By Joan Haynes, NMD
My own grappling with aging draws me, more than ever, toward a deeper understanding of the issues associated with getting older. Here are two recent books I draw inspiration from, both personally and professionally:
Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimagining Life
By Louise Aronson, MD
Most people alive today will spend more years in elderhood than in childhood – how can we make the best of it? Part memoir, part medical information, Dr. Aronson’s book is long but easy to read. She is a great storyteller and I can relate to her views on medicine.
Here’s a review that captures how I feel about this book:
“The book that every one of us has been or will be looking for – a passionate, illuminating, brilliant, and beautifully written meditation on aging and caring for elders. Elderhood is a godsend.” Pauline Chen, MD, author of FINAL EXAM.
The End of Alzheimer’s: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline
By Dale E. Bredesen, MD
If you have concerns about failing memory, or perhaps have a family history of dementia, READ THIS BOOK NOW! Early intervention affects outcomes.
The book outlines 3 processes that lead to brain decline:
- Inflammation from infection, diet or other causes.
- Shortage of supportive nutrients or hormones.
- Toxic substances such as metals or biotoxins (from mold or chronic infections)
Dr. Bredesen details the basic labs and specialty tests to consider (which we run at Boise Natural Health Clinic) such as evaluation of food sensitivities, hormone levels, microbiome & digestion analysis, and toxin measurements.
The research-proven ideas and protocols provided by Dr. Bredesen provide useful insights that will optimize anyone’s cognition, the aging process and positively impact almost any chronic disease, not just Alzheimer’s.