Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine (2019), 36, 157–158.
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2017
imparted about cognitive side effects of certain
Book Review medications is responsible and clinically sound. This
book is somewhat of a rare beast in that there are few
comparable publications for mental health profes-
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 36 (2019). sionals to confidently recommend to their patients on
doi:10.1017/ipm.2017.15
the topic of coping with distressing day-to-day memory
Improving Your Memory – How to Remember What You’re problems. It will be a useful resource for medical and
Starting to Forget. Edited by J. Fogler and L. Stern psychiatric day hospitals, memory clinics, day centres,
(153 pp.; ISBN: 978-1-4214-1570-3). Johns Hopkins
active retirement groups and wherever the topic of
University Press: Baltimore Maryland, USA. 2014
cognitive stimulation or improvement is raised. This
book will sit well on the shelves of hospital information
How can we stay mentally sharp and slow cognitive centres and general bookstores alike and previous
decline as we move into our later years? Can we do editions have received considerable praise by organi-
anything to prevent socially embarrassing or irritating sations such as the American Association of Retired
memory lapses? Janet Fogler and Lynn Stern, clinical Persons.
Social Workers at the University of Michigan Geriatric The strengths of this publication include the clarity
Centre Clinics and the Turner Geriatric Clinic show, in of language (including a decent font size), the overall
the 4th edition of their book ‘Improving Your Memory’, coherence of the central message that optimal cognitive
that staying close to one’s prime in terms of cognitive function can be maintained for many of us and that
ability is not just about winning the genetic lottery but there are logical steps needed to achieve this, these
may be helped by awareness of how memory actually being expounded upon in a systematic way as one
functions, as well as implementing a range of techni- works through this manageable text of a little over 150
ques and strategies presented in this volume. In a world pages. Many of us experience memory lapses from time
overwhelmed by distraction and an explosion of to time, especially if we are under pressure and the
technology, everyday memory lapses in our hyper- authors do a great service to older people by normal-
cognitive society are remarkably common causing ising this (as many older people will jump to the
anxiety, frustration and exaggerated fears about erroneous conclusion that they are experiencing the
growing old. first signs of dementia in these circumstances) but they
The authors have divided their book into four also imply that maintaining cognitive abilities is
sections focussing, respectively, on; how memory worthwhile to enhance quality of life through the years,
works, how memory changes as we age, factors that thereby potentially forestalling or minimising any
affect memory and techniques for improving ones cognitive decline that may accompany advanced age.
memory. Each section is further subdivided into The section outlining memory improvement strategies
relevant and informative topics such as the effects of and skills is perhaps of greatest relevance, but the
stress and depression on memory or the adverse authors rightly urge re-reading and practise of the skills
contribution from some medications, sensory difficul- and completion of the exercises to embed their
ties and physical illness. Case examples are abundant techniques.
throughout this volume and serve to clearly and vividly In relation to potential improvement of any sub-
illustrate concepts that may otherwise appear overly sequent edition of this book, the authors might add a
abstract and readers are also encouraged to fully test chapter critiquing the role and effectiveness of expen-
their understanding of the material by doing paper- sive products such as the many brain training computer
and-pen exercises along the way. packages that make strong claims to improve overall
In relation to the audience appropriate for Fogler and cognitive ability but which have not yet been backed by
Stern’s book, it will particularly appeal to a lay reader- robust scientific studies. It is not clear form this book if
ship, to seniors (and their supporters) who have milder the authors have any views on the role of popular brain
as opposed to more severe memory problems, who exercise programmes or even Sudoku or crossword
want to function more efficiently and avoid those practice yet many readers, both lay and professional,
ignominious and uncomfortable memory lapses. For would welcome guidance on this. An expansion on
those experiencing mild memory difficulties due to the spectrum and dimensions of cognitive difficulties in
early stage dementia, this publication contains poten- later life to include not only subjective cognitive
tially useful tips and strategies to offset everyday slips complaints but also age – associated cognitive impair-
but this population in general will have a broader range ment and mild cognitive impairment would perhaps be
of needs not specifically catered for in this book. Terms useful.
such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are clearly In conclusion, Fogler and Lynn’s work is a highly
and sensitively explained, however, and the advice readable, useful and timely resource that will help
158 Book Review
debunk the dictum that ‘old dogs can’t learn new tricks’ messages should be made available to a broader audi-
and instead help promote the view that whilst cognitive ence of older adults.
decline in later life can’t be stalled by a ‘magic bullet’,
single activity or pill, attitudes, behaviour and imple-
Conflicts of Interest
menting certain strategies can make a meaningful
difference to cognitive enrichment with potentially a
None.
knock-on beneficial impact on everyday functioning.
This book is a useful patient resource for those who DECLAN LYONS, DONAL WALLACE AND
worry about their memory and can be warmly recom- ROISIN MCCAFFERTY
mended on that basis by professionals, but it is also an St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, Dublin, Ireland
empowering tool for self-improvement and its key (Email: [email protected])
