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Carved in Sand: When Attention Fails and Memory Fades in Midlife
Acclaimed journalist Cathryn Jakobson Ramin takes readers on a lively journey to explain what happens to memory and attention in middle age.
Anyone older than forty knows that forgetfulness can be unnerving, frustrating, and sometimes terrifying. With compassion and humor, Jakobson Ramin sets out to discover what midlife forgetfulness is all about--from the perspectives
...morePaperback, Large Print, 470 pages
Published
April 1st 2007
by Harperluxe
(first published 2007)
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Those interested in an in-depth look at memory and cognitive neuroscience will likely be disappointed in this book, despite its non-self-help approach. The author covers a wide range of reasons for memory loss, and embarks on experiments trying different treatments to improve her memory. Unfortunately she jumps from one to the other and pretty much dismisses most of them without really trying. And her experience is not very realistic or practical for most people, who will not have the access to ...more
I found this book to be very frustrating. This book was recommended to me by a friend after we discussed the fact that both of us have close relatives with Alzheimer's. My frustration is summed up by Ms. Ramin in the beginning of her final chapter, "I know what you're thinking. You're trying to decide which interventions might work for you....People ask me all the time if I'm 'better,' and honestly, I can say that I am....Although it would be immensely satisfying to tell you which of the...more
This book was loaned to me by a friend who is aware of my interest and experience with brain function studies. I read through it, picking chapters out at random and getting through them pretty quickly. The language is clear, and the bibliography is decent. However, parts of the report already are outdated and it certainly fails as a "how-to" book if the reader is looking to it as a type of preventive medicine manual on how to avoid memory loss. I frankly was disappointed in it, but...more
Author Cathryn Ramin found herself increasingly forgetful in mid-life. She set out to investigate potential causes and interventions to tackle her memory deficit, using herself as a guinea pig to try out various treatments. This is the account of that search. I learned a few things about brain function research and approaches to treatment. It was an easy read and seemed well researched, but I question the value of one person's trying a scatter-shot approach to a serious problem.
Like the author I have felt, at times, absent-minded and worse yet she took a journey to meet many brain experts, try their treatments and learn from their research - and it helped her make some wise choices. One of the biggest surprises to me was to learn how even apparently slight bumps on the head in childhood can and do have a big impact in adulthood - and well before the senior years. Another fact was that tango was the dance movement that most helped memory.
I found this book to a be very informative about the different causes of memory loss and the different interventions that can help stave off steep declines in memory and cognitive functioning. There is comfort and concern on every page. This book is relevant for a lot of people who may be feeling a little or a lot disorganized or people who want to be on the alert for those behaviors that contribute to memory loss.
A scary fact of life is that when people start feeling like they are ...more
A scary fact of life is that when people start feeling like they are ...more
Well, the good news is that I'm not going to worry so much about my occasional memory lapses. Apparently this affects many if not most people "in midlife". The bad news, such as it is, is that it is more or less inevitable. But staying active, both mentally and physically, is the way to lessen the effects, and I try to do both.
A very interesting book which goes into some detail about the physical and neurological changes that come with memory loss, along with possible ca...more
A very interesting book which goes into some detail about the physical and neurological changes that come with memory loss, along with possible ca...more
Ramin jumps around too much in her book. (I was looking for some valuable information that might help my husband with dementia...He has both thyroid issues and issues with drinking.) The earlier part of the book seemed to be going somewhere. Later on, I felt dizzy with all the meds she took that worked for a while, then stopped working. Ramin wants to predict who will get Alzheimer's and who won't, based on things like high blood pressure, diabetes, and doing crossword puzzles.
Ramin covers a wide swath of possibilities looking into why memory fails, and seeks solutions to each of the problem areas. It is very interesting reading. I felt at a loss at times in trying to follow the science. I was never much of a bio whiz. But it does appear that there are least understandable causes for much loss of mental capacity, and there might be ways to address most of those. Still, it might have been a nice thing to have had a chapter summarizing the gathered information, in tabul...more
A. Connie's recommendation soon after I retired ( I was more worried about my physical aging rather than my mental aging :), but I read it and it was interesting and taught me a few things.
This just made me feel like I'm not the only one who can't remember what I was looking for and what your name is. The author didn't offer a lot of solutions.
This was recommended by my aunt. I liked the information about how our brains/chemistry changes as we age and the info on the ways that are suggested to improve things. Only one chapter actually looks at Alzheimer's, so it's for "normal" adults.
Yes I am concerned about my own disintegrating mind, so I picked this up. What can I say? First, this writere loves analogies a little too much (a pet peeve of mine.....) I got it the first time ok? And second, it's difficult reading a non-science person's attempted explanation of scientific happenings -- it's clear the writer does not exactly understanding the concepts herself. But all it all, this book is useful in shedding light on new theories, tratments, research, etc. in the field. It's a ...more
Fascinating stuff! I kept wondering how the book would conclude, and I think that was the most difficult part of this author's immense topic. I loved how she was willing to try absolutely everything to address her concerns. It was also entertaining to think about how she managed to get it all down, given the subject matter!
Comprehensive study of memory loss in middle age. The author explores various possible causes, testing procedures, mental exercises, etc., with humor and first hand knowledge as she took all the tests herself! Fascinating reading for the peri-menopausal set or anyone concerned about memory loss in their future.
Listened to the audio version, read by the author. Reviews the latest research and tries out many remedies for the problem of memory loss in middle age. Great to read about her experiences without having to try all these things myself. And it's a great summary of the current research.
The author provided a comprehensive study of middle age memory loss. Thru first hand experience, she explored causes, procedures, prescriptions, and mental exercises. An interesting read for those concerned about their own memory loss.
A must-read for anyone thinking they're losing their memory in middle age!
Lots of insight into the aging mind and some coping strategies to go along with it!
Lots of insight into the aging mind and some coping strategies to go along with it!
It's normal and there are things we can do about whatever it was...
Gave me a whole new confidence.
One of my favorite books about memory
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