Is it Alzheimer's? 101 answers to your most pressing questions about memory loss and dementia

It is normal to sometimes forget a name or a fact, or to wonder why we entered a room. It is also normal to begin having concerns about whether such lapses might be signs that something isn't quite right. In a structured Q&A format, Rabins (Johns Hopkins Univ. Sch. of Medicine) sets out to provide assistance. He offers answers to topics divided into seven broad areas: "Should I worry about my memory?"; "What is dementia?"; "Causes"; "Steps to try lowering the risk"; "Treatments"; "Suggestions for caregivers;" and "Difficult decisions for caregivers." Combining evidence from medical research, along with solutions developed from patient care experience, and technical information in straightforward language, the author points out where the research struggles and when seeking a support group might be the best option. VERDICT The difficult topic of memory is one science has a great deal yet to learn about, and Rabins does an effective job of outlining the current research, providing an excellent resource for worried individuals, diagnosed patients, loved ones, and caregivers.--Richard Maxwell, Porter Adventist Hosp. Lib., Denver