The Memory Clinic

Chow herself has a genetic legacy of Alzheimer ’ s disease, and she probes what  she — and everyone else — can do to mitigate the impact of genetics through nutrition,  exercise, and the concepts of cerebral reserve and brain plasticity. But it is in  her front-line role managing the suffering caused by dementia and aiding caregivers  where Chow ’ s compassionate voice is most inspiring. She emphasizes that both  patients and caregivers need to feel safe, healthy, happy, and loved, and that meeting  these basic needs daily takes skill at balancing life ’ s demands and is itself part of the  protective shield against dementia ’ s effects.

Dr. Chow has written an accessible and fascinating guide through the mysteries of  the brain ’ s deterioration in dementia. And as an empathetic physician who sees the  person behind the symptoms, she offers practical strategies and comfort to both  the afflicted and their caregivers.