AUS INOFMAI to DC SCared
Do you have a terrible memory? Would others
agree, or do they say 1t's all ∈ your head (pun
intended)? Whether you legitimately have a
terrible memory or not, I'm guessing by the fact
[5] — thatthis books ∈ your hands you are concerned
about your memory ∈ some way. | imagine at the
very least, you are curious, ∈ search of answers,
perhaps even frustrated. Maybe things are not
what they used to be, or new challenges are
[I0] arising. Whether you've always had a terrible
memory or are finding yourself shipping, you are
not alone 1n your fear. Memory loss 1s a top fear
(Kelley, Ulin, and McGuire 2018), and for good
reason. Your fears are not frivolous. We rely
[15] heavily on our brains ∈ our intelligence-based
culture and economy. A sharp memory 1s a
valuable resource; for many ofus, 1t's the basis of
our livelihoods, not to mention a source of pride
and status. Take a moment to think about how
[20] much money it would cost you, ∈ lost income,
health care, and personal care expenses, 1f you
hadto stop working today or 1f people had to keep
an eye on you because you kept leaving the stove
on.
[25] Those numbers can quickly spiral up into the
hundreds of thousands, and often millions, of
dollars. You may have already experienced some
of these losses. If so, then you know all too well
the impact that memory loss has on your bank
[30] account, not to mention your pride and your
self-esteem. These changes can be devastating.
Depression and anxiety are common and
understandable reactions. Worse than a lot of
money, most people fear a loss of independence.
[35] Whatifyou couldn't drive yourself places or set
your own appointments! What 1f someone had
put their life on hold to care for you! These
scenarios aren't necessarily the end of the world.
Increasingly this 1s becoming the reality for many
[40] asthey care for aging parents. Imention it though
to acknowledge the fear most people hold
regarding what 1t would mean to lose memory
skills. Im also guessing that these are some ofthe
deep, perhaps unnamed, fears that drove you to
[45] pick up this book. No matter your circumstance,
there 1s a lot you can do, so I”m glad you came
here for help.
Adapted from ALL, Sherrie. The neuroscience of memory: Seven Skills to Optimize Your Brain Power, Improve Memory, and Stay Sharp at Any Age. Oakland: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.,2021.
The words concerned (line 5), leaving (line 23) and devastating (line 31) can be replaced, without change ∈ meaning, by 7
