When Memory Fades - by M D (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A geriatrician whose perspective on his specialty changed when his own father was diagnosed with dementia provides clear, calm questions to ask and tasks to tackle--as well as what not to worry about--from the first moments of concern.

When Nate Chin's father, also a doctor, began to feel his mind slipping, even a family as knowledgeable and capable as theirs was knocked back on its heels, disorganized, and unsure of what to do first. Chin, who in addition to his practice, became one of his father's primary caregivers until he died, determined to figure out the best way to move forward, for his own family, his patients, and now for everyone else.

WHEN MEMORY FADES is clear, smart, and cuts through the understandable impulse to grasp at ineffective treatments. From the first concerns that something might be wrong right through to the toughest stages of the disease, Chin gives granular information and frames topics that help readers figure out how to think about what's happening:

--How to Distinguish Normal Signs of Aging from Clinical Dementia
--How to Avoid Delaying Assessment
--Navigating the Medical Exam
--How to Plan & Run a Family Meeting
--Focus on the early stages/transition period to full disease can be determinative to both quality of patient life and interactions
--How to Set New Routines & Healthy Habits
--Day to Day Patient Care
--Community and Connection, and How to Maintain Them
--Dying of Alzheimer's is Just Dying

Review Quotes

"When Memory Fades is a wonderful book for individuals and caregivers to educate, support, demystify, and navigate the journey through Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Chin beautifully weaves together science, medicine, and his own experiences as an Alzheimer's specialist and caregiver for his father, to create this practical guide. The many lessons are clearly taught with a heartwarming and hopeful perspective. I will be recommending this book for my patients and their families." --Allan Levey MD, PhD, The Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Neurology at Emory University and Director, Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

"When Memory Fades is the rare book about Alzheimer's disease that offers both practical advice for families struggling with the impact of this illness, and up to date clinical and research information on advances in the field. Dr. Nathaniel Chin approaches Alzheimer's disease from his many experiences as a son, a geriatric physician, a dementia specialist, a science communicator, and a clinical researcher. The result is a wonderful, comprehensive guide that is eminently readable, poignant, and informative." --Reisa Sperling, M.D., Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Director, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital

"In When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia, Dr. Chin skillfully bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and the lived experience of dementia--whether one is navigating the condition personally or supporting another individual. Drawing on his own experience as a family care partner, he brings empathy to his expertise, conveying complex medical information in a way that is both accessible and compassionate. This book is an outstanding resource for anyone seeking to better understand dementia and to live as well as possible with its challenges." --Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Founder of Positive Approach to Care(R)

About the Author

NATHANIEL CHIN, MD, is the medical director and clinical core co-lead of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP), one of the world's largest and longest-running studies of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. In addition to seeing patients in his clinic, Dr. Chin teaches medical students as an associate professor in the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Medicine. He serves on the boards of the Alzheimer's Association (AA) and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) and hosts the podcast, Dementia Matters.