Review of The Art of Memory

Post by **Seetha E** » 22 Aug 2023, 13:29

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Art of Memory" by Bill E. Beckwith.]

4 out of 5 stars

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Will I lose my memory? How will I manage my daily life when I get older? Can we do anything to lessen anxiety for the patient and the caregivers? Are there any techniques or strategies to help students with memory-related issues? I picked up The Art of Memory by Bill E. Beckwith, hoping to find answers to these and many more questions.

Because of his brother's drowning and the ensuing nightmares, the author became interested in memories and emotions. Despite being dyslexic, he chose to major in psychology and pursue a doctorate. He has compiled the essence of memory, supported by decades of case studies of people with fading memories for diverse reasons and his own experiences. He emphasizes throughout the book that striving to recall doesn't work; it requires us to have a strategy for remembering things and exercise some control over how we age. I'm glad I chose to read this book.

The book is effectively segregated into three parts. The first section discusses memory and memory management techniques. It assists in separating the aspects of memory loss that are strictly normal from those that are not. The author emphasizes developing memory management abilities before you need them. He discusses techniques for enhancing long-term memory and controlling the rate of loss of short-term memory. He cites eight types of memory and seven risk variables related to one's health, way of life, and other external circumstances. His offer of a life review—an autobiography or a collection of important events—was a pleasant surprise and a piece of wise advice. The eighth chapter offers ten guidelines for memory enhancement, while the subsequent chapter offers roughly 28 memory-boosting methods. This section includes the PQRST method, which will aid students.

The book's second section focuses on different memory impairments. Information on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is covered in Chapter 9, while Chapter 10 covers Alzheimer's and other dementias. He discusses the causes and diagnosis here. He elaborates on the risks involved and the fact that dementia is incurable.

The third section makes it apparent that regulating one's lifestyle and taking drugs together might be helpful. It provides numerous FDA-approved Alzheimer's drugs and supplements and information on their advantages and drawbacks. He emphasizes the value of physical activity and goes into great detail about the findings of the related studies. He elaborates on how a novice can approach this gradually and stay consistent. He emphasized the value of good dietary practices and recommended Mediterranean diets, which often contain a sizable amount of fruit and vegetables. The impact of depression on memory finds a place in this part, followed by the techniques to fight it. He discussed the voluntary transfer of decision-making at different levels so that caretakers would not have to shoulder an additional load. In addition to the 12 areas of care, he insists that living wills and do-not-resuscitate orders, if necessary, be made while the patient is still in good health. It's edifying to learn about the effects of retirement, hence the importance of engaging in activities that give you joy.

The book was incredibly educational for me. This book can aid caretakers and anyone who fears losing their memory. He covers the best strategy to address our concerns about aging and related memory loss. This book outlines tips to minimize distress before, during, and after memory loss.

Because of the way the text is organized, certain paragraphs appear repetitive. I also found a few errors, which did not interrupt the reader's flow. I would nonetheless suggest a re-edit. I recommend this book to adults, as it discusses sexual behavior and associated issues. The highest ratings would be due to a book with no errors. It merits a rating of 4.5 overall, but since there isn't one, I'm only able to give it 4 out of 5 stars.

******
The Art of Memory
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Karuna Sanghvi · Post by **Karuna Sanghvi** » 27 Aug 2023, 11:50

The review reveals certain details in the book. Aren't these considered as spoilers or is it acceptable to write such details?

Post by **Kutloano Makhuvhela** » 30 Aug 2023, 06:11

Memory is what makes us human. The ability to recall what happened whether five minutes ago or five months or five years is what make us who we are. So I am interested to learn about it.

Post by **Seetha E** » 03 Sep 2023, 03:16

Karuna Sanghvi wrote: ↑27 Aug 2023, 11:50 The review reveals certain details in the book. Aren't these considered as spoilers or is it acceptable to write such details?

Which details are you referring you, Karuna ?

Post by **Seetha E** » 03 Sep 2023, 03:18

Kutloano Makhuvhela wrote: ↑30 Aug 2023, 06:11 Memory is what makes us human. The ability to recall what happened whether five minutes ago or five months or five years is what make us who we are. So I am interested to learn about it.

I am glad to have generated interest. It was the same reason I picked the book. The key being work on it now, while your memory works fine.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 02 Jun 2025, 10:06

Seetha E wrote: ↑22 Aug 2023, 13:29 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Art of Memory" by Bill E. Beckwith.]

4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Will I lose my memory? How will I manage my daily life when I get older? Can we do anything to lessen anxiety for the patient and the caregivers? Are there any techniques or strategies to help students with memory-related issues? I picked up The Art of Memory by Bill E. Beckwith, hoping to find answers to these and many more questions.

Because of his brother's drowning and the ensuing nightmares, the author became interested in memories and emotions. Despite being dyslexic, he chose to major in psychology and pursue a doctorate. He has compiled the essence of memory, supported by decades of case studies of people with fading memories for diverse reasons and his own experiences. He emphasizes throughout the book that striving to recall doesn't work; it requires us to have a strategy for remembering things and exercise some control over how we age. I'm glad I chose to read this book.

The book is effectively segregated into three parts. The first section discusses memory and memory management techniques. It assists in separating the aspects of memory loss that are strictly normal from those that are not. The author emphasizes developing memory management abilities before you need them. He discusses techniques for enhancing long-term memory and controlling the rate of loss of short-term memory. He cites eight types of memory and seven risk variables related to one's health, way of life, and other external circumstances. His offer of a life review—an autobiography or a collection of important events—was a pleasant surprise and a piece of wise advice. The eighth chapter offers ten guidelines for memory enhancement, while the subsequent chapter offers roughly 28 memory-boosting methods. This section includes the PQRST method, which will aid students.

The book's second section focuses on different memory impairments. Information on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is covered in Chapter 9, while Chapter 10 covers Alzheimer's and other dementias. He discusses the causes and diagnosis here. He elaborates on the risks involved and the fact that dementia is incurable.

The third section makes it apparent that regulating one's lifestyle and taking drugs together might be helpful. It provides numerous FDA-approved Alzheimer's drugs and supplements and information on their advantages and drawbacks. He emphasizes the value of physical activity and goes into great detail about the findings of the related studies. He elaborates on how a novice can approach this gradually and stay consistent. He emphasized the value of good dietary practices and recommended Mediterranean diets, which often contain a sizable amount of fruit and vegetables. The impact of depression on memory finds a place in this part, followed by the techniques to fight it. He discussed the voluntary transfer of decision-making at different levels so that caretakers would not have to shoulder an additional load. In addition to the 12 areas of care, he insists that living wills and do-not-resuscitate orders, if necessary, be made while the patient is still in good health. It's edifying to learn about the effects of retirement, hence the importance of engaging in activities that give you joy.

The book was incredibly educational for me. This book can aid caretakers and anyone who fears losing their memory. He covers the best strategy to address our concerns about aging and related memory loss. This book outlines tips to minimize distress before, during, and after memory loss.

Because of the way the text is organized, certain paragraphs appear repetitive. I also found a few errors, which did not interrupt the reader's flow. I would nonetheless suggest a re-edit. I recommend this book to adults, as it discusses sexual behavior and associated issues. The highest ratings would be due to a book with no errors. It merits a rating of 4.5 overall, but since there isn't one, I'm only able to give it 4 out of 5 stars.

******
The Art of Memory
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

I've never read a book on memory before, so this would be an interesting experience, though I'm not too keen on being too attached towards the mechanics of memory, fickle as they are.