It’s Personal
This book is personal—not simply because my heart has been touched by the numerous patients I have treated over the last twenty-six years, many of whom suffered from dementia, nor because my wife and I are in our middle fifties and acutely aware of the difficulties of aging but because over the last several years I have watched my wife’s mother slowly being ravaged by Alzheimer’s disease. I have felt the heartache, the frustration, and the sadness as she has become more feeble, less aware, and less capable. I know the utter frustration of being helpless as a loved one, who had been so reliable, so strong, and such a bastion of courage and support to everyone else, slowly loses the ability to care for her most basic needs.
I have seen the hurt on my wife’s face as she recognized each newly lost ability and found her mother becoming ever less present, and my heart is torn every time I see the fear in my wife’s eyes as she realizes her risk of dementia is increased because her mother has it.
Yes, this book is personal. In writing it I have sought not only good scientific evidence but also usable information to be put into practical action that will promote better health and slow aging and help us in the pursuit of our goal to prevent the development of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease—even in those who are at higher risk for developing it and in those who are already showing early signs of impairment!
It’s been said that beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art. I dedicate this book to my wife, Christie, who is both a beautiful “accident of nature” and the most beautiful work of art I have ever known. Christie, I hope this book will remove your fear and give you confidence to know that rather than slowly fading away you can grow more beautiful every day!
And to the reader, I invite you to share in this vision, to use the information in this book to not only live long but also live well and grow more beautiful every day!