Zachowaj mózg w świetnej formie! Poznaj tajniki funkcjonowania mózgu i dowiedz się, dlaczego sen, ćwiczenia, dieta, a nawet kontakty towarzyskie są tak ważne dla naszego zdrowia . Koncentrując się na kluczowych obszarach, takich jak dieta, sen, ćwiczenia, trening mózgu i emocje, ta książka wyjaśnia w prostych słowach naukowe podstawy tego, co naprawdę wpływa na nasz mózg, a także dostarcza praktycznych wskazówek i ćwiczeń poprawiających i wspierających funkcjonowanie mózgu zarówno w młodszym, jak i w starszym wieku.
Im bliżej mi do pięćdziesiątki, tym częściej myślę o starzeniu się organizmu. I nie chodzi mi o zmarszczki, bo te (w miarę) z godnością przyjmuję, ale o choroby, które mogą wpłynąć na mój komfort życia. A ja oczywiście chciałabym żyć długo i w dobrym zdrowiu fizycznym i psychicznym. Wiadomo, że nie na wszystko mamy wpływ, ale jednak możemy zrobić coś już dziś, by zmniejszyć ryzyko wystąpienia niektórych chorób związanych ze starzeniem się naszego organizmu.
Z wiekiem często pogarsza się nasza pamięć, koncentracja, a także pojawiają się choroby neurodegeneracyjne wpływające na funkcję motoryczną organizmu czy powodujące demencję. Jeśli mieliście styczność z osobą chorą na Alzheimera, to wiecie, jak przerażające jest to stopniowe tracenie samego siebie zarówno dla osoby chorej, jak i jej najbliższych. Z literatury nasuwa mi się od razu „Pamiętnik” Nicholasa Sparksa, na którym wypłakałam morze łez.
Catherine de Lange, dziennikarka naukowa, w opracowaniu „Moc mózgu. Jak żyć zdrowiej, szczęśliwiej i dłużej” przedstawia najnowsze wyniki badań z zakresu neurobiologii i psychologii, pozwalające odrobinę lepiej rozumieć funkcjonowanie naszego mózgu, organu, który kryje przed nami jeszcze wiele tajemnic. Co jednak ważniejsze, czyni to w sposób przystępny i poparty wieloma przykładami.
Dzieląc treść na siedem części związanych z najistotniejszymi zagadnieniami wpływającymi na zdrowie naszego mózgu takimi jak dieta, sen, aktywność fizyczna, ćwiczenia umysłu, kontakty z ludźmi, zdrowie fizyczne i nasz własny charakter skupia się w dużej mierze na analizie tego, co możemy zrobić już teraz, by zapobiec negatywnym zmianom. I można powiedzieć, że nie ma nic odkrywczego w stwierdzeniu, że uczenie się czy słuchanie muzyki ma dobry wpływ na nasz mózg, ale już powiązanie zapalenia dziąseł, czy utraty słuchu z chorobą Alzheimera okazało się dla mnie sporym zaskoczeniem.
Przyznaję, że lektura daje sporo do myślenia, a wprowadzone w życie rady autorki oparte na przeprowadzonych badaniach naukowych mogą już teraz poprawić jego jakość i to bez szczególnych rewolucji. Jeśli więc nawet jeszcze nie myślicie o starości, ale chcielibyście lepiej spać, wiedzieć, co jeść, by poprawić sobie nastrój (i nie jest to niestety czekolada) lub mniej się stresować zachęcam do sięgnięcia po tę książkę. A dobre nawyki wprowadzone już teraz mogą mieć duży wpływ na wysoką jakość naszego życia w przyszłości.
Dużo ciekawostek i anegdotek. Na ile jest to dobra książka skoro została napisana przez dziennikarke a nie osobę wykształconą w tym kierunku, ciężko stwierdzić. Generalnie w skrócie jeśli nie chcesz mieć demencji to zwróć uwagę na: sen, stres, ćwiczenia, kwas omega 3, dobre jedzonko, witamina B, woda, dużo przyrody, zwierzątka, joga, higiena jamy ustnej i słuchu, słońce. ALE HA HA TAK NAPRAWDĘ MOŻESZ ROBIĆ TO WSZYSTKO I MIEĆ SLABE GENY WIEC TO NIC NIE DA 🤡 No i generalnie na każde badanie dotyczące demencji jest badanie z przeciwnymi wnioskami albo wnioskami mieszanymi, wiec generalnie (wg tej książki) to więcej i tak nie wiemy niż wiemy, wiec to bardziej kwestia tego żeby na wszelki wypadek robić rzeczy, może nie pomogą, ale w sumie nie zaszkodzą. Nie wiem czy bardziej mnie to uspokaja czy demotywuje 🥲
Ksiazka idelana dla osob ktore nic nie wiedzą o mozgu, ja jednak sie tym interesuje wiec malo nowych rzeczy sie dowiedziaalam. Jednakze uwazam ze starsze pokolenie ma mniejsza świadomość dzialania mozgu i jest to dla nich wartosciowa ksiazka. (juz wiem co kupie mamie hihi)
Summary of the book: eat well and diversely, sleep well, and don’t forget to exercise. Also, sprinkle some chia seeds on your meals. For something more profound, I would recommend opening "Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker.
Yes! Amazing book by Catherine de Lange. We all want a healthy brain: whether it's just to best make use of and enjoy our creativity and focus... or for longevity in terms of avoiding mental diseases such as Alzheimer's. In 'Brain Power', de Lange goes through a breadth of topics (diet, exercise, sleep, relationships, education levels and other lifestyle factors) and brings both a superb summery of existing scientific research AND a concise collection of recommendations for how we can apply the learnings from that research in our daily lives.
Whether it be learning more about the connection between dental health and mental health, the promising yet new research around intermittent fasting, the importance of developing a good gut biome, sleep science, impact of different levels of intensity of exercise... Ah there's so much great stuff covered in this book! I doubt there is anyone in the world who wouldn't learn a great amount by reading this book.
I've been on a personal journey to 'test out' various different lifestyle approaches (in terms of sleep, diet, exercise and beyond) over the last 5 years in the pursuit of sustainable habits that can help with long-term health. I've learned a huge amount in those 5 years and a lot of what I've learned is backed-up and expanded on this book (if only I'd discovered it sooner).
I would say that there may be people who prefer a different style of book than this offers. This book is not about rich characters or stories. There are a lot of data and facts - and delivered in quite an intense way. If you're looking for stories of people and what they have personally done to develop their brain power, then this may not be the book for you. However, if you want to see, from a more scientific standpoint, what approaches taken by millions of people have worked vs. what hasn't... then this is going to be a treat!
My only criticism of this book would be that the topic (healthy brains) is huge and so there is only so much depth that de Lange has been able to go into on each of the factors / topics that relates to it. I still feel like I gained a lot from the book, but I wouldn't have minded if it was twice as long.
‘Brain Power’ explains how lifestyle choices affect brain health and offers science-based guidance to optimise brain health and happiness.
In ‘Brain Power,’ Catherine de Lange explores the profound link between our daily choices and brain health, revealing how what we do in our lives shapes our cognitive well-being. This comprehensive guide offers actionable recommendations based on scientific facts to unlock the secrets of a healthy and happy brain.
Author’s background
Catherine de Lange is a distinguished science journalist, editor, and author known for her work on the intersection of science and the human mind.
Catherine’s insightful articles have appeared in reputable publications such as Nature, the Guardian, and the Washington Post, demonstrating her expertise in scientific reporting. Currently, Catherine holds the position of Biomedical Features Editor at New Scientist.
What is the book about?
‘Brain Power’ by Catherine de Lange is a comprehensive guide aimed at improving brain health and happiness. It explores the desire for a healthy brain, whether for enhanced creativity and focus or to prevent mental diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The book is divided into seven parts, each focusing on a specific aspect that influences brain health, including diet, exercise, sleep, relationships, education, and lifestyle factors, and providing a wealth of scientific research summaries along with practical recommendations to incorporate the findings into daily life.
The author defines a healthy brain as one that functions as expected, both structurally and when examined in a brain scanner. The book also discusses the brain’s changes with age and offers strategies to minimise detrimental changes that could lead to conditions like dementia. Additionally, it addresses the concept of a happy brain, which encompasses mood, including mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as stress and ways to improve overall mood.
Key takeaways from ‘Brain Power’
1.Benefits of fasting: hungry brains may live longer
Calorie restriction and intermittent fasting have been linked to neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, which is associated with increased cognition and better mood. Fasting has shown positive effects in animal studies, such as improved brain plasticity, better function of synapses, and enhanced memory.
The process of ketosis, triggered during fasting, may contribute to the brain’s ability to adapt to stress and protect itself against diseases like Alzheimer’s. While research in humans is still ongoing, fasting diets like the 5:2 diet or the 8:16 diet have shown promising results in improving cognitive function and memory. What is more, habits acquired through fasting, like mindful eating and avoiding late-night snacking, can have overall health benefits beyond brain health.
2.New brain cells can be grown
Contrary to the long-held belief that adult brains are unable to produce new cells, recent studies have shown that humans can grow new brain cells well into old age. Neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, has been observed in the hippocampus, the brain’s hub for learning and memory, even in the brains of elderly individuals. The promise of such plasticity in the human brain suggests that altering our environment can potentially stimulate the growth of new brain cells, offering possibilities for warding off mental decline and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Factors like exercise, exposure to novelty, and socialising have been identified as triggers for neurogenesis, prompting further research into finding ways to nurture intellectual regeneration. This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of brain ageing and underscores the profound impact of lifestyle on shaping our brains and, consequently, our identities.
3.Solitude can negatively affect brain health
The effects of loneliness on the brain and overall health can be severe. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness can lead to hyper-vigilance, increased inflammation, impaired executive function, cognitive decline, and an elevated risk of mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
Addressing loneliness involves understanding the underlying causes, such as dissatisfaction with social circles, health issues, or life changes, and taking appropriate steps to break the cycle. Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective intervention to challenge negative thought patterns associated with loneliness. Additionally, building meaningful relationships, seeking a sense of purpose through activities involving others, and volunteering for loneliness charities can contribute to combating loneliness and its detrimental impact on the brain and overall well-being.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths: • Offers comprehensive coverage of topics related to brain health. • Gives concise and actionable recommendations on promoting brain health. • Supported by informative and evidence-based research papers and studies. • Well-organised. • Contains pictures and graphs.
Weaknesses: • Ambiguous Study Results: While the author refers to numerous studies to support their points, some of the study results are presented with a level of uncertainty, using phrases like ‘may’ relate to brain health, which may leave readers questioning the validity of certain claims.
Best quotes from ‘Brain Power’
“Similarly, there is no silver bullet. Your best bet for protecting your brain is to take on a combination of the beneficial habits, and let the effects build. This isn’t about a quick fix, but about lifestyle changes that last.”
“One idea here is that pets, especially dogs, can improve mental health by indirect means. For instance, they are a wonderful catalyst for social interactions, and we’ve already heard how important a strong social network is for the mind. Dog owners often become friendly with other dog owners in their local park, which can be a particular boon to those who are at risk of social isolation, such as older people and those with disabilities.”
“They found that compared to those who are married, single and widowed people are at a higher risk of developing the condition – single people have around a 40 per cent higher, and widowed people a 20 per cent higher risk of dementia than those who are married, even after taking into account age and gender.”
Final takeaway
‘Brain Power’ by Catherine de Lange is a compelling and enlightening guide that unveils the profound connection between our lifestyle choices and brain health. Backed by rigorous scientific research, the book offers a wealth of actionable recommendations to improve cognitive well-being and foster a happy brain.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their mental clarity, prevent cognitive decline, and embark on a journey to a healthier, happier mind.
I don't understand why people are rating this book so poorly. I found it to be really interesting, well-written, and well-supported by science. Although there wasn't anything particularly new that I didn't already know, I must admit that even if we know a lot, we often forget to use that knowledge in our day-to-day lives. This is exactly why this book is so useful—it offers well-summarized information that reminds us we are responsible for the function of our brain. Basic things like exercise, healthy eating choices, and enough sleep can potentially do wonders.
I'm not giving it 5 stars because I somehow expected something I didn't already know, but I still recommend the book.
Informative in terms of covering the key areas (diet, sleep, physical exercise, mental exercise, social life, body & mind health, and health habits) that affect brain health and association with issues like dementia and Alzheimer. The author referred to many studies to elaborate different ways one can take in each of the areas ... though many of the study results can only be said as certain factors "may" relate to brain health (positive or negative) as one of the possible causes but not necessarily a direct one.
I am skeptical that most of these are not absolute, especially when this book was published back in 2022, while the referenced studies can be outdated pretty quickly.
If your brain had a user manual, this would be the short version. The advice? Surprisingly doable:
🥗 Eat Mediterranean or Keto 🏋️ Strength train 3x/week + 2x yoga 🧘 Practice mindfulness & meditation 🎻 Learn languages or music 🌲 Take forest walks (no phone allowed) 🛁 Baths can help with loneliness 😴 Sleep in total darkness, phone off 1hr before bed 🤝 Be social 📚 Never stop learning
Honestly, it could’ve been condensed into 3 pages. But it’s still packed with useful, evidence-based reminders we all tend to ignore when life gets busy.
Sometimes, it’s not about learning something new: it’s about remembering what works.
Nic odkrywczego nie znalazłam w tej pozycji, jednak jestem teraz trochę bardziej uświadomiona jak nasze wybory, nawyki i styl życia codziennego może wpływać na to jak będziemy się starzeć. Może przypomnę sobie o wybranych rozdziałach z tej książki jak będę robić coś, co zdecydowanie ukróci mój żywot i zmienię postępowanie, a może wręcz przeciwnie - będę w to brnąć pomimo wiedzy o konsekwencjach. Zobaczymy, na pewno warto było posłuchać oczywistości, anegdot i ciekawostek :)
Covers recent research on the brain and the connections between general health and brain health. Includes many tips on what you can do to keep your brain healthy and functioning at the highest levels.
Very interesting and well worth a read. I will certainly be following some of the tips listed for improving and maintaining brain health.
The information was easy to digest, and there was some intriguing science facts that I didn’t know, such as the different factors that play into Alzheimer’s but the majority of the book seemed to refer/advise the same things every influencer, article, news story says about how to live a healthy life
This book was great!! I think it might take a re-read in order to truly in-bed all the info - but it was super fascinating! Despite the amount of info - it never felt overwhelming, and it was written without big scientific words that sometime alienate its non-scientific audience.
I got a lot from this book - there was quite a bit of 'common sense' info but there was also lots of new info that I got from reading.
On a re-read, I think i'd like to try the audiobook to see if it helps to retain the info.
Bardzo konkretna książka, autorka podaje fakty i ciekawostki oparte na badaniach naukowych, więc to na plus. Ciekawa i merytoryczna, ale przez całą książkę poruszane są podstawy i fundamenty zdrowia - sen, ruch, stres, dieta - więc jeśli ktoś jest już trochę w temacie, to raczej niczego nowego się nie dowie. Ogólnie fajna pozycja :)
Well structured collection of advices along the lines of 'take a fast-paced walk soaking in nature, stay curious, connect and maintain social relations, take care of your hearing and diet and your brain might stay just fine'. Worth reading if you haven't already heard all these things on podcasts..
Fajna i przyjazna, trochę za krótka ale to też jej zaleta bo nie męczy za bardzo. Głos kobiecy, miło się słucha. O zdrowiu, długowiczności, mózgu, harakerze, psychice, nawykach i stresie. Warto!
I really liked it, it was easy and fast to read. It has some great examples which I was telling everybody around me during this period. And it helped me to understand basics of the healthy brain.
It’s good research and gives a rough overview, however if you already know a lot about mental and brain health - this won’t teach you a lot new stuff- it’s more basic knowledge.