Memory changes can raise difficult questions for individuals, families and care partners: What is normal aging? When should someone seek an evaluation? What should families do first? How can they plan for the future while preserving connection, dignity and quality of life?
A new book by Nathaniel Chin, MD, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer’s and Dementia, offers a clear and compassionate guide for people navigating Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The book brings both Chin’s professional and personal experience to the forefront on the topic. When his father, also a physician, began experiencing memory changes and was later diagnosed with dementia, Chin became one of his caregivers. That experience shaped his approach to patient care and inspired him to create a resource for families facing similar uncertainty.
“Families often feel overwhelmed when memory concerns first appear,” Chin said. “My hope is that this book helps people understand what to ask, what to plan for and to recognize they are not alone in this journey.”
When Memory Fades addresses common questions across the course of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and reflects Chin’s broader work at the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) and Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP) study.
Learn more about the book by listening to “What to Expect from ‘When Memory Fades’ with Drs. Art Walaszek and Nathaniel Chin” on the Dementia Matters podcast, guest hosted by Art Walaszek, MD.
When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia is published by St. Martin’s Essentials.
About Dr. Chin
Nathaniel Chin, MD, is a geriatrician and memory clinic doctor. He serves as Clinical Core co-leader and medical director for the Wisconsin ADRC, a multiple principal investigator (mPI) for the WRAP study and an associate professor in the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. He sees patients in the UW Health Memory Clinic. He is also the host of the internationally recognized podcast Dementia Matters and the Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) education series.
In the Media
"When Memory Fades: The Case for Early Alzheimer's Detection" was published by UsAgainstAlzheimer's BrainStorm podcast on June 2, 2026.
"Nathaniel Chin in Conversation with Dave Cieslewicz" was hosted by Mystery to Me bookstore on June 3, 2026. Watch the livestream of the event on their website.
Dr. Chin will appear on BeingPatient's Brain Talk series, "When Memory Fades: What Families Should Expect at Every Stage," on Friday, June 12, from 1-1:30 p.m. CT. RSVP on BeingPatient's website.
