Self-help - Books and Websites
This page is devoted to the things you can do to help optimise your memory as you get older. If you would like to help others by sharing experiences that have improved your memory or the books you've read or websites you have found useful, please email us by clicking here.
Websites and libraries can be complicated to use. Please do contact the Link Project if you would like us to help you access any of the information sources on this site.
No claim is being made that the strategies on this page will cure dementia but they may be helpful and it is far better to seek solutions than give up. If you decide to adopt the diets and lifestyles described in any of these books you are advised to discuss your strategy with your GP or other health care professional and seek the advice of a clinial nutritionist to ensure your course of action is suitable for you. If you do not have a GP ring Find a Doc on 020 7655 6688. The Link Project can help you find a nutritionist.
If you or your close friends and family suspect you have a memory problem, it is essential you seek help early as all treatments are more effective at this stage. The Alzheimer's Society website has factsheets describing the treatments available on the NHS (and most other issues to do with memory loss and dementia). These will enable you to inform yourself before seeking medical advice.
Books - Overcoming Alzheimer's
Two inspiring accounts of successful battles against Alzheimer's disease: both men have courage, self-determinination and the ability to defy a condemning diagnosis. Their stories are very different and both have much to offer anyone seeking a solution to this disease.
1. Louis Blank - Alzheimer's Challenged and Conquered
Louis shares the experience of his descent into Alzheimer's disease and, with the help of his wife and daughter, the effect it had on his life and those around him. He relates how he eradicated all possible causes of the disease and how he adopted a rigourous lifestyle to overcome the symptoms. Today he is free from Alzheimer's.
2. Tom Warren - Beating Alzheimer's
This author looked at all aspects of his life to find the causes of his Alzheimer's and shares the knowledge and experiences he gained from this with his readers. We have much to learn from his book.
Books - Nutritional Therapy and Herbalism
Patrick Holford - Optimum Nutrition and the Mind
An excellent book written for the lay person as well as the professional. Patrick goes into the causes of mental illness as well as dementia and age related memory loss. He describes how diet and nutritional supplements can help combat these conditions. A bible for anyone who wishes to seek a program of self help.
Patrick Holford - The Alzheimer's Prevention Plan
Hot off the press, this new book gives a guide to identifying your risk of contracting Alzheimer's disease, a plan to prevent it, and tips to sharpen your concentration, improve your memory and boost your mood and motivation.
We will buy several copies for the project and will meet you and read it with you if would like us to.
Phyllis A. Balch - Herbal Healing
This book has articles on herbal healing for both memory problems and Alzheimer's disease. The author also goes into the properties and effects of each individual herb. The style of writing is approachable for the lay person.
Health
The Patrick Holford website offers free advice on diet and nutritional supplementing for people with memory problems and those who wish to prevent Alzheimer's disease. If you do not wish to pay for membership of Patrick's site, you can order the recommended supplements from the Higher Nature website or ask at your local wholefood store - this will ensure you use high quality supplements which are essential for maximum effect.
If you follow the link on the Patrick Holford's home page you can find out about the Brain Bio Centre in Putney where you can get nutritional therapy for dementia and mental illness. It is not an NHS service, it will mean making changes to your lifestyle but the results can be good if the treatment is complied with.
Enablement
Try the Enablement Project website to find out about dementia projects and Alzheimer's associations throughout Europe. There is an excellent section on assistive technology to help you remember important things in your life and to live more independently.
