Worried About Memory Loss? Dr. Peter Rabins Has 101 Answers That Can Help

For decades, Dr. Peter V. Rabins has been one of the most trusted voices in dementia care and research. His classic guide, The 36-Hour Day, is a staple in the homes of caregivers worldwide. Now, in the second edition of Is It Alzheimer’s?, Rabins offers a concise, readable, and reassuring resource for anyone worried about memory loss—either in themselves or a loved one.

Framed around 101 of the most frequently asked questions he’s received over a forty-year career, Is It Alzheimer’s? covers the full landscape of cognitive decline, from occasional forgetfulness to more serious conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. The book’s second edition is fully updated with the latest science, including guidance on new diagnostic tools like amyloid PET scans, recent FDA-approved treatments, and ongoing research on the role of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a concerned adult child, or simply someone growing older with questions about your own brain health, this book provides clarity and comfort in equal measure.

Here are just a few of the pressing questions that Rabins addresses in this deeply empathetic and easy-to-understand guide:

• How do I know if my forgetfulness is normal—or something more serious?
• What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
• Can a person with Alzheimer's disease learn new things?
• Should I get genetic testing if my parent had Alzheimer's disease?
• What are the risks and benefits of new drugs like Leqembi?
• Are there proven ways to lower my risk of dementia?
• How should I talk to my loved one about long-term care or giving up driving?
• What can I do to support someone with memory loss from a distance?
• Is it still possible to have a good quality of life with dementia?

Is It Alzheimer’s? also includes practical guides to legal and financial planning, caregiver self-care, managing difficult behaviors, and evaluating long-term care facilities.

What makes this book stand out is not just the depth of Rabins’ expertise, but the compassion with which he delivers it. He recognizes the fear, confusion, and even shame that often surround cognitive decline—and he responds with knowledge, sensitivity, and encouragement. He reminds readers that quality of life is possible at every stage of dementia, and that both patients and caregivers deserve dignity, support, and accurate information.

Rabins also doesn’t shy away from the complex ethical and emotional decisions families must face. With clear, actionable guidance, he helps readers navigate medical appointments, medication decisions, family disagreements, and emotional burnout.

With the number of older adults in the United States growing rapidly, more and more families are facing questions about cognitive health. Is It Alzheimer’s? is a timely and necessary book whether you’re worried about early memory lapses or navigating the later stages of dementia care.

Pick up the second edition of Is It Alzheimer’s? today, and find answers that empower, educate, and provide peace of mind.