Perhaps the greatest source of anxiety for America’s aging boomers is what’s happening to their memory. Based on interviews with more than 15 neuroscientists and others in the field, veteran health journalist and bestselling author Lear (Heartsounds
) provides reassurance along with a succinct introduction to what memory is. Lear says that a certain amount of forgetfulness in the middle-aged and “young elderly” is normal and not a harbinger of Alzheimer’s. She also explains how emotions like guilt lead us to continually edit our memories, making them less accurate. Lear underscores the “holy quartet” of memory aids: “eat healthily, avoid stress,... get lots of sleep, and exercise both body and mind regularly. For those who fear early-onset Alzheimer’s, she provides a useful chart differentiating normal memory loss from dementia. While skeptical of most products promising memory enhancement, Lear offers a fascinating chapter on new research promising drugs to improve memory and cognition, and artificial intelligence that will “leave you with glorious memories of experiences that you never actually had.” Lear writes clearly, personably and gracefully, and her new book deserves to attract many of the “worried well” who want to know more about why they’re remembering less. (Feb. 12)
