The Better Brain Book: The Best Tool for Improving Memory and Sharpness and Preventing Aging of the Brain

by David Perlmutter, Carol Colman

From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Grain Brain and New York Times bestseller  Brain Make r ...

Loss of memory is not a natural part of aging—and this book explains why.   Celebrated neurologist David Perlmutter reveals how everyday memory-loss—misplacing car keys, forgetting a name, losing concentration in meetings—is actually a warning sign of a distressed brain. Here he and Carol Colman offer a simple plan for repairing those problems, clarifying misconstrued connections between memory loss and aging, and regaining and maintaining mental clarity by offering the tools Building a better brain through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and brain workouts Coping with specific brain disorders such as stroke, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and Lou Gehrig's disease Understanding risk factors and individually tailoring a diet and supplementary program Features a "Life Style Audit," quizzes, a brain fitness program with the most effective ways to exercise your brain, and a nutritional program that details the best brain food and supplements.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Brain, Science, Nutrition, Medicine

325 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2004

About the author

Dr. Perlmutter is a Board-Certified Neurologist and four-time New York Times bestselling author. He serves on the Board of Directors and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition.

Dr. Perlmutter received his M.D. degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine where he was awarded the Leonard G. Rowntree Research Award. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals including Archives of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and The Journal of Applied Nutrition. In addition, he is a frequent lecturer at symposia sponsored by institutions such as the World Bank and IMF, Columbia University, Scripps Institute, New York University, and Harvard University, and serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

His books have been published in 34 languages and include the #1 New York Times bestseller Grain Brain, The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs and Sugar, with over 1 million copies in print. Other New York Times bestsellers include Brain Maker, The Grain Brain Cookbook, and The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan. He is the editor of the upcoming collection The Microbiome and the Brain that will be authored by top experts in the field and will be published in late 2019 by CRC Press. He has been interviewed on many nationally syndicated television programs including 20/20, Larry King Live, CNN, Fox News, Fox and Friends, The Today Show, Oprah, The Dr. Oz Show and The CBS Early Show.

Dr. Perlmutter is also the recipient of numerous awards, including: the Linus Pauling Award for his innovative approaches to neurological disorders; the National Nutritional Foods Association Clinician of the Year Award, the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the American College of Nutrition, and most recently the 2019 Global Leadership Award from the Integrative Healthcare Symposium.

Reviews

[Don Gubler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can save you having to read this book. Use your brains.

[KD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have to say - a must read if you are having memory problems or have a history of Alzheimer's in your family genes. The Tier 2 supplement system REALLY works! And I have so much more energy too!

[Janice Dimock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information for absolutely everyone!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some pretty fascinating points but is incredibly repetitive. It probably could have been written in about 1/3 the number of pages.

I did learn a few things about eating better (no fried foods, more omega-3, importance of antioxidants). It also talks about a few, simple tests you should take which are related to brain health. Nothing in the book is really revolutionary but there are good things to be reminded of and remember.

We did a video book report which summarizes things. Our book report is in video form and lasts ~ 1 hour. So 1 hour is pretty long but it is quicker than reading the entire book. Feel free to watch the video if you want...

http://www.vimeo.com/21576405

[Janey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books like this, looking for some smart-sounding, believable information about how to manage these bodies we walk around in. This book seems really useful. I added several more vitamins to my daily dose as a result of his explanation why they were a good idea. THe idea of nourishing the mitochondria in the brain is really helpful.

Check back and see if I can still remember having read it!!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe that some of the info and dietary recommendations in this book are outdated, and maybe even contrary to current recommendations--but the book is 20+ years old. This may be recognized by the author given that he does not promote this book along with his several other books on his website.

[Dimitri · Rating 5 out of 5]

📕 Why (Not) to read this book (Target Audience)

A book on how food impacts the aging off our brain.

👀 How this book changed my daily live (Takeaways)

The same forces that are aging your body are aging your brain. Only they hit your brain earlier and harder. These culprits are at the core of virtually all brain problems, from mild memory issues to brain fog to severe Alzheimer's disease. They are one. The proliferation in the brain of destructive chemicals called free radicals. And two, the decline in the ability of brain cells to make energy.

Coenzyme Q10 is another antioxidant produced by the body that protects brain cells from free radicals and inflammation

Vitamin C E


⁉ Spoiler Alerts (Highlights)

Food related: Free Radicals
- Like to bind with FAT
- Brain is fat based
- Free Radicals are created by
○ Excess Sugar
○ Excess Meat
○ Aspartame
○ Chronic stress

Habits Related
- Sleep deprivation
- Cellphones
- No exercise (Regular exercise, removes brain fogue)
- Smoking

[Shishir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Discusses a lot of things that can help you improve your health (and brain health) including all the usual lifestyle changes. It also draws attention to warning signs through blood tests and the harmful side effects of many common drugs. To alleviate supplements suggested. Practical advice but overly repetitive

[Anton Kvashnevskiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ставлю заочно оценку, тк должно пройти время чтобы понять есть ли изменения благодаря его советам. Рекомендую книгу к прочтению всем для профилактики и особенно тем, кто заметил что начались проблемы с памятью, концентрацией и скоростью принятия решений, хотя буквально 3-4 года назад все было хорошо.

[Pedro Chaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rule book!

This book (or should I call it manual...) explains in simple terms what affects mostly your brain and a pointer on how to address it. It also provides a simple description of major brain diseases.
I have read a few books on the theme and this one is definitely recommended!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting book. There were a couple of things I didn’t agree with him on but I found all the information about common medications and their effects on vitamin deficiencies to be extremely interesting and helpful!

[Full Circle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most uptodate resource on Alzheimers, MS and Parkinson's. Shows how to use diet, supplements and cutting edge research to manage these conditions. Most importantly, only resource out there that explains how to prevent cognitive decline.

[Brock R · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is science backing this book, but the last half is tough to work through, and hard to believe that anyone is going to follow the suggestions.

[Mrs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expected more scientific approach, not just list of good and bad meds and supplements given without explanations why.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information but outdated at this point in 2024, needs an update.

[Don Gubler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goes a bit beyond the mark.

[Il · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and informative. Learned a lot of little things...like: B-complex vitamins and fish oil supplements are good. Predatory fish (like tuna and swordfish) are laden with mercury, which is very bad for you. More than 2 drinks of alcohol per day can seriously mess up your brain (in the long term). Health conscious? Read this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy this type of book. Food choices, supplements, mental stimulation all help to push away Father Time. Now if I could only remember all those things I need to do to build my better brain.....

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know enough about nutrition to accurately critique this book, but I am inspired to learn more. The author seems well-informed and passionate about his work, but at times, I felt like he was just pushing his own products.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful I read this book. As a personal who has Alzheimer's run on both side of the family (mother's and father's), I want to learn what I can and do what I can to prevent getting it myself. This book is very informative and helps you develop a plan.

[Zan]

This book was written a decade ago; whilst it has very useful knowledge compiled into one source, the majority of it is what I would class as common knowledge to those already interested in the field.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting regarding food and health..

[Kw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very informative, with practical instruction regarding protection
and enhancement of the brain.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Perlmutter approaches nutrition from a neurologist point of view. His regimens of antioxidants have proven records on the severely ill.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great brain health information...a lot to digest.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

book focused on diet, nutrition and vitamins to keep the brain going a little better. DHA, b-complex, possibly CoQ10. cutting sugars, fats. Interesting book.

[The · Rating 3 out of 5]

some interesting ideas.

[Shelly Nicholson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I can improve my thinking?????!!!!!!

[Cindy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, gave me some new ideas about nutrition. Practical advice I can really use.