirium and depression in the older adult and then relates these concepts to the individual’s need for palliative care. It identifies caregiver issues and explores ethical issues when caring for these individuals.

It is the intention of this annotated bibliography to differentiate between the concepts of dementia, delirium and depression in the older adult, and to illustrate the clinical significance of each of these conditions, The literature identifies the needs of these individuals as well as the needs of their caregivers. This bibliography will be especially useful for formal as well as informal caregivers caring for individuals in the later stage of the disease process.

This paper was written by Gwendolyn when she was a Graduate student at the University of Victoria. It is the result of working with and interviewing two family members who are caring for loved ones in middle–to–late stage Alzheimer disease in the nursing home setting. This paper illustrates just how Alzheimer disease impacts on the family dynamics and also identifies three emergent themes: structural data, relationship issues and preparing for the next stage.

The later years of life are considered by many gerontologists to be the period when one takes stock of one’s whole life to find meaning and to maintain a sense of identity and peace in the face of one’s imminent death.

This paper addresses the importance of the older adults’ need to attach meaning to life within the spiritual realm, and how this is shaped by the social context in which it occurs.

This paper was presented at the Symposium on Aging, International Conference on Personal Meaning in Vancouver, BC, Canada July, 2002.