The Scientific American Healthy Aging Brain

by Judith Horstman

Welcome to the new old age! There has never been a better time, in all of history, to grow old. But will your brain age as well as the rest of you?In her fourth engaging book about the brain, Judith Horstman presents a realistic and encouraging overview of the well-aged brain, a sobering look at what can go wrong, and the latest in what neuroscience is finding might help you--and your brain--stay healthy longer.

Culled from articles in Scientific American and Scientific American Mind as well as current research, the book explains how your brain grows and the changes to expect in a healthy aging brain.There's plenty of good news. While your brain does slow down with passing years, far from disintegrating, the healthy mature brain fades quite slowly. Short-term memory may not be what it once was, but the elder brain remains able to change and learn well into old age.  And myths of a miserable old age are just that. In fact, studies show that for many, happiness increases after the age of 70.Moreover, dementia, depression, and delusion are not normal parts of aging but diseases that may be treated. While it's still difficult to predict what brains will fall prey to Alzheimer's disease, brain scientists are finding an association between lower risks of dementia and five healthy lifestyle practices that Horstman shows how to put into place right now.A new and positive message about growing older, The Scientific American Healthy Aging Brain is an indispensible user's manual on how preserve what you've got, minimize what you've lost, and optimize the vigor and health of your brain as you grow older.

Judith Horstman is the author of The Scientific American Day in the Life of Your Brain, The Scientific American Brave New Brain, The Scientific American Book of Love, Sex, and the Brain . She's an award-winning science journalist whose work has been widely published and is the author of four other books.

Scientific American is one of the most popular science magazines in the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Audiobook, Medicine, Health, Neuroscience

235 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2012

Reviews

[Karen Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most comprehensive book written for non academic readers on brain health...The information in this book is not limited to the aging brain, but a brain in all stages of life. However, the author did spend a larger portion of the book on factors that usually impact the older brain: side effect of multiple medications, negative myths and beliefs about seniors and their learning and problem solving ability. They are just myths. Human brain is able to rewire and learn as long as its owner is alive. If anything. Older brains are happier, more focused and experienced if we take good care of them.

[Sandra Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well-researched book is an excellent source of information on brain function in children, teens and adults. In addition, it serves as an instructional guide to the care and feeding of your brain - no matter what your age. I expected grim news about mature brains, but was relieved to learn that older brains, with their wealth of life experience, make for happier people. For those who may become afflicted with dementia or Alzheimer’s there is good news. Researchers are making advancements in treatment procedures and are feverishly working on finding a cure. Every possibility is being researched, even the use of microchips to replace memory. Until that time, it’s advisable to take good care of your brain. According to the author that means being creative, socializing, traveling, relaxing and having sex. So for your brain's sake, get busy!

[Taylor Ellwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book to read because of the information it provides on the brain in general, as well as what occurs as your brain ages. The author provided useful advice for keeping your brain sharp as you age and reducing the risks of Alzheimers and Dementia, as well as explaining what types of activity keep the brain stimulated. What I enjoyed the most was how the information was presented without a lot of technical terms or jargon. Anyone could pick this book up and learn a wealth of information about the brain and how it works as well as how aging effects it.

[Ralph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out slowly for me, but then it gradually drew me in. I am a voracious reader of all brain-related material, and this was a nice compilation of interesting facts and insights. I learned a good bit about the current theories of Alzheimers, and it is quite gratifying to see that inroads into understanding it are being steadily made.

The full color glossy illustrations of neurons and such were stunning, and quite demonstrative of the complexity of our noggins!

All in all, a nice book. The pace was nice and steady, and the level just right.

[Jim Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of why and how our brain ages, and what we can do to keep it healthy.

[Jimmy In]

A really interesting book if you are interested in neuroscience, as I am.