Wilson’s nonfiction book provides an in-depth exploration of dementia, its causes, and potential strategies to combat it.
Written by a certified neuropsychologist and medical psychologist, the book offers an engaging and informative perspective on dementia. Wilson uses an analogy of a family road trip to Legend Rock, Wyoming to introduce his premise. He suggests that just like we strive to preserve ancient petroglyph panels, we should also strive to protect our brains. He emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to maintain brain health as we age, allowing us to enjoy life to its fullest for as long as possible.
The book starts by defining dementia, a condition that Wilson claims affects one-third of individuals over the age of 85. It then goes on to describe four different types of dementia: Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal. Each type is discussed in detail, addressing common fears like forgetting names or misplacing car keys, and whether such instances are a normal part of aging. Wilson confirms that they are, but also explains when such forgetfulness might be a cause for concern.
The book then explores the risk factors associated with dementia, and the link between hearing loss and dementia. The final section presents various strategies to reduce the effects of dementia, including exercise, proper nutrition, blood pressure monitoring, neuropsychological services, medication, and socializing.
Despite its potentially daunting subject matter, the book is a manageable 130 pages long and is written in an engaging and accessible style. The information, which could easily be dense and clinical, is presented in easy-to-digest sections. The only exception is the section on medications, which is a bit more complex. This book serves as an excellent resource for those dealing with dementia or anyone interested in understanding more about this complex aspect of the human brain.
