Food to Grow On: Give Your Kids a Healthy Start in Life by S. Mendelson; R. MendelsonReview by: Debra ReidCanadian Journal of Public Health / Revue Canadienne de Sante'e Publique, Vol. 86, No. 4(JULY / AUGUST 1995), p. 286Published by: Canadian Public Health AssociationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/41991316 .

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BOOK REVIEWS

and abstracts; referencing formats are inconsistent; and table lay- outs have no standard configuration. These are minor annoyances but they reflect a more general sense of haphazard organization.

The authors participating in this work include distinguished experts who have contributed much to knowledge in health and aging. However, the material presented is typically so superficial that the opportunity to benefit from their insights is often missed. Some better sources for authoritative reviews on topic in epidemi- ology, public health and aging include the Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics and Clinics in Geriatric Medicine.

John P. Hirdes, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Health Studies and Gerontology University of Waterloo & Freeport Hospital Kitchener , ON

Facts and Research in Gerontology 1994:

Dementia and Cognitive Impairments V ellas BJ, Albarede JL, Garry PJ (Eds.). Paris France: Société d'é- tude, réalisation et diffusion internationale, 1994 ; 206 pp.

The series of papers included in this supplement provide an informative review of selected diverse research initiatives recently employed in the area of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD). The discussions of methodological issues related to dif- ferential diagnosis of ADRD, and the importance of recognizing other causes of cognitive impairment (e.g., depression, vascular disorders, psychotropic drug use) represent particular strengths of the book.

However, there is a general lack of cohesiveness in terms of the topic areas presented, and the relevance of several papers, even broadly speaking, is unclear (e.g., the mix of papers included in the section entitled "Therapeutic-Insomnia-Subjective Health- Educational). Moreover, the apparent bias in content area toward clinical and biological investigations prevents the book from ade- quately meeting the objective outlined in the two editorials, namely, to provide a broad and timely survey of the most impor- tant findings in ADRD research. It is unfortunate, for example, that epidemiologic data on the role of environmental and behav- ioural factors and their interaction with genetic/biological predis- position in the etiology of ADRD have been omitted. In this respect, it is difficult to imagine a timely review which does not include the recent controversy regarding the aluminum hypothe- sis.

Several of the articles on Alzheimer's disease reflect the tradi- tional biomedical approach to understanding aging and age-related conditions, with a heavy emphasis on pharmacologic interven- tions and applications of sophisticated diagnostic technology. The rationale behind such a perspective is not easily understood given that the priority in ADRD research should be the identification of potentially modifiable risk factors which will lead to preventive initiatives. Also, a more balanced view would include a discussion

of the quality of life implications of improved diagnosis (which does not alter the course of AD) and of the barriers preventing widespread use of such techniques among older persons. A further area not adequately addressed in this book pertains to the com- plex psychosocial issues regarding dementing disorders.

The overall structure and presentation of the book would be enhanced with the correction of the numerous grammatical errors. As well, the writing style and assumed baseline level of comprehension varies considerably across articles, with some authors providing detailed descriptions of complex biological processes (e.g., Price et al.) and others providing only a vague overview of the methods employed in their particular study (e.g., Ferrario et al.). Examples of journals providing more comprehen- sive and timely reviews include Clinics in Geriatric Medicine and Reviews in Clinical Gerontology.

Colleen J. Maxwell Clinical Epidemiology Unit Elisabeth-Bruyère Health Centre, Ottawa, ON

Food to Grow On: Give Your Kids a Healthy Start in Life

S. Mendelson & R. Mendelson, Toronto: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. , 1994

When sisters from supposedly different food paradigms, a cook/caterer and a nutritionist, pool their talents for this book, the reader quickly learns that nutritious and delicious do indeed have lots of common ground! The book is presented in three sec- tions, each with their own nutrition guidelines, sample menu and recipes. The sections address key stages of life, beginning with preconception health, pregnancy and breastfeeding, then through infancy and thirdly, into the childhood years.

The nutrition information is sound, easy to read and very up- to-date with each section presenting the specific dietary and nutri- tion guidelines used in Canada and complemented with discus- sion of how to cope with those everyday food and mealtime dilemmas that parents, and parents-to-be, face. Readers will indeed have "food for thought" on how they can create the most nutritious environment for their growing children.

The sample menus, while a good example of balanced meals, are a bit unrealistic with three to five recipes per meal.

The recipes are creative yet relatively easy to prepare and all embody current dietary recommendations. For some readers, the recipes will definitely broaden their culinary horizons, and would probably appeal most to those who like to try new things.

This book is an excellent Canadian resource and can be recom- mended to all current or prospective parents.

Debra Reid, PhD, RD Ottawa-Carleton Health Department Ottawa, ON

286 REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTÉ PUBLIQUE VOLUME 86, NO. 4

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