Are you worried about signs of dementia in yourself or a loved one? How can you tell what is abnormal cognitive decline and what is a typical feature of getting older? What steps can you take to keep your brain in shape for longer?

The good news is that there is a lot of detailed and rigorous scientific research to answer these questions. The bad news is that there is so much of this that it is a daunting and bewildering process to make sense of it. You would soon become lost in a complex world of scholarly articles where the findings can appear contradictory and hard to fathom. How can you deduce what practical steps you might need to actually take?

Mark Avery's comprehensive and easily-readable guide is here to help you navigate a pathway through the maze of literature on cognitive ageing. You will find here chapters on hearing loss, sleep, social networks, physical activity, grief, drinking and breathing. The book also deals with the importance of living in the present − coping with technological change and remaining curious about the world around you.

This book provides you with an action plan for what positive steps you can take to keep your brain healthy and in good working order for as long as possible and includes:

· An introduction to understanding how to interpret the science

· A glossary of terms associated with cognitive ageing

· A unique approach to easily navigating the book in whichever way you choose

· Helpful summaries with clear action points