Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory

What's Normal, What's Not, and What to Do About It

Andrew E. Budson,MD and Maureen K. O'Connor,Psy.D

Provides key information on the seven factors of memory: (1) Learn what is normal memory, (2) Determine if your memory is normal, (3) Understand your memory loss, (4) Treat your memory loss, (5) Modify your lifestyle, (6) Strengthen your memory, (7) Plan your future;
Provide a summary of each chapter and makes it easy to find that section of the book later on;
Provides answers to frequently asked questions with real-world situations.
Also available as an audiobook

Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory

What's Normal, What's Not, and What to Do About It

Andrew E. Budson,MD and Maureen K. O'Connor,Psy.D

Description

As you age, you may find yourself worrying about your memory. Where did I put those car keys? What time was my appointment? What was her name again? With more than 41 million Americans over the age of 65 in the United States, the question becomes how much (or, perhaps, what type) of memory loss is to be expected as one gets older and what should trigger a visit to the doctor.

Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory addresses these key concerns and more, such as...
· What are the signs that suggest your memory problems are more than just part of normal aging?
· Is it normal to have concerns about your memory?
· What are the markers of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases?
· How should you convey your memory concerns to your doctor?
· What can your doctor do to evaluate your memory?
· Which healthcare professional(s) should you see?
· What medicines, alternative therapies, diets, and exercises are available to improve your memory?
· Can crossword puzzles, computer brain-training games, memory aids, and strategies help strengthen your memory?
· What other resources are available when dealing with memory loss?

Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory is written in an easy-to-read yet comprehensive style, featuring clinical vignettes and character-based stories that provide real-life examples of how to successfully manage age-related memory loss.

Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory

What's Normal, What's Not, and What to Do About It

Andrew E. Budson,MD and Maureen K. O'Connor,Psy.D

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Is My Memory Normal?
Chapter 2: Will My Memory Get Better? Which Causes of Memory Loss Are Reversible?
Chapter 3: I'm Worried My Memory Isn't Normal. How Do I Get it Checked Out?
Chapter 4: What Should the Doctor Do to Evaluate My Memory?
Chapter 5: What Does It Mean if It Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Chapter 6: What Does It Mean if It Is Dementia?
Chapter 7: What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Chapter 8: What Is Vascular Dementia?
Chapter 9: What Is Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's Disease Dementia?
Chapter 10: What if It Is Something Else? What Are the Other Causes of Dementia?
Chapter 11: How Can We Treat Memory Loss?
Chapter 12: Can Vitamins, Herbs, and Nutritional Supplements Help?
Chapter 13: I'm Feeling a Bit Anxious and Depressed by My Memory Loss. What Should I
Do About These Feelings?
Chapter 14: What Foods Should I Eat or Avoid to Help My Memory Loss?
Chapter 15: Can Physical Activity and Exercise Help My Memory Loss?
Chapter 16: Are There Mental Exercises or Strategies that Can Help My Memory?
Chapter 17: Do I Need to Stop Working? Can I Still Drive? Do I Need an Attorney? What Do I Tell My Friends and Family?
Chapter 18: Where Can I Get More Help?

Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory

What's Normal, What's Not, and What to Do About It

Andrew E. Budson,MD and Maureen K. O'Connor,Psy.D

Author Information

Andrew E. Budson, MD, Prof, Boston University School of Medicine, and Maureen K. O'Connor, Psy.D, Prof, Boston University School of Medicin

Andrew E. Budson, MD, majored in chemistry and philosophy at Haverford College before receiving his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Budson is Professor of Neurology at Boston University, Lecturer in Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Chief of Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System. His career combines education, research, and clinical care to help those with memory disorders.

Maureen K. O'Connor, PsyD, was educated at Ithaca College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. O'Connor is Assistant Professor of Neurology at Boston University, Director of Neuropsychology at the Bedford Veterans Affairs Hospital, and Member at Large of the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Her award-winning research, education, and clinical care focuses on patients with memory disorders.

Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory

What's Normal, What's Not, and What to Do About It

Andrew E. Budson,MD and Maureen K. O'Connor,Psy.D

Reviews and Awards

"Drs. Andrew Budson and Maureen O'Connor use real-life examples to instruct readers on how to understand the differences between signs of normal aging versus indicators of potentially more-serious signs of diminished capacity. This easy-to-read book is suitable for anyone who is concerned about their own memory or the memory of a loved one." - WTOP

"Dr. Andrew Budson and Dr. Maureen OConnors book [...] ushers in much needed brilliance, illuminating a path through what can be a dark and disconcerting sense of the unknown. [...] This book provides an excellent overview for those experiencing memory problems in old age. It provides sound advice and direction for cognitive assessment at the hands of a qualified clinical neuropsychologist working closely alongside a behavioral neurologist or physician with expertise in memory disorders. Soon after finishing this book, I thought about asking my postdoctoral fellow to read it. That is arguably one of the highest indications of its worth that I could give." - S. Duke Han, PhD, ABPP-CN, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology

"Overall, I would highly recommend the book as a valuable resource for patients and families. I found it to be clear, accessible, generally accurate reading. I will gladly recommend the book to my patients and their families, and I would encourage other neurologists to do the same." - Howard S. Kirshner, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology

Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory

What's Normal, What's Not, and What to Do About It

Andrew E. Budson,MD and Maureen K. O'Connor,Psy.D

From Our Blog

Seven reasons to get your memory evaluated

A question that I am often asked by family members, friends, and even by other physicians and nurses that I work with, is 'Should I get my memory evaluated?' Partly, the question is asked because they have noticed memory problems, and are struggling to sort out whether theses lapses are an inevitable part of normal aging versus the start of something more ominous, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Posted on September 21, 2017

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Diet and age-related memory loss [excerpt]

Age-related memory loss is to be expected. But can it be mitigated? There are many different steps we can take to help maintain and even improve our memories as we age. One of these steps is to make a few simple dietary changes. The following shortened excerpt from The Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory lists dietary basics that can benefit memory.

Posted on August 4, 2017

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