BEYOND ALZHEIMER’S: How to Avoid the Modern Epidemic of Dementia (October 2009; M. Evans; 320 pages; $24.95 hardcover) showcases Dr. Scott Mendelson’s groundbreaking examination of the causes and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, based on evidence that Alzheimer’s is merely one of several types of dementia—and that in most cases dementia is avoidable. Dr. Mendelson explains that the various forms of dementia may well be different manifestations of the same set of underlying problems. Rather than being the inevitable result of aging, he asserts, dementia is often the result of bad diet, stress, lack of mental and physical exercise, and other poor lifestyle choices.

BEYOND ALZHEIMER’S focuses on the following five areas:

• Presentation and Diagnosis of Dementia

• Genetic, Metabolic, Nutritional, and Other Causes of Dementia

• The Role of Vitamins, Herbs, and Nutraceuticals in Preventing and/or Mitigating Dementia

• Lifestyle Changes That Can Prevent and/or Mitigate Dementia

• Hope for Caregivers

Dr. Mendelson spends the early chapters of BEYOND ALZHEIMER’S outlining a straightforward explanation of how the brain ages—physically, structurally, and chemically. He then explains the various forms of dementia, the methods for diagnosing dementia, as well as how it can sometimes be misdiagnosed. He then gives an analysis, based on the latest scientific evidence, of the genetic, biological, dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors that can cause or contribute to the progression of dementia.

The second half of BEYOND ALZHEIMER’S is prescriptive, and offers hope to both Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers by recommending scientifically-tested herbs, vitamins and nutraceuticals that can help mitigate or delay the effects of dementia. He also discusses the latest medications that can be prescribed when necessary to treat dementia. Dr. Mendelson then advises on lifestyle changes that might help a person avoid dementia altogether, including steps to prevent heart disease and diabetes, avoid sleep apnea, achieve an ideal body weight, and maintain an active mind through intellectual stimulation and an active social life.

Dr. Mendelson is available for interviews about his new book and the innovative approach to battling dementia that he prescribes.