The Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription

July 15, 2008
Although Americans are living longer, healthier lives, the number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease will increase dramatically as the baby boomers continue to age. The incidence of memory disorders in people in their fifties and sixties is already growing at a troubling rate, according to physician Fortanasce (neurology, Univ. of Southern California). Learning how to control the risk factors for dementia is essential to preventing or delaying the onset of memory disorders, he believes. To that end, he prescribes a diet of "brain boosting foods" like good fats, complex carbohydrates, and lean protein; a regimen of aerobic and strength training routines; "neurobics," memory-improving mental workouts; adequate sleep; stress management; and relaxation techniques. Also covered are tips for choosing a physician if a failing memory is cause for concern, available diagnostic techniques, the importance of getting an early diagnosis to slow disease progression, current medical treatments (including holistic remedies), an "Anti-Alzheimer's Diet Plan" accompanied by recipes, and a body mass calculator. Baby boomers with elderly parents or who are approaching later life will find this to be an authoritative guide to memory disorders. Highly recommended for consumer and aging health collections along with P. Murali Doraiswamy and Lisa P. Gwyther's "The Alzheimer's Action Plan", Cathryn Jakobson Ramin's "Carved in Sand: When Attention Fails and Memory Fades in Midlife", and Gary Small's "The Memory Bible".Karen McNally Bensing, Benjamin Rose Inst., Cleveland

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.