Customer Reviews

Preventing Alzheimer's: Ways to Help Prevent, Delay, Detect, and Even Halt Alzheimer's Disease and OtherForms of Memory Loss

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As someone whose father died from Alzheimer's and whose mother is suffering from this terrible disease, I wish this book was written years ago. I've read a lot about the disease and Drs. Shankle and Amen have written the best user friendly book on the subject. The brain diagrams, along with the descriptions of the areas of the brain, and what behaviors each area is responsible for, makes for an enjoyable read. Most importantly, however, is the overall upbeat tone of the book. An early diagnosis can make a huge difference in the life of the sufferer as well as their caregiver, so one need not feel their condition is hopeless. The new therapies Dr. Shankle mentions, along with over-the-counter supplements show real progress has been made in treating all kinds of dementia. Another important aspect of the book is the Shankle-Amen Early Dementia Detection Questionnaire which assesses one's risk factor. I know from taking this test that I need to have a neurological check-up every year since both parents had Alzheimer's, and by doing so I can effectively stave off the disease. This is an easy read on a complicated disease. Shankle and Amen are to be commended for knowing their audience and speaking to them appropriately. Well done!

If you are interested in this book, you are probably over 50 and have a relative or friend who suffered from Alzheimer's disease (AD). You are probably frightened by even the faintest possibility of sharing such a fate. And, you want to inform yourself to do everything you can to prevent AD for yourself and loved ones.

This is a timely book for you to read. It is written by two medical experts. This book goes into greater detail in explaining the specific functions associated with the different lobes of the brain going much beyond the vapid left brain vs right brain concept. They also define all the different types of Dementia related to AD. They explain the four main neuronal causes of AD. They outline underlying medical conditions (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc..) that can ultimately affect the brain and cause AD. They clearly outline the genetic component of AD. If you carry one or more of the Apolipoprotein E4 or Presenilin genes, your risk of getting AD is up to 7.5 times greater than normal. But, the greatest risk of all is advanced age. On the very first page, the authors state that if you are 85, there is a 50% chance you will develop AD. I have read this statistic so often that it must be true. If you know otherwise let me know.

The authors' strategy on how to prevent AD is "prevention through delay." By taking fairly simple diagnostic and preventive measures one can reduce its risk of AD dramatically and can also defer the debilitating symptoms of AD by an average of 6 years per their own clinical observations. Those measures include taking annual memory tests with a neurologist by the time you are 50, taking fairly large doses of Vit. C & E, a small daily dose of Ibuprofen, and ginkgo biloba supplement. This is in addition to exercising 30 minutes a day, and following a diet with plenty of fish, fruits and vegetables.

In their view, the key is to catch any symptoms leading to AD early. For them AD is just like diabetes. It is extremely challenging to treat diabetes once you suffer kidney failure. Similarly, if you wait until you are in a nursing home to treat AD, it will be tough to do much. On the other hand, just like diabetes if one recognizes potential early symptoms AD can be prevented and deferred more successfully.

Armed with this information, this book should give you hope that one can actively take simple steps to reduce their risk of AD and defer the debilitating symptoms of advanced AD. Also, taking such steps will not only reduce your risk of AD but also your risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer (the two leading killers).

This is a book I would recommend to anyone concerned about the risk of deterioration in mental functioning, about MCI (mild cognitive impairment) or Alzheimer's Disease. It describes new developments in diagnosis by brain scanning technology and treatments (and practices in our lives)that can be done early enough to really make a difference in holding off deterioration until even more effective treatment protocols (which the authors anticipate) are developed. It also suggests steps that promise to reduce greatly one's risk of Alzheimer's and related dementia's.

The authors discuss the research 'to date' (it is a 2004 book). Dr. Shankle is a neurologist noted for research work involving the brain who also has worked a great deal with Alzheiemer's victims. Dr. Amen is described as a neuroscientist and psychiatrist who has done extensive work with brain scanning technology such as the SPECT scan referred to in the book.

Having experienced the effects of Alzheimer's on a close relative over the last several years, I find most books on the subject too upsetting to bear looking at. My wife got this from the 'new books' section of our library and after she got me to look at it I was so impressed that I had a copy sent to a close relative and also ordered a copy for us. It is an outstanding book and so very helpful and so encouraging.

I wish I could give a copy to everyone everywhere worried about or affected by these conditions whose effects can be so frightening.

I have been waiting for 3 years for this book to come out and it meets and surpasses my expectations. Dr. Shankle treated my mother for Alzheimer's and is treating my father for other neurological problems. Concerned about getting Alzheimer's myself, this book is both reassuring and informative, offering concrete steps we can all take now to reduce our risk of dementia and suggesting memory screening annually for everyone over 50. The essential message of this book is that dementia, like any serious illness, is best treated through prevention and early intervention. The book includes a web site for free memory screening and other easy tests to do at home and includes a chapter on current research. There are valuable ideas on finding a good doctor and web sites to go to for more information.

This book is a life line to those of us who are concerned about developing dementia as we age. I think everyone should read it but especially if you have a loved one with dementia. The book outlines specific things you can do to delay the onset of dementia for years even to the point where you never develop significant symptoms in your life time. I feel like I can do something to stop memory problems and AD is not hopeless. Thanks Docs!!

What an excellent book. I am a RN have atteneded many seminars, read many books on aging and Alzheimers, work in psychiatry and gero psychiatry. However, I learned many things new reading this book. I am taking notes and plan to read it again to make sure I do not miss anything. What would happen to the Alzheimer's epidemic if we all followed the suggestions in this book.

Renowned specialists, Dr. Shankle & Dr. Amen, explain the current research and information about Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia in easily understood terms, giving us hope that AD can be slowed down for several years when diagnosed early -- and how to help prevent it in the first place! Both doctors have been dynamic guests on my 'Coping with Caregiving' radio show -- and Dr. Shankle contributed a compelling and comprehensive chapter on diagnosing and treating aggression in dementia for my book 'Elder Rage'.

-Jacqueline Marcell, Author 'Elder Rage', International Speaker/Eldercare & Alzheimer's, Host 'Coping With Caregiving' Internet Radio Show at wsRadio

This book is written clearly, and it is organized well. I learned a lot from reading this book.

"Preventing Alzheimer's" is the best informational book on the subject I have read. Dr. Daniel Amen is one of the foremost authorities in the world for neurological diseases. This book covers everything from a comprehensive explanation of just what Alzheimer's disease is to foods and medications that affect the symptoms, both good and bad. It explains testing for the different types of Alzheimer's and goes into preventative measures that can be taken to delay the symptoms of Alzheimer's. It gives hope for the future for the people who have the Alzheimer's gene. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with this devastating disease, whether caregiver or patient with early symptoms.

I have not read the whole book but what I have read seems very informative and detailed.
I am glad that I bought it.