How can we stay mentally sharp and slow cognitive decline as we move into our later years? Can we do anything to prevent socially embarrassing or irritating memory lapses? Janet Fogler and Lynn Stern, clinical Social Workers at the University of Michigan Geriatric Centre Clinics and the Turner Geriatric Clinic show, in the 4th edition of their book ‘Improving Your Memory’, that staying close to one’s prime in terms of cognitive ability is not just about winning the genetic lottery but may be helped by awareness of how memory actually functions, as well as implementing a range of techniques and strategies presented in this volume. In a world overwhelmed by distraction and an explosion of technology, everyday memory lapses in our hyper-cognitive society are remarkably common causing anxiety, frustration and exaggerated fears about growing old.
The authors have divided their book into four sections focussing, respectively, on; how memory works, how memory changes as we age, factors that affect memory and techniques for improving ones memory. Each section is further subdivided into relevant and informative topics such as the effects of stress and depression on memory or the adverse contribution from some medications, sensory difficulties and physical illness. Case examples are abundant throughout this volume and serve to clearly and vividly illustrate concepts that may otherwise appear overly abstract and readers are also encouraged to fully test their understanding of the material by doing paper-and-pen exercises along the way.
In relation to the audience appropriate for Fogler and Stern’s book, it will particularly appeal to a lay readership, to seniors (and their supporters) who have milder as opposed to more severe memory problems, who want to function more efficiently and avoid those ignominious and uncomfortable memory lapses. For those experiencing mild memory difficulties due to early stage dementia, this publication contains potentially useful tips and strategies to offset everyday slips but this population in general will have a broader range of needs not specifically catered for in this book. Terms such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are clearly and sensitively explained, however, and the advice imparted about cognitive side effects of certain medications is responsible and clinically sound. This book is somewhat of a rare beast in that there are few comparable publications for mental health professionals to confidently recommend to their patients on the topic of coping with distressing day-to-day memory problems. It will be a useful resource for medical and psychiatric day hospitals, memory clinics, day centres, active retirement groups and wherever the topic of cognitive stimulation or improvement is raised. This book will sit well on the shelves of hospital information centres and general bookstores alike and previous editions have received considerable praise by organisations such as the American Association of Retired Persons.
The strengths of this publication include the clarity of language (including a decent font size), the overall coherence of the central message that optimal cognitive function can be maintained for many of us and that there are logical steps needed to achieve this, these being expounded upon in a systematic way as one works through this manageable text of a little over 150 pages. Many of us experience memory lapses from time to time, especially if we are under pressure and the authors do a great service to older people by normalising this (as many older people will jump to the erroneous conclusion that they are experiencing the first signs of dementia in these circumstances) but they also imply that maintaining cognitive abilities is worthwhile to enhance quality of life through the years, thereby potentially forestalling or minimising any cognitive decline that may accompany advanced age. The section outlining memory improvement strategies and skills is perhaps of greatest relevance, but the authors rightly urge re-reading and practise of the skills and completion of the exercises to embed their techniques.
In relation to potential improvement of any subsequent edition of this book, the authors might add a chapter critiquing the role and effectiveness of expensive products such as the many brain training computer packages that make strong claims to improve overall cognitive ability but which have not yet been backed by robust scientific studies. It is not clear form this book if the authors have any views on the role of popular brain exercise programmes or even Sudoku or crossword practice yet many readers, both lay and professional, would welcome guidance on this. An expansion on the spectrum and dimensions of cognitive difficulties in later life to include not only subjective cognitive complaints but also age – associated cognitive impairment and mild cognitive impairment would perhaps be useful.
In conclusion, Fogler and Lynn’s work is a highly readable, useful and timely resource that will help debunk the dictum that ‘old dogs can’t learn new tricks’ and instead help promote the view that whilst cognitive decline in later life can’t be stalled by a ‘magic bullet’, single activity or pill, attitudes, behaviour and implementing certain strategies can make a meaningful difference to cognitive enrichment with potentially a knock-on beneficial impact on everyday functioning. This book is a useful patient resource for those who worry about their memory and can be warmly recommended on that basis by professionals, but it is also an empowering tool for self-improvement and its key messages should be made available to a broader audience of older adults.
Conflicts of Interest
None.
