Dementia A Very Short Introduction by Kathleen Taylor
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Dementia: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition
by Kathleen Taylor (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
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As more of us live longer, the fear of an old age devastated by brain diseases like dementia is growing. Many people are already facing the challenges posed by these progressive and terminal conditions, whether in person or because they are caring for loved ones. Dementia is now the fifth most common cause of death across the world. It is small wonder that understanding, preventing, and finally curing these illnesses is now a global priority.
Recent advances in brain research have given scientists a better chance than ever of finding ways to help patients, carers, and clinicians dealing with dementia. Yet there is still no effective treatment. Why has progress been so slow? And what can we all do to reduce our chances of getting the disease? In this Very Short Introduction Kathleen Taylor offers a guide to the science of dementia and brain ageing. Never forgetting the human costs of brain disorders - movingly illustrated
throughout the book - she also discusses their costs to society. Clearly explaining the research, she sets out the main ideas which have driven dementia science, and the new contenders hoping to make a breakthrough. Taylor also looks at risk factors, and how to lower our chances of succumbing to dementia.
Assessing current and potential treatments, including both drugs and other approaches, she explains, clearly and gently, what help is available for someone who is diagnosed with dementia, and how to boost the chances of living well with the condition.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
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From the Publisher
Kathleen Taylor studied physiology and philosophy at the University of Oxford. After a research MSc at Stirling University, working on brain chemistry, she returned to Oxford to do a DPhil in visual neuroscience and postdoctoral work on cognitive neuroscience. In 2003 she won two national writing awards , and decided to leave the uncertain and challenging world of academic science for the even more uncertain and challenging world of science writing. Her interests range across brain research and psychology - from consciousness to cruelty, dyslexia to dementia. Her work includes four books published by OUP: Brainwashing (about psychological manipulation), Cruelty (why people choose to hurt others), The Brain Supremacy (how neuroscience is changing society), and The Fragile Brain (dementia). --This text refers to the paperback edition.
About the Author
Kathleen Taylor is a research scientist in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics at the University of Oxford. Her books include Brainwashing, Cruelty, The Brain Supremacy, and The Fragile Brain. --This text refers to the audioCD edition.
Product details
ASIN : B08B8QMQ8L
Publisher : OUP Oxford; Illustrated edition (23 July 2020)
Language : English
File size : 1509 KB
Print length : 176 pages
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Dec 23, 2020Daniel rated it really liked it
Shelves: read-in-2020, science, chemistry, futurism, history, medicine, politics, psychology
The book is a fine introduction to a complex and rather horrifying topic. The main takeway seems to be that if you have to come down with dementia, best to do it as far into the future as possible, when science may have finally caught up to the problem. At present the options don't look good. The author tries to put a brave face on it with various hopeful and perhaps PC utterings, as well as with some attempt to euphemize the devastating toll on victims and caregivers, but nothing in the book persuades me that gradually losing one's brain doesn't rank among the worst of human experiences.
The book does mention exercise as a non-pharmaceutical intervention, but barely more than in passing. In particular there was nothing at all about the intensity of exercise. (less)
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Apr 27, 2021Hannah Bentz rated it it was amazing
This book makes a complicated topic and a complex disease into a comprehensible learning experience. I learned so much from this book and it really gave me insight to the biology, sociology, and molecularity of dementia.
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Mar 26, 2021Bab rated it really liked it
Rather than very short, I'd say concise and to the point(s). Very well researched, up to date, informative, and considerate towards everyone affected (not just the patients). Great read for everyone. (less)
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Nov 30, 2021Jb rated it liked it
Shelves: audio, health-biology-psy-language
So many things we don’t know, including if everyone will have dementia if they live long enough.
-1 for the terrible choice of tone in the audiobook (read like a teenager poetry, wtf ?)
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Jun 05, 2022Helen Geng rated it liked it
Read June 2022
NYPL book
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Aug 26, 2020Jason rated it it was amazing
Solid book, and one of the much better Very Short Introductions I've read. Does an admirable job of balancing what causes dementia, what dementia looks like, and background knowledge that helps understand the subject better. (less)
