Preventing Alzheimer's: Prevent, Detect, Diagnose, Treat, and Even Halt Alzheimer's Disease and Other Causes of Memory Loss

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!!

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.

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!

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.