Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova - 4 stars

[Ellen]

Forgetting: we all do it. But when does that little slip of the mind indicate something more alarming than a momentary lapse? Lisa Genova, gifted author and neuroscientist, explains how our brains work in relation to memory. Everyone has 'TOT' moments, known as tip of the tongue. You know that the answer is somewhere in your mind but it eludes you for the moment and then, suddenly, when you're not expecting it, the answer just pops into your head. It is common even to young people although these instances do tend to increase with age. Forgetting why you walked into a room: common. Forgetting where you parked your car: common. Losing your keys, glasses, wallet: common. These instances are not indications of disease. Taking a leisurely walk around the block is wonderful but forgetting how to get home or not recognizing your home when you happen upon it is something else altogether. Genova explains the difference between normal brain activity and the onset of dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease. She also gives tips on how to improve your memory the first of which is 'pay attention'. I really enjoyed this informational book and recommend it to all of us who wonder if those memory lapses are a foreshadowing of things to come.