Cover; Title Page; Copyright Page; Dedication Page; Table of Contents; Acknowledgments; Foreword; Introduction; Memory for Forgetfulness.

“Fascinating and useful . . . The distinguished memory researcher Scott A. Small explains why forgetfulness is not only normal but also beneficial.”—Walter Isaacson, bestselling author of The Code Breaker and Leonardo da Vinci Who wouldn’t want a better memory? Dr. Scott Small has dedicated his career to understanding why memory forsakes us. As director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Columbia University, he focuses largely on patients who experience pathological forgetting, and it is in contrast to their suffering that normal forgetting, which we experience every day, appears in sharp relief. Until recently, most everyone—memory scientists included—believed that forgetting served no purpose. But new research in psychology, neurobiology, medicine, and computer science tells a different story. Forgetting is not a failure of our minds. It’s not even a benign glitch. It is, in fact, good for us—and, alongside memory, it is a required function for our minds to work best. Forgetting benefits our cognitive and creative abilities, emotional well-being, and even our personal and societal health. As frustrating as a typical lapse can be, it’s precisely what opens up our minds to making better decisions, experiencing joy and relationships, and flourishing artistically. From studies of bonobos in the wild to visits with the iconic painter Jasper Johns and the renowned decision-making expert Daniel Kahneman, Small looks across disciplines to put new scientific findings into illuminating context while also revealing groundbreaking developments about Alzheimer’s disease. The next time you forget where you left your keys, remember that a little forgetting does a lot of good.

We all have concerns about our memories about becoming forgetful, about how to preserve our memories especially as we age. Now, Dr. D. P. Devanand answers your questions about memory loss due to aging and offers a revolutionary, medically sound practical program to keep your mind in shape and stave off memory loss. The Memory Program is a complete promemory plan for everyone over 40 learn how memory works in the brain and how aging affects your memory evaluate your memory using simple tests follow the right diet and exercise plan to help your memory * Use special memory-training techniques to keep your mind sharp * Tackle the major reversible causes of memory loss including stress and depression, alcohol, medications, and hormonal and nutritional problems * Discover exciting new preventive strategies and treatments, including herbal and other alternative medications, antioxidants and nutritional supplements, and useful over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Personalized by gender, age group, and whether you currently have a normal memory or suffer from mild memory loss, The Memory Program is a comprehensive, simple-to-follow plan to enhance your memory. Its the only memory book youll ever need.

Boost your brainpower with Memory Tips & Tricks. Like any other muscle in your body, your brain requires exercise to stay in shape and perform at its peak. Unfortunately, factors such as age, stress, and poor diet can contribute to permanent memory loss. Memory Tips & Tricks will explain the way memory works, and show you how to effectively combat memory loss. With simple techniques, you will be able to increase the capacity of your short-term memory, move new information into your long-term memory, and improve your ability to access stored memories throughout your life. A practical guide to memory improvement, Memory Tips & Tricks will teach you how to enhance the power of your brain, with: Memory tools, tips, and techniques developed by leading experts, from an ancient Roman poet to modern psychiatrists A brief overview of memory, including the most recognized and trusted memory tests used by psychologists and neurologists 7 proven exercises for improving memory Effective methods used by the top memory champions to win world championships 20 foods and vitamins to boost your memory and improve cognition A guide to understanding memory, Memory Tips & Tricks offers effective and powerful tips and techniques for enhancing your memory and keeping your brain fit.

In his highly praised book The Nostalgia Factory, renowned memory scholar Douwe Draaisma explored the puzzling logic of memory in later life with humor and deep insight. In this compelling new book he turns to the “miracle” of forgetting. Far from being a defect that may indicate Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, Draaisma claims, forgetting is one of memory’s crucial capacities. In fact, forgetting is essential. Weaving together an engaging array of literary, historical, and scientific sources, the author considers forgetting from every angle. He pierces false clichés and asks important questions: Is a forgotten memory lost forever? What makes a colleague remember an idea but forget that it was yours? Draaisma explores “first memories” of young children, how experiences are translated into memory, the controversies over repression and “recovered” memories, and weird examples of memory dysfunction. He movingly examines the impact on personal memories when a hidden truth comes to light. In a persuasive conclusion the author advocates the undervalued practice of “the art of forgetting”—a set of techniques that assist in erasing memories, thereby preserving valuable relationships and encouraging personal contentment.

Good memory isn’t a gift, it’s a skill you can develop. Memory Power shows you how. Ever forget where you put your car keys? Or forget a name five seconds after meeting someone? Blank in the middle of a presentation or test? Forgetting is normal but it’s not inevitable. Memory Power provides the solution to unleash your inner genius. Scott Hagwood is a four-time National Memory Champion, but he wasn’t born with photographic recall. At age thirty-six he underwent radiation treatment for cancer, which his doctors warned might cause memory loss. Hagwood was determined to beat the odds, so he began to stretch and work his memory like a muscle. He soon learned that simple daily memory drills could restore and even boost his ability to remember faces, numbers, and text. His exercise plan was so effective that eventually his brain began to change physically, becoming more efficient in areas associated with memory. Now Hagwood shares with you the easy-to-learn techniques he used to go from average Joe to the first American Grand Master of Memory. You may think you’re forgetful or absentminded, but you, too, can tap into your latent but very real memory power.