Mark Avery

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

A fascinating compendium showcasing the extraordinary wonders of the birds that share our world through exquisite ornithological illustrations, prints and drawings. We share the Earth with more than 10,000 species of birds and we have always been enchanted by them. Here, over 60 birds, organized thematically into eight sections, cover all aspects of our relationship with birds. ‘Songbirds’ celebrates the greatest bird virtuosi, such as the Nightingale, while ‘Birds of Prey’ include majestic hunters such as the Harpy Eagle, which catches prey as large as monkeys and sloths. ‘Feathered Travellers’ describes astounding journeys made by birds – even some tiny Hummingbirds migrate huge distances. ‘The Love Life of Birds’ can rival any soap opera and involves the most brilliant displays, notably the Birds of Paradise, with their extravagant feathers and dances. ‘Avian Cities’ explores species such as the Flamingo that live in spectacular large colonies. ‘Useful to Us’ examines the ways we find birds of value, such as the Turkey, but also the Canary. ‘Threatened and Extinct’ describes some no longer living and others that seem on the brink. Birds have also had great mystical significance, both for good and evil, and ‘Revered and Adored’ considers such species as the Sacred Ibis, believed by the ancient Egyptians to represent the god Thoth. For anyone interested in the natural world and the wonderful variety of birds around us, this beautifully illustrated book is a visual treat that will inspire, inform and delight.