Summary
Until recent times medical science could do little to prevent or cure life-threatening diseases that claimed young lives and made infant mortality commonplace. But today those 85 and over form the most rapidly growing percentage of the population. While death from infectious diseases has been widely controlled, only two of the current top 10 causes of death lead to a quick demise—the other eight causes involve diseases or conditions associated with a slow onset and extended decline. For these reasons, end-of-life issues are currently receiving major attention from researchers and practitioners in the diverse fields of medicine, psychology, sociology, ethics, law, and religion.
The Encyclopedia of Death and Dying is a complete guide to death, how it is viewed, and the social and medical issues related to the process. More than 500 entries cover medicine, religion, ethics, psychology, and legal, social, and cultural topics. Extensive appendixes provide further information on preparing for and coping with death, as well as additional resources and references. Examining both the practical and the spiritual aspects of death and dying, this one-stop resource provides a comprehensive survey of this emotional issue.
Specifications
Index. Appendixes. Bibliography. Cross-references.
About the Author(s)
Dana K. Cassell has been a professional writer and editor of nonfiction for 31 years. She has written two encyclopedias for the Facts On File Library of Health and Living series, The Encyclopedia of Autoimmune Diseases and The Encyclopedia of Obesity and Eating Disorders. Cassell has also published more than 1,500 magazine articles, in the trade journal field and the pharmaceutical and medical fields.
Robert C. Salinas, M.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the Medical Director of Gentiva Health Services. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and The American Geriatrics Society, as well as several other medical associations. He holds a Certificate of Advanced Qualifications in Geriatrics C.A.G. (Q). Salinas has conducted research in many areas related to geriatrics and has published several articles in academic and professional publications.
Peter A.S. Winn, M.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He holds a Certificate of Advanced Qualifications in Geriatrics C.A.G. (Q). Winn has done extensive research in the field of geriatrics and published numerous articles in professional journals. He is a board member of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and belongs to the American Geriatrics Society, among many other professional affiliations.