Sharpening the Aging Mind: Methods, Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Mind Super Sharp (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781519496027)

Othniel J. Seiden, M.D. Jane L. Bilett, Ph.D. Both Othniel Seiden, MD and his wife Clinical Psychologist Jane L. Bilett, PhD noticed in their practices and among acquaintances that people reaching middle age started questioning their mental abilities, fearing they were headed for Alzheimer's or some other dreaded dementia. The doctors constantly reassured their patients that usually these fears were based in myths. Myth 1: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks!" NOT TRUE! In fact many things are easier learned now than when we were younger. Myth 2: Our brain cells disappear by tens of thousands a day so when we're older there's little left. NOT TRUE! Oh yes, we lose cells all through the body and replace them with new ones, a process that begins at birth and continues throughout life. Myth 3: Forgetfulness is the first sign that something is wrong with your brain and the mind just goes down hill form there. NOT TRUE! Actually, we completely forget very little, but if we don't use certain information for a while we tend to file it away making room for things more important and current to us. Myth 4: If you think you have a biologic reason for your memory losses you probably have early Alzheimer's. NOT TRUE! People who have a biologic cause for their "memory problems" rarely notice them themselves. Myth 5: Once your memory starts to go it can only get worse. NOT TRUE! Priority has more to do with our memory than does mental ability or capacity; interests and priorities change. Finally, they put this wisdom down on paper. This book contains the truth of how the aging mind works and how you can keep your aging mind sharp and learn all the new material and skills you want throughout your life.