This book is part of the ‘Maps of the Mind’ series on brain research and would probably be classified as ‘popular science’. Although the general reader would have little difficulty following the clearly explained concepts, the book is essential reading for anybody working in the field of old age psychiatry or neurology. The author is professor and head of mental health at the University of Aberdeen and states in his preface that one of his intentions is ‘to counter the widespread pessimism about what the future has in store for us’. Beginning with a lucid discussion of the slippery concept of ageing, Whalley details physical, social and psychological aspects of growing older, and describes current thinking on the changes in mental ability which appear characteristic of normal ageing. After setting this solid and vivid scene of normality, he moves on to the dementias and their causes, chiefly Alzheimer's disease and vascular pathology, and concludes with a plausible account of possible future developments in the treatment and perhaps prevention of these devastating disorders.

The book gives an excellent and readable account of brain function and dysfunction. Whalley manages to be concise and comprehensive at the same time, presenting potentially daunting hard science in an elegant style and including case studies to bring his concepts to life. His use of metaphor is impressive; for example, the mind is likened to a theatre, with various elements — audience, narrator, executive controller — representing different aspects of cognitive function. The scope is broad, encompassing cell biology, immunology, genetics, psychology and even virtual reality, and all in 182 pages.