First Aid Tips for Memory Loss: How to keep a healthy brain and slow down forgetfulness in 4 practical steps

By Michael Rayel

How's your memory? With each passing year, do you find it hard to remember names of friends and neighbors, birthdays, and phone numbers? Do you feel scared that you may now be suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Based on US statistics, more than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s dementia in 2014. And one American every 67 seconds develops this illness. In 2011, about 800, 000 Canadians have memory impairment, including dementia. If the trend continues, around 1.4 million will suffer from it by 2031.

In First Aid Tips for Memory Loss, Dr. Rayel has introduced the CARE approach as first aid for memory loss. This practical approach consists of a four-step process that describes how to recognize memory impairment early, what you can do once it is recognized, what psychiatric disorders to consider as possible causes, and how you can deal with it.

The book is divided in four parts. Part 1 deals with the mental health first aid concepts: The CARE Approach, HEAL Yourself, HELP Others, and ABCs of first aid. Part 2 focuses on relevant coping skills and lifestyle changes to prevent or slow down memory loss. Part 3 is about brief memory screens that can be done at home. And Part 4 dwells on first aid with emphasis on memory impairment, its signs and symptoms, possible disorders that lead to it, and early intervention strategies.

In some chapters, hypothetical case scenarios were included to showcase and explain the main ideas and concepts.

In summary, First Aid Tips for Memory Loss offers the four practical steps in keeping a healthy brain and in slowing down forgetfulness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Rayel
• Release date: Jul 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311623966

Michael Rayel

Fondly called "Mike" or "Doc" by friends and colleagues, Dr. Michael G. Rayel loves to laugh and to explore the world as he pursues his diverse interests — from promoting mental health to being active in sports, from hiking and traveling to writing articles and books.Born and raised in the Philippines, Dr. Mike learned the value of hard work, respect, discipline, and faith early on. At a young age, he had seen how his mother would toil as a teacher during the day and as a businesswoman at night, and still had time to pray and attend church regularly. Similarly his father, who was a farmer all his life, showed him the joy of simple living, the wonders of facing life's challenges with humor and strong resolve.Surrounded by loving family, he further developed confidence, positive attitude, and sense of humor amid the uncertainty in his community. The lack of money in the household was well compensated by loads of fun and laughter. Also, his Lola (grandmother) ensured that he would get ample advice before exploring the world on his own.As a child, his parents inculcated the value of education as the surest passport to success. His father used to say, “Success is when you’re able to add two or more letters before or after your name. Once you have those extra letters, you will never worry as jobs will chase after you.”After medical school, he moved to North America determined to chase his dreams, inspired to live the life he yearned for. Very soon, he found himself training in USA, mentored by some of the finest minds in psychiatry. He finished general psychiatry at New York Medical College, geriatric psychiatry at New York University Medical Center, and forensic and correctional psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.With a strong sense of travel and adventure, Dr. Mike and his family moved to Canada where they have settled and thrived for the past several years. In this amazing place, he has met some of the friendliest and kindest people and has experienced some of the most scenic, heavenly places on earth.Inspired by his family and surroundings, he has honed his talents, creating award-winning games (e.g. Oikos Game, Fikloo, Wordigy, and Actus Tale)and educational materials designed to help others flourish. As a board-certified psychiatrist, he has helped many individuals and families with their mental health and personal issues. Despite his busy clinical practice, he has dedicated his time in writing books, in publishing webinars in mental health and psychiatry, and in creating educational products. You may visit his blog www.shrinkyourtroubles.com/blog to learn more about his latest activities.As a hands-on Dad, Dr. Mike has been involved in most of his children’s activities and has coached his sons’ sports teams. With a supportive wife beside him, things are looking up.

Book preview

First Aid Tips for Memory Loss:

How to keep a healthy brain and slow down forgetfulness in 4 practical steps

By:

Michael G. Rayel, MD

COPYRIGHT © 2013 Michael G. Rayel, MD

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, inconsistency, or omissions. All case scenarios are purely fictitious. Any resemblance to real people, either living or deceased, is entirely coincidental. Any slights against people or organizations are unintentional. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein.

Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. The author and publisher do not guarantee any clinical improvement, treatment, or cure.

The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book. Likewise, they have traced the copyright holders of borrowed materials. If appropriate citations have been unintentionally omitted or overlooked, just let them know so necessary corrections can be made.

If you do not wish to be bound by the above, you must immediately return this book to the publisher upon receipt and before use for a full refund.

Dedication

In loving memory of my beloved parents: Lourdes G. Rayel and Lorenzo S. Rayel

Preface

Are you becoming forgetful? With each passing year, do you find it hard to remember names of friends and neighbors, birthdays, and phone numbers? Do you feel scared that you may now be suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s?

In First Aid Tips for Memory Loss: Keep a healthy brain and slow down forgetfulness in 4 practical steps, I have introduced the CARE approach as first aid for memory loss. This practical approach consists of a four-step process that describes how to recognize memory impairment early, what you can do once it is recognized, what psychiatric disorders to consider as possible causes, and how you can deal with it.

The book is divided in four parts. Part 1 deals with the mental health first aid concepts: The CARE Approach, HEAL Yourself, HELP Others, and ABCs of first aid. Part 2 focuses on relevant coping skills and lifestyle changes to prevent or slow down memory loss. Part 3 is about brief memory screens that can be done at home. And Part 4 dwells on first aid with emphasis on memory impairment, its signs and symptoms, possible disorders that lead to it, and early intervention strategies.

In some chapters, hypothetical case scenarios were included to showcase and explain the main ideas and concepts.

First Aid Tips for Memory Loss offers the four practical steps in keeping a healthy brain. Also, some recommendations are provided to slow down forgetfulness.

I hope that you’ll find this book helpful. Good luck!

Michael G. Rayel, MD

About Michael G. Rayel, MD

A board-certified psychiatrist with subspecialty in geriatric psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, Dr. Mike Rayel has published many articles and books on mental health, psychiatry, and parenting.

Dr. Rayel’s current project includes the Shrink Series for psychiatry and mental health including the First Aid Tips series. His recent works consist of Psychiatry Certification Review Series and A-31-Day Series.

Active in clinical practice, he has treated thousands of individuals with various psychiatric disorders. His Senior’s Neuropsychiatry and Dementia Clinic has helped many seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Aside from being a clinician, Dr. Rayel also serves as a