Summary: "Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What to Do About It." "Why did I walk into this room?” “Where did I put my car keys?” “What’s my ATM password?” Memory problems are among the most common complaints seen in primary care. Harvard neurologist Dr. Andrew Budson is co-author of this practical guide to memory problems: Are we really experiencing an epidemic of dementia or are people just living longer? Do we have unrealistic expectations of our aging brains? When is memory loss normal and when is it a harbinger of dementia? Is Alzheimer’s the only type of memory loss? Can certain drugs produce memory loss? Are concerns over statin use warranted? Can proper diet defend against memory loss? What about exercise? Does research support the efficacy of “brain games”? What role for sleep optimization? Why is it so hard to come up with medicines for memory that have more than just slight, temporary benefits? When is it dementia and when is it depression? Should we all get tested for ApoE4, the “Alzheimer’s gene”? Why research shows that pulling an “all-nighter” is not the best way to study for a test; Simple habits that support memory.
