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Beating the Dementia Monster: How I stopped the advance of cognitive impairment from Alzheimer's Disease
In 2015, David Brown could remember only one of three words after having been drilled on the three words repeatedly. Based on this neurological exam and an MRI showing significant brain atrophy, he was classified by his doctors as "impaired." His doctors told him this was almost certainly the advance of Alzheimer's disease.
In 2017, Mr. Brown was tested with a list of 10 words. He recalled 9 of the ten words, then scored perfectly on a subsequent test.
What happened? What did he do to so significantly improve his memory and cognition? In Beating the Dementia Monster, Mr. Brown tells the story of his experience and describes the steps he took that changed his life and his future. Not only does he tell what he did, he also identifies the scientific research that explains his results.
If you are looking for the magic dietary supplement or the exotic diet that will cure your cognitive decline, it’s not here. But if you or someone you love is facing the progression of mild cognitive impairment, there are things that you are probably able to do to slow, stop, and even reverse cognitive decline.
“David Brown’s regimen has made a remarkable difference in his cognitive impairment. What he recommends is practical, doable, and good for all aspects of your health, both physical and psychological. It is something that anyone confronting mild cognitive impairment should try.”
—Tae-Im Moon, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
“Engaging and informative.”
—Carrie S. Brown, Ph.D.
Author of Rosie’s Mom: Forgotten Women Workers of the First World War
In 2017, Mr. Brown was tested with a list of 10 words. He recalled 9 of the ten words, then scored perfectly on a subsequent test.
What happened? What did he do to so significantly improve his memory and cognition? In Beating the Dementia Monster, Mr. Brown tells the story of his experience and describes the steps he took that changed his life and his future. Not only does he tell what he did, he also identifies the scientific research that explains his results.
If you are looking for the magic dietary supplement or the exotic diet that will cure your cognitive decline, it’s not here. But if you or someone you love is facing the progression of mild cognitive impairment, there are things that you are probably able to do to slow, stop, and even reverse cognitive decline.
“David Brown’s regimen has made a remarkable difference in his cognitive impairment. What he recommends is practical, doable, and good for all aspects of your health, both physical and psychological. It is something that anyone confronting mild cognitive impairment should try.”
—Tae-Im Moon, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
“Engaging and informative.”
—Carrie S. Brown, Ph.D.
Author of Rosie’s Mom: Forgotten Women Workers of the First World War
- GenresAudiobookNonfiction
118 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2018
377 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
David H. Brown
2 books4 followersDave Brown is a retired engineer and high school science teacher (physics, biology -- y en español) living in Washington state. He has been married to the same wonderful woman for many years. They have three sons, one daughter-in-law, and one granddaughter.
Dave has a keen interest in photography. You can see some of his work at www.dave-brown-photography.com.
When he was 65 years old, Dave was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and was told this was almost certainly the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Notably, an MRI found that his hippocampus had shrunk to the point that its volume was less than the 1 (lowest) percentile of men his age. The hippocampus is the part of the brain most key to short-term memory, and his had shriveled dramatically. At the same time the lateral ventricles in his brain had grown such that they were larger than the 99 percentile for men his age. The ventricles are void spaces in the brain that grow as the brain loses mass. In a room of 100 men his age, he would have the smallest hippocampus and the largest lateral ventricles.
As time progressed, his symptoms increased, his work became more challenging, and he found it necessary to stop driving.
Stunned, but not willing to be overcome by the disease, he investigated it and learned what science was saying about how to treat it. The first thing he learned was that there were no drugs available to reverse, stop, or even slow the progress of the disease. There were drugs to treat the symptoms, but people on these drugs ended up in the same place at the same time -- dead in a few years. But there was plenty of research showing the effectiveness of other strategies to stop and even reverse the progress of the disease. He tried a mix of these strategies and found that they actually worked! Atrophy of his brain was halted, and his cognitive test scores not only stopped their decline but even began to reverse. Most notably, the powerful depression of mood was reversed, and his joy of life returned.
Dave is eager to share his story, because he is certain that others will benefit. In "Beating the Dementia Monster," he tells the story of the progress of the disease and how he stopped it. It provides a lively account of his experience, what he did, and discussions of the scientific research that explains why he has been so successful.
Dave has a keen interest in photography. You can see some of his work at www.dave-brown-photography.com.
When he was 65 years old, Dave was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and was told this was almost certainly the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Notably, an MRI found that his hippocampus had shrunk to the point that its volume was less than the 1 (lowest) percentile of men his age. The hippocampus is the part of the brain most key to short-term memory, and his had shriveled dramatically. At the same time the lateral ventricles in his brain had grown such that they were larger than the 99 percentile for men his age. The ventricles are void spaces in the brain that grow as the brain loses mass. In a room of 100 men his age, he would have the smallest hippocampus and the largest lateral ventricles.
As time progressed, his symptoms increased, his work became more challenging, and he found it necessary to stop driving.
Stunned, but not willing to be overcome by the disease, he investigated it and learned what science was saying about how to treat it. The first thing he learned was that there were no drugs available to reverse, stop, or even slow the progress of the disease. There were drugs to treat the symptoms, but people on these drugs ended up in the same place at the same time -- dead in a few years. But there was plenty of research showing the effectiveness of other strategies to stop and even reverse the progress of the disease. He tried a mix of these strategies and found that they actually worked! Atrophy of his brain was halted, and his cognitive test scores not only stopped their decline but even began to reverse. Most notably, the powerful depression of mood was reversed, and his joy of life returned.
Dave is eager to share his story, because he is certain that others will benefit. In "Beating the Dementia Monster," he tells the story of the progress of the disease and how he stopped it. It provides a lively account of his experience, what he did, and discussions of the scientific research that explains why he has been so successful.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 27, 2022
I recently had a chest x-ray after visiting my doctor because I am regularly experiencing a crushing sensation when I lie down in bed. It feels like my heart is in a vice, this is the best way to describe it. I received my results and was told I had Emphysema. There must be a mistake. I don’t have a cough and I have never smoked in my life, so i was in shock! I am 52 years old. My dad was a smoker. He died when I was 17. He had emphysema with smoking and pneumoconiosis with dust from coal mines. The doctor had mentioned the CT showed my cerebellum was small. Everything went downhill from there I lost my job because I was a liability. around 5 months ago I began to do a lot of research and came across www Health Herbs Clinic com. it is a smashing one of a kind product for reversing Emphysema. After using the HERBAL FORMULA I purchased from healthherbsclinic. com, i began to notice a reduction in symptoms till it all vanished. Going back to my farm work again gives me so much joy. I feel better and breath better. I Just wanted to share for people suffering from this horrible lungs disease.. I was fortunate to have the loving support of my husband and family. I make it a point to appreciate every day!
March 4, 2019
Beating the Dementia Monster is a quick read with some good translations of science stuff at a lay level. Excellent descriptions of the process of Alzheimer's/ cognitive impairment processes with useful visuals on this and details on recent research. I have some healthcare background and am recently concerned about my overall health as well as brain health. The book contributed to /supported my recent resolutions to improve my own physical and brain health and to discuss these with my mother who will also benefit from the info in the book. Although I'm not experiencing the same symptoms the author did, his personal story is very relatable and he's a good storyteller. Overall a good read!
January 1, 2019
A wonderful little book providing a lot of useful info on Alzheimer.
The author is not a medical professional but an engineer in atomic science. He was diagnosed with MCI (mild cognitive impairment), in his case the harbinger of Alzheimer. He was horrified by this and did an extensive literature study as well as advise from experts. His major finding was that cardio exercise on a daily basis is the BBC answer. He was his own guinea pig and happily recovered. The booklet is highly informative with lots of practical advice.
The author is not a medical professional but an engineer in atomic science. He was diagnosed with MCI (mild cognitive impairment), in his case the harbinger of Alzheimer. He was horrified by this and did an extensive literature study as well as advise from experts. His major finding was that cardio exercise on a daily basis is the BBC answer. He was his own guinea pig and happily recovered. The booklet is highly informative with lots of practical advice.
March 29, 2025
Very helpful
Honest, candid, straighforward and very well documented acccount, from a non-scientific but very well intentioned author, eager to share a great and successful fight against a real terrifying threat for humanity.
Honest, candid, straighforward and very well documented acccount, from a non-scientific but very well intentioned author, eager to share a great and successful fight against a real terrifying threat for humanity.
March 14, 2021
David Brown isn't a doctor but has encountered cognitive decline in his own life. He shares some of his experiences along with steps he took to try and stop his slide. He strongly believes that aerobic exercise is the single most important thing someone can do if they wish to prevent or reverse cognitive decline. This of course can be a challenge as people age, but a little bit is better than nothing at all. Taking the stairs, going for a walk...start small and keep adding to your routine. The importance of social connections (outside of family) is also extremely important. This is definitely a book worth reading if you are helping someone that is experiencing cognitive decline.
March 20, 2025
My husband was on Neuro X Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease from Uine Health Centre for 6 months. The treatment relieved symptoms significantly, even better than the medications I was given. Reach them at uinehealthcentre. com
July 21, 2018
I need to exercise
Bottom line - exercise at least 6 days a week for 45 minutes. S good guide as to symptomology. Good read.
Bottom line - exercise at least 6 days a week for 45 minutes. S good guide as to symptomology. Good read.
January 2, 2019
A very useful book
Even though this book is relatively short, I found it quite helpful because it covers the subject clearly an concisely.
Even though this book is relatively short, I found it quite helpful because it covers the subject clearly an concisely.
January 3, 2021
I’m glad this is working for the author, definitely worth trying if you feel something slipping!
February 22, 2024
Would recommend
I read this book like a thriller, I couldn’t put it down. Not to oversell, but I was shocked at how well-written and compelling it was. Big fan.
I read this book like a thriller, I couldn’t put it down. Not to oversell, but I was shocked at how well-written and compelling it was. Big fan.
March 19, 2025
Compelling Book
Great book & easy to read. Worked well as a first person narrative. Liked that it was factual & hopeful, without false promises.
Great book & easy to read. Worked well as a first person narrative. Liked that it was factual & hopeful, without false promises.
November 4, 2019
Stopping Alzheimer's
Fascinating
Nothing new but additional evidence of importance of aerobic exercise. Provides at least some hope for lessening symptoms of this awful malady.
Fascinating
Nothing new but additional evidence of importance of aerobic exercise. Provides at least some hope for lessening symptoms of this awful malady.
September 1, 2018
This quick read is informative and motivating for those of us concerned with matters of brain health. My main takeaway is to get daily aerobic exercise. I’m on it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews