Theme: Senior's Health

The brain goes through many phases throughout our lifetime. During infancy, a rapid growth of neurons (or nerve cells) takes place. Then the adolescent brain undergoes dynamic proliferation and "pruning" (loss) of neurons, resulting in reactive moods and behaviours. From adulthood to old age, nerve cells are still formed. New neural pathways continue to be created and there is extensive development of patterns and data association.

As we grow older, there are changes in the structures and substances involved in sending messages in the brain. The levels of chemical messengers, enzymes and receptors on the nerve cells fluctuate and cause the cognitive and mental functions of the brain to decline slightly. Many elderly have shorter memory, reduced sensation and learning ability. We bring you resources from the library on the changes of ageing brains. For more information about these books, search our online catalogue at www.nl.sg

BOOKS

The Merck Manual of Health & Aging

Beers, M. H. et. al. (eds.)
New York : Ballantine Books, 2005
Call no.: R 613.0438 MER
(Available for reference at the National Library Singapore)

The first Merck Manual was published in 1899 and has found its way, as a handbook of medical information for the layman, into the doctors' office, hospital, laboratory and home. In this version of The Merck Manual of Health & Aging, various aspects of the ageing body, including the aging brain, are covered. The book is organised into four sections: Fundamentals of aging; Caring for self and others; Medical conditions; and Social legal and ethical issues.

Easy to read and navigate, there are also simple and useful illustrations and discussions of medical conditions that can affect the elderly, with symptoms, treatment and aftercare explained. This guide is a useful source of health information for health care providers, patients and caregivers.

The Better Brain Book: The Best Tools for Improving Memory and Sharpness and for Preventing Aging of the Brain

Perlmutter, D and Colman, C.
New York: Riverhead Books, 2004
Call no.: 616.84 PER
(Available for loan at the Public Libraries only)

Loss of memory and acuity need not be a warning sign of ageing, writes Perlmutter, a celebrated neurologist. To regain and maintain clarity, mental vigour and improve concentration, the authors provide tools such as a brain workout, medical tests, a lifestyle guide, meal plan and supplement programmes.

This informative guide reveals the brain toxins found in household products, the food we eat and over-the-counter drugs. There is advice on preventing and treating brain disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and dementia. Also included are supplement programmes and recipes to restore the memory. This book is useful for anyone who wishes to beat the ageing brain and boost brainpower.

See also:

You may also be interested in these books from the National Library Singapore and the Public Libraries. For more information about the book, search our online catalogue at www.nl.sg

Aging Interventions and Therapies
by Rattan, Suresh I. S.
Singapore ; Hackensack, N.J. ; Hong Kong : World Scientific, c2005
Call no.: R 612.67 AGI

Human Aging
by Foos, P. W.
Boston, Mass. : Allyn and Bacon, c2003
Call no.: R 612.67 FOO

Geriatric Mental Health Care: A Treatment Guide for Health Professionals
Kennedy, G. J.
New York : Guilford Press, 2000
Call no.: R 618.97689 KEN

Psychological Problems of Ageing: Assessment, Treatment and Care
Robert T. W.
New York ; Chichester : Wiley, c1999
Call no.: R 618.97689 PSY

Hormones, Gender and the Aging Brain: The Endocrine Basis of Geriatric Psychiatry
Mary F. Morrison.
Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2000
Call no.: R q618.9764 HOR

Age-proof Your Mind: Detect, Delay, and Prevent Memory Loss - Before It's Too Late
Tan, Z. S.
New York : Warner Books, c2005
Call no.: 616.83 TAN

That Memory Book: How To Deal with Distractibility, Forgetfulness and Other Unnerving High Jinks of the Middle-Aged Brain
Ramin, C.J.
London : Virago Press, c2007
Call no.: 616.830844 RAM

The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain
Cohen, G. D.
New York : Basic Books, c2005
Call no.: 155.6713 COH

DATABASES

News

Getting Early Alert on Mental Illness
Basu, Radha. The Straits Times, 27 Oct 2008
Full article available from Factiva.com database

A programme is now offered to screen elderly folk for mental illnesses in the community rather than in hospitals. The pilot project has found that home-based treatment led to a marked dip in hospital admissions. Since April this year, charity workers and grassroots leaders have been trained by doctors from the Institute of Mental Health and Changi General Hospital to do early screenings and spot early signs of dementia, depression and other psychological illnesses.

Brain craze
Fuyuno, I. Nature, 447, 18 - 20 (02 May 2007).
Full article available from Nature.com database

Reports the idea proposed by neuroscientist Ryuta Kawashima that playing computer games could boost the ageing brain. But the skeptics do not see any evidence to support this claim. It also surveys the effort put in mental workout programmes and the brain-game craze in Japan.

Journal

Nutrition in Brain Development and Aging: Role of Essential Fatty Acids
Uauy, R. and Dangour, A. D. Nutrition Reviews; May 2006 Part 2, Vol. 64 Issue 5, pS24-S33
Full article available from EBSCOHost database

Reviews the role of the essential fatty acids (EFAs) on human brain development in preterm and term infants and during aging and their effect on neural development. Also examines the role of n-3 fatty acids in preventing cognitive decline during ageing and the challenge of preserving brain functions.

All above articles can be viewed from the National Library Digital Library. Visit www.nl.sg Then select [E-Resources] and search for Factiva.com, Nature.com and Ebscohost. You are required to login to the Digital Library before using the database.

WEBSITES

AFAR: Infoaging About the Biology of Aging, Healthy Aging And Diseases of Aging
http://websites.afar.org

This website provides the latest consumer resources on age-related diseases, conditions and issues and carries feature articles and news for the non-medical audience.

AARP: Aging and the Brain
http://www.aarp.org/health/brain/aging/

AARP, which is formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, is a United States-based non-governmental organisation. The website offers resources such as research, magazines, bulletins, products and services for the community (aged 50 and above). Its health topics include Brain health, Staying healthy, Physical activity and Health conditions.

NEW ARRIVALS

Take a sneak peak at the new books from the National Library Singapore. For more information about the book, search the catalogue at: www.nl.sg

Ageing in Asia

Goodman, R. and Harper, S. (eds.)
London ; New York : Routledge, 2008
Call no.: R 362.6095 AGE

Asia societies are facing a rapidly greying population. Providing care and support for the aged and their families are social concerns for governments, community and care givers. Four key themes related to aging are taken up in this book: Experience of old age; Intergenerational relations; Economics of and social policy for ageing; Longevity and the culture of ageing. There are discussions and examinations on broad issues emerging from different parts of Asia and policies on ageing, including case studies. It also gives a background to understanding of the elderly demographics in Asia.

The Longevity Revolution: The Benefits And Challenges Of Living A Long Life
Butler, R. N.
New York : PublicAffairs, c2008
Call no. R 612.68 BUT

The average life expectancy has increased throughout human history; from less than 30 years to 77 years in the last two centuries and it will continue to increase due to better healthcare, nutrition and wealth. There are challenges posed by the increasing longevity, such as illnesses related to ageing as well as changes faced by family members and caregivers. Butler also discusses the social security, older workforce, long-term care and health care and social concerns faced by a greying population. The author is a gerontologist and founder of the National Institute on Aging and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Why Survive? Being Old in America (1975)". He also founded the first department of geriatrics at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. With an extensive knowledge in all aspects of ageing, this book gives an in-depth discussion on the evolution of longevity, the politics and population solutions to aging and emphasises the importance of quality of later life.

Written by Sara Pek
Senior Librarian (Reference & Research Services)
National Library Singapore

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