Harvard Medical School Guide to Achieving Optimal Memory

by Nelson, Aaron; Gilbert, Susan

• ISBN13: 9780071444705
• ISBN10: 007144470X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-04-13
• Publisher: McGraw Hill

Summary

The latest, best information on how to make your memory the best it can be, from a leading doctor in the field. Covers how much lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise, affect memory, how to tell if you need to see a doctor, and gives proven ways to build your memory power. KEY FEATURES: '¬¢ Written by a world-renowned authority at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women'¬"s, consistently ranked as one of the leading hospitals in the U.S. '¬¢ Contains the latest, best, medical practices as well as what we know about alternative approaches, and a recommended lifestyle program. '¬¢ Covers the latest research on topics such as sleep'¬"s role in memory, what is '¬Snormal'¬ memory as we age, and what to do about '¬Ssenior moments.'¬ '¬¢ Boxed items sprinkled throughout, on topics such as '¬SMedical Myths'¬ and '¬SQuestions Patients Ask.'¬

Author Biography

Aaron P. Nelson, Ph.D., is Chief of Neuropsychology, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and an assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Susan Gilbert is a medical journalist who writes for the New York Times and other publications.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction: You Can Protect and Improve Your Memory	xv
CHAPTER 1 What Is Memory?	1	(12)
Short-Term Memory	2	(3)
Long-Term Memory	5	(6)
Making Memories	11	(2)
CHAPTER 2 How You Remember	13	(16)
Your Brain's Memory Networks	14	(2)
Three Stages of Memory	16	(10)
Memories That Last	26	(3)
CHAPTER 3 It Happens to Everyone: Normal Memory Lapses and Distortions	29	(14)
Schacter's Seven Sins	30	(11)
The Rashomon Effect	41	(2)
CHAPTER 4 How Your Brain Ages	43	(12)
What Is Normal Aging?	44	(1)
The Cycle of Neuronal Death and Neurogenesis	45	(1)
Communication Problems	46	(4)
Which Cognitive Functions Are Most Vulnerable to Aging?	50	(1)
Which Cognitive Functions Are Age-Resistant?	51	(1)
Is There a Fountain of Youth for Your Brain?	52	(3)
CHAPTER 5 Causes of Memory Problems	55	(40)
Genes	57	(1)
Hormones	58	(2)
Common Age-Related Illnesses	60	(5)
Neurological Disorders	65	(6)
Cancer	71	(1)
Mood, Stress, and Memory	72	(4)
Medications	76	(3)
Sleep	79	(3)
Diet and Nutrition	82	(4)
Alcohol	86	(1)
Exercise	87	(1)
Intellectual Stimulation	88	(1)
Smoking	89	(1)
Illicit Drug Use	90	(1)
Toxic Exposure	91	(2)
Self-Help or Professional Help?	93	(2)
CHAPTER 6 When to See a Doctor	95	(22)
David's Memory Problems	95	(4)
Do You Need a Memory Evaluation?	99	(1)
When You Visit Your Doctor	100	(4)
Neuropsychological Testing	104	(4)
Specialized Tests	108	(4)
Other Specialty Consultations	112	(2)
After the Testing	114	(3)
CHAPTER 7 Memory Disorders	117	(16)
Normal Versus Abnormal Forgetting	118	(1)
Amnesia	119	(6)
Mild Cognitive Impairment	125	(3)
Dementia	128	(4)
Treating Memory Disorders	132	(1)
CHAPTER 8 Memory Medications	133	(18)
Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease	135	(2)
Drugs for Mild Cognitive Impairment	137	(1)
Drugs for Vascular Dementia or Mixed Dementia	138	(1)
Alternative Remedies for Memory Loss	138	(2)
New Drugs Under Study	140	(8)
Improving Your Memory Without Medication	148	(3)
CHAPTER 9 Prevention and Proaction: The Path to Optimal Memory	151	(20)
Obtain Regular Exercise	152	(2)
Put Out the Cigarettes	154	(1)
Take Vitamins	154	(2)
Involve Yourself with Others	156	(1)
Maintain Healthful Nutrition	157	(1)
Aim for a Good Night's Sleep	158	(3)
Learn Something New	161	(3)
Moderate Alcohol Intake	164	(1)
Engage in Life!	164	(1)
Manage Stress	165	(3)
Organize Your Thinking, Organize Your Life	168	(1)
Routinely Take Precautions to Protect Your Brain	168	(1)
Yes You Can! Maintain a Positive Attitude	169	(1)
The Next Step	169	(2)
CHAPTER 10 Practical Strategies to Enhance Everyday Memory	171	(16)
Get Organized	172	(3)
Behaviors for Effective Learning and Memory	175	(3)
Memory Techniques	178	(3)
Putting the Strategies into Practice	181	(2)
Professional Memory Training	183	(2)
Future Frontiers	185	(2)
CHAPTER 11 On the Horizon	187	(10)
Preventing and Curing Memory Disorders	188	(5)
Cognitive Enhancers	193	(2)
Optimal Memory Redefined	195	(2)
Additional Resources	197	(6)
Index	203