Younger Brain, Sharper Mind: A 6-Step Plan for Preserving and Improving Memory and Attention at Any Age from America's Brain Doctor

by Eric R. Braverman

While gray hair and wrinkles may be unwelcome if inevitable signs of the passing years, the memory
loss, intellectual impairment, and mood swings that come with an aging brain can be truly devastating.
According to bestselling author and anti-aging expert Dr. Eric Braverman, getting older does not have to mean becoming forgetful, clueless, or depressed—quite the opposite, in fact. Distilling his 35 years of research and clinical experience into an easy-to-follow protocol, Dr. Braverman explains how men and women can actually build new brain cells, becoming younger and smarter as they age. Readers will learn what to eat to stay focused, when to exercise to sharpen their memory, and how to organize their lifestyle to improve problem-solving skills—and discover the revolutionary hormone therapies and medications available to treat cognitive decline.


Having helped thousands take control of their hormones to maintain the physical and sexual vitality
of their twenties and thirties, Dr. Braverman now presents Younger Brain, Sharper Mind , a simple plan to help them protect and enhance youth's most prized a vigorous, capable mind.

Genres: Nonfiction, Brain, Self Help, Health, Science, Neuroscience, Psychology

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 31, 2012

Reviews

[Kimberly Hughes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books is a mix of proven fact, unproven but rational ideas, radical ideas, and out-right false information and opinions. The real problem with the book is that there is no way to note which is which and his references at the end of the book are just a list of books with no way to link it to what the author claims in the chapter.

The basic gist is good. Balance the enzymes in the brain for better brain function. Everyone really knows what he is telling you to do: 1. Be aware of how well your brain is functioning; 2. Meditate and learn to relax; 3. Eat whole foods, lots of veggies and fruit, and lean meat; 4. Do brain boosting exercises and physical exercise; 5. Get hormone replacement therapy for areas your lacking (and there is a lot of false and unproven stuff in this chapter); and 6. Take medication as needed. While it sounds good, the author puts so much other information and contradictory information that it weakens everything else he writes.

At the beginning of the book, when he would claim things that I was fairly sure to be false, I started looking it up. Some of the things he will tell you is that a well functioning brain will have no issues driving while talking on a cell phone, extended estrogen use does not have any link to higher risk of breast cancer, and Parkinson's disease can be cured with dopamine (research shows it declines after time). There are a ton of other things and I didn't take notes or this review would easily run through the characters allowed.

Some of the claims that are not proven to be outright false but are certainly questionable is that extroverts are smarter than introverts, that the vitamins and supplements that are more expensive and that he makes are inherently better than other ones (but oddly he doesn't claim to be certified as having current good manufacturing practices - though he mentions that of course he follows them), and that following his protocol anyone should be able to have perfect (or close to it) memory in four different areas.

Add to all that and there is the condescending tone that this is written in and his disdain for anyone that might disagree with him. He even makes a statement to take this book with you to your doctor and point out all the places that your doctor might disagree to change your doctor's mind. He uses chemical and medical acronyms without defining them. He also describes the biochemistry of things in a manner much more complex (and sometimes therefore not quite accurate) than in necessary.

I would never recommend this book to anyone because it has so many flaws. I would, however, recommend some of the same things the author suggests, which is why I gave it two stars instead of one.

[John Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very good ideas that make sense, some common and some not. Might also be some quackery as well? I am not educated enough to determine yes or no and time will tell if some of the protocols are effective or not. I think it is a worthwhile read with practical actions to stay healthy but be skeptical and trust your instincts.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost annoyingly self promotional and includes such obvious information that we all know already.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was interesting information in this book that I think makes it worth reading, but there is also misinformation such as the old 10% brain usage myth that makes me question the validity of the rest of the book. Still an interesting read.

[Tsinoy Foodies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some steps were good but the hormones and medications were scary so I skipped them.

[Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book is for the beginner to intermediate of the field. Though some reviewers rated it a 3...I think this book deserves a slightly higher rating as some of us advanced readers may have been exposed to or already know a lot of this stuff...there are still potential shifts in perspective that take place during the read. I see it as also a nice book to help people cope who are living with people with dysfunction...

[Omar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book contains some useful information concerning the effect of nutrition and exercising on the brain functioning. However, in many parts it will direct you to see your physician, and obviously too many self promotional things. This book isn't really intended for young people atleast below 35 yrs of age.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Persuasive information regarding care and maintenance of the aging brain. I can't see myself keeping up with all the suggested tools, exercises and supplements though. I downloaded a couple of "brain" apps, and I'm trying to eat better.