Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory: What's Normal, What's Not, and What to Do About It

by Andrew E. Budson

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 sixty-five 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 accessible yet comprehensive style, featuring clinical vignettes and character-based stories that provide real-life examples of how to successfully manage age-related memory loss.

Genres: Health, Self Help, Nonfiction, Medical, Psychology, Science

1 pages, Audio CD

Published March 1, 2021

Reviews

[Una Tiers · Rating 4 out of 5]

After hearing a presentation by the author, I wanted to learn more about memory. Much of the information was helpful, but the example conversations are ridiculous. Good information if you are willing to plow through the book.

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory' by Andrew E. Budson and Maureen K. O'Connor

3 stars/ 6 out of 10

I was interested in reading this book to find out more about how memory works, why it may deteriorate as one ages, and what can be done about this.

The authors have designed the book so that there are scenarios relating to some fictional individuals to introduce each section. These are followed by more factual information.

Descriptions in the book are clear and straightforward. There is a lot of repetition of information, which for me was overkill, but which others might find helpful.

The book appears aimed at an American market, and the descriptions of procedures are specifically related to the situation in that country. Readers from other countries may find it more productive to look for a different book on the same topic, that will relate more to their personal situation.

I thought the most interesting section was the one about strategies to help improve memory in everyday life.

Thank you to Oxford University Press and to NetGalley for an ARC.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most well organized and designed medical book ever....it addressed all the issues I was interested in, presented it in multiple ways (straight medical doctor jargon and a story format between 8 characters you get to know), and summarized each chapter highlighting the main topics.
I feel much better now because I am informed about what is normal and what isn't and ways to maintain and/or improve brain health.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever remembered that they forgot something.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting. However the examples of dialogue were not in any way realistic. I had to remind myself it was written by a medical doctor and non-fiction.

[Wisterious Woman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors are great about explaining different parts of the brain and how they function and encouraging people to see a doctor if they notice they have memory changes that they are worried about.
The case studies also helped me see ways that family members can be helpful. This book would be good for someone who is concerned about a relative that is having trouble functioning on a daily basis.
There are helpful tips to adjusting habits to make memory lose from aging easier to cope with. Fortunately I already do these things so I know I'm on the right track. But it does encourage people to partner up with someone who has always had memory problems their whole life to see what system they have developed for remembering things. I had a photographic memory for some things as a child so it was very helpful for me to learn from my husband good habits such as always putting my keys in the same place.

[Birdie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As we age, our ability to remember names, details and other bits of information declines--but at what point is it dementia? When should you see a doctor? What kind of doctor? What tests do they do? Can you make any changes in your life to help prevent or minimize memory loss?

This book answered these and so many more of the questions I had about memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, and more. The stories of Sue, Jack and others as they each work through questions about their memory issues helped to personalize the more clinical information in each chapter.

I wanted a book that dealt with memory loss WAY before it was diagnosed as Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. This was exactly what I needed. I found it very helpful.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was informative. More for the old folks rather than the over-scheduled and over-stressed doctoral students with active children a full time job and additional responsibility... so ... at least I was somewhat normal..
Author affirms best practice is to engage in mentally stimulating activity (writing a dissertation counts for that, right?), pursue social activities (football games, wrestling tournaments, etc), positive attitude (duh), and get organized (darn, hoped to forever avoid that one)All in all, it's not bad- especially for folks with aging parent(s) or caregivers. Worth the time.

[Tisha Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, friendly and empowering

My mother has recently been noticing memory changes in herself, and I came across this book and thought it would be helpful. I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible and readable the information is, and the layout allows for easy maneuvering through the text and to topics elsewhere in the book. I thought this would give me information to help her — and it did — but I found myself highlighting things that apply to me too. Thanks to this, I will be more conscientious about exercise, diet and gentle with my anxiety-induced memory lapses.

[Peggy Escovar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed Resource

Good book for non psychologically trained person. A bit repetitive. Lots of tips, concrete summaries and explanations. I wish there was a more in-depth explanation of the brain and types of memory processes. For example is weakness in iconic memory an indicator of normal aging or is it a symptom of the beginning of a disease process. Overall a good introduction to memory in aging and practical and needed resource.

[Bibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative but appears repetitive at times. Written in an easy format utilizing a "case" approach and featuring a few fictional characters. Provides definitions, characteristics or symptoms, and excellent suggestions on how to tackle this malady. Would recommend to anyone trying to understand memory loss and aging.

[Woodenpiggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This may be a book for seniors. The flow of book is very slow, the writing is repetitive, too many irrelevant details. I could not finish the book after the first two chapters. Not sure who was the intended audience. Definitely not for people younger than 55. If it is for caregivers, it should be more concise.

[Sue Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will be recommending that my husband tries some of the ideas given here. We are both finding our memories not what they were however I think we would have been even better off having read this book some decades ago!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was more about how memory works. The book does an excellent job explaining why we forget things and what is real memory loss. When you should be concerned and ways to help you not be so forgetful. Very easy to read using easy day stories you can relate to.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Lawanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough and informative.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for older adults but really informative.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clearly written book about all the different reasons for memory loss and practical steps to take to treat the issue. Highly useful.

[John Braine]

I found this quite disappointing. I don't want to give it a low rating, as it would most likely be a perfectly fine book for the right audience. There are loads of books about memory but I spotted this one in a list of books to look forward to in 2019 which made it sound like this book would be to memory what Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams is to sleep. It's certainly not.

This book is really geared towards elderly people who are starting to experience memory problems, particularly specific types of dementia. It is also for people who know nothing about memory and it's actually really basic. The format of the book was to follow fictional characters with memory problems, who had a lot of concepts explained them over and over.

I didn't read anything in this book that was new or interesting to me, unfortunately. Nor did it shine any light on my own specific memory problems, except for the idea that maybe I should actually go and see a doctor!

[Bea Turvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The layout of this book appeals greatly with the 'do you relate to this', this is how it's supposed to work, these are normal errors, but this is not, with examples that I could relate to.
It will either be scarily accurate in highlighting problems you're experiencing or a great source of relief. Either way, everyone can utilise the 'seven steps' to alleviate or delay the problems of memory loss. Provided you can remember what you've read.

[Jennifer Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work in a Memory Clinic and have so many clients with questions relating to what is normal and what is atypical in age related memory changes. This book by Budson and O'Connor is one I will recommend to all of my clients, family, and friends without hesitation. It is written by credentialed professionals to be understood by everyone. It is a thorough compilation meant to provide the answers to everyday questions related to memory. I highly recommend it without hesitation.

[Peter Grinspoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. I found it to be well-written, informative, and extremely useful. It should be required reading for anyone who has a friend or a relative suffering from dementia.