This concise but comprehensive text provides a systematic account of the memory disorders, whether they result from psychological stress, traumatic injury, stroke, or degenerative disease of the brain. The major amnesia syndromes are covered in consistently organized chapters that give a clear description of the clinical signs and symptoms, predisposing factors, prevalence and prognosis, pathophysiology to the extent that it is known, diagnostic approaches including tests used to evaluate the disorders, and therapeutic efforts. The book's emphasis is on facts rather than theory, and readers from a variety of disciplines will appreciate its clear, jargon-free, well-organized assessment of the state of knowledge about the memory disorders. These disciplines include neurobiology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, cognitive neuroscience, rehabilitation medicine, and gerontology.Even theorists will find the book useful since any theory of memory and its neurophysiological mechanisms must be constrained by the facts of amnesia if it is to be considered complete. The book's clearcut scheme of organization will enhance its value and user-friendliness. It divides the amnesias into three types: progressive, permanent, and transient. The first type includes amnesias associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and with vascular dementias, contrasting them with memory decline resulting from normal aging. The second type consists of classic amnesic syndromes associated with limbic lesions of various etiologies such as Korsakoff's encephalopathy and traumatic brain injuries. The third type includes transient global, transient epileptic, andECT-induced amnesias as well as the reversible psychogenic amnesias associated with dissociative and fugue states. These discussions are preceded by two introductory chapters that define the mnemonic and amnesic phenomena, classify the various memory systems and functions, and describe the putative brain circuitry underlying these functions, including molecular mechanisms, neurotransmitter systems, and the effects of stress-related hormones and drugs, with the aid of magnetic resonance images and anatomical drawings. "...is an excellent resource...Overall, the book is well-written with clear concepts and up-to-date research. Clinicians should include it in their resource library as a practical handbook which covers all the possible syndromes of amnesias to be found in any neurological or even psychological patient. Similarly, it is an indispensable resource for university teaching on amnesia and its related disorders; it is equally indispensable for any neuropsychologist, neurologist, neurorehabilitationist or neuropsychiatrist."--International Brain Injury Association"This well-written book clearly discusses relevant concepts and research. Clinicians will want to include The Amnesias: A Clinical Textbook of Memory Disorders in their resource library and will value it as a practical handbook that covers amnesia syndromes likely to be encountered in neurological or psychological patients...It is a book I highly recommend."--Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society"Unlike other monographs and comprehensive handbooks that are intended for a restricted readership, this book not only addresses specialists but also students in psychology and neurosciences, residents in neurology and psychiatry, and health professionals of related fields. The book provides an excellent overview of the different types of memory, brain functions and circuitries underlying these functions and dysfunctions, their clinical and neuropsychological presentation, diagnostic assessment, prognosis, and treatment."--European Journal of Neurology"Written in a clear and well-structured manner, this book provides the reader with a factual and concise account of the current understanding of the amnesias...Although there has never been a shortage of books on memory, the factual and honest nature of this book lends well to its longevity. Its layout and the clear manner in which it is structured renders it a valuable academic guide and clinical desk reference."--Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center

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