Memory Function and Aging-Related Disorders
Memory Function and Aging-Related Disorders
Edited by John E. Morley, Rodney M. Coe, Randy Strong and George T. Grossberg
New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, 1992
This new book is based on the proceedings of a recent symposium on aging and memory disorders and is presented as a series of essays on various topics. As such, it provides a glimpse into the contributors’ areas of research interest but does not give a global overview.
The book is divided into three sections. The first deals with biochemical and molecular genetic bases of memory. This includes a concise discussion of trophic factors as well as chapters on the influences of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones on memory functions. The second section deals with animal and human models, theories of neurodegenerative disease and such diverse topics as the role of the hypothalamic pituitary axis, hormones, autonomic nervous system function and the effects of nutritional factors on memory function and associated diseases. Discussions of axonal transport and vascular factors are well presented.
The third and last section deals with diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Chapters on diagnostic markers, neuropharmacological modeling and new approaches to cholinergic deficits are offered. There are a couple of rather cursory chapters at the end on behavioral management and psychotherapy. Since the rest of the material was of a biological nature, these could have been left out or put into a new section and expanded upon. In addtion, a concluding chapter summarizing the material and placing it in perspective would have been useful.
The contributors are from many fields, including psychology, psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, pathology and occupational therapy, giving the discussion a more wide-reaching and varied perspective. The quality of the publication was good and it was easy to read, although some poor editing was noted. For example, there were missing labels in diagrams and errors in citations and spelling.
In general, the book is a good overview of some postulated biological mechanisms of memory function and dysfunction. The topics discussed highlighted various areas in a thought-provoking manner, and while not “mainstream” research, provide some tantalizing alternative hypotheses. This book is not of general interest, but would be useful for anyone involved in the areas of neurodegenerative disease and cognitive research. It should at least be available in the libraries of institutions doing work in these areas.