Patients with degenerative neurological disorders are among the most handicapped patients in medicine. Many of these diseases are incurable. Expert palliative care is the duty of every neurologist: however, to date, this has not been a standard feature of neurological practice or training. This book helps define a new field, namely palliative care in neurology. It brings together all necessary information for neurologists caring for a patient with advance disease. Palliative care is an approach to the management of patients with life-threatening illness that attempts to enhance comfort, relieve psychosocial and spiritual distress, assure respect for decision making, provide support for the family, and prepare the patient and family for the end of life. This unique book covers each of the many dimensions of palliative care as they relate to patients with advanced neurological disorders. Basic principles of palliative care and specific ethical issues (such as euthanasia, food and hydration and advance directives) are covered. The needs of populations with specific neurological disorders are described and the management of symptoms that are common to all is explored in detail. Each chapter introduces its topic using a case report which may be used directly for teaching purposes. The authors have put together an invaluable resource, which lays the foundation for further research in the field.

Bite–sized biographies of inspirational Christian women. Spanning two millennia and multiple continents, these stories will introduce you to great women in the history of the Christian faith. From Mary in first century Judea, to Catherine Booth in nineteenth century Britain, to Gladys Aylward in twentieth century China. Perpetua and Jane Grey lived brief lives cut short by their conspicuous and brave fidelity to Jesus, while Corrie ten Boom, although no less courageous, lived a long life that testified to God’s compassion and forgiveness. For all their differences, each one of these women has left an indelible legacy on our collective intergenerational Christian consciousness. Each are worth knowing. To know someone’s story is a privilege. We hope you’re encouraged in your Christian walk as you read of theirs. The women whose stories are included in this book are: Mary Perpetua Catherine of Siena Jane Grey Anne Hutchinson Anne Dutton Selina, Countess of Huntingdon Catherine Booth Gladys Aylward Corrie Ten Boom

Palliative care affirms the value of holistic support for persons facing death from advanced disease. Increasingly the approach of palliative care is seen as relevant not only to terminal cancer (its initial concern), but also to many other incurable conditions. To date, the major emphasis of specialist neurology has been on diagnosis, and the continuing long term management of the many major diseases has received far less attention. This handbook aims to provide succinct and practical advice on the management of major neurological disorders in both their supportive and terminal phases, recognizing that these conditions are increasing in prevalence in virtually every society as the proportion of elderly persons grows. It demonstrates how the discomforts encountered in dementia, stroke, Parkinson's disease, ALS, Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophies, and multiple sclerosis can benefit from the same comprehensive approach to palliation as has evolved in specialist care for cancer.

Ten fascinating bite–sized biographies of the Christians people expect you to know. While Christians have always prized the Bible as our ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice, we also recognize that the Christian life is an intergenerational and communal activity. This collection of ten short biographies will introduce you to Christians from a variety of places and times, who all boldly preached the gospel, despite the risk to personal reputations and safety. How short–sighted it would be not to glean insights from our ancestors, whether that entails learning how to walk in their steps – or else avoiding their missteps. Written by Ian Maddock, Rachel Ciano and Stuart Colton, who all teach church history and edited by Ian Maddock. Each chapter has suggested further reading, and additional suggestions ‘for the adventurous’.   Chapter Headings: 1. Athanasius: Against the World 2. Augustine: The Grace of God Defeated Me 3. Anselm: Faith Seeking Understanding 4. Martin Luther: Here I Stand 5. Thomas Cranmer: Lord Jesus, Receive My Spirit 6. Richard Baxter: Keep These Hearts Above 7. John Wesley: A Brand Plucked from the Burning 8. Hudson Taylor: These I Must Bring Also 9. Spurgeon: Preaching, Prayer and Perseverance 10. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Discipleship   This book is ideal for anyone wanting a biref, entertaing and illuminating overview of the lives and beliefs of these ten giants of Christian history.