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The Better Brain Solution: How to Start Now--at Any Age--to Reverse and Prevent Insulin Resistance of the Brain, Sharpen Cognitive Function, and Avoid Memory Loss
In this step-by-step guide to enhancing cognitive function and fighting--and even reversing--memory loss, Dr. Steven Masley (bestselling author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up) lays out a four-pillar diet-and-lifestyle approach to improving brain health, focusing on food, nutrients, exercise, and stress management.
Based on more than a decade of clinical research, The Better Brain Solution provides the tools you need to fight back. Here, Dr. Masley explains exactly how changes in the way you eat and live can reverse elevated blood sugar levels and in the process improve cognitive performance and avert memory loss. Research has shown that insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to diabetes, can also cause memory loss and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Plus fifty delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes specially designed for optimal brain and body health, along with a practical way to assess cognitive function, and much, much more.
Based on more than a decade of clinical research, The Better Brain Solution provides the tools you need to fight back. Here, Dr. Masley explains exactly how changes in the way you eat and live can reverse elevated blood sugar levels and in the process improve cognitive performance and avert memory loss. Research has shown that insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to diabetes, can also cause memory loss and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Plus fifty delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes specially designed for optimal brain and body health, along with a practical way to assess cognitive function, and much, much more.
9 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2018
190 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
Steven Masley
16 books42 followersSTEVEN MASLEY, MD is a Fellow with the American Heart Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians,and with the American College of Nutrition. He has devoted his medical career to the study of heart disease and aging, and has published significant research on these subjects in leading medical journals.
Currently he is the president of the Masley Optimal Health Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has a clinical appointment with the University of South Florida.
He is also an instructor of Lasting Leadership with Eckerd College, and has taught at the Center for Leadership with Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa.
Currently he is the president of the Masley Optimal Health Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has a clinical appointment with the University of South Florida.
He is also an instructor of Lasting Leadership with Eckerd College, and has taught at the Center for Leadership with Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 27, 2019
Third UPDATE: this is the third time I've listened to this audio and I think I like it more more and more. My husband has been working awful hours and gets little sleep. So in this reading, I kept thinking, "Oh my husband needs to listen to this part." That happened many many times. Since I've been vegan for a year, he hasn't been exactly enthusiastic about that, but he is learning to embrace it....my boys however, spend a lot of money eating out.
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UPDATE: I read this one last week, and since I had an empty afternoon I decided to re-listen to it. It is still 4 stars and I think it has become my bible. I loved the practical applications and his explanations. Well done.
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I like reading health related books. I've read a couple of different ones that have focused on brain health, but this one is my favorite so far. I enjoyed the research, the practical application, and the preventative care approach to sustained wellness.
The do's and don'ts were not new. I've read the same things in other health books, but I loved the way the author presented his information. It was well organized. I may have to reread this one. The biggest DON'T is NO SUGAR....EVER. And the biggest DO was either supplements or exercise. Both got a lot of coverage in this book. So 4 stars.
July 3, 2018
I had always thought Alzheimer's was a disease that unavoidable and incurable. This books explains that recent research has shown many factors in your own life you can change to significantly reduce your risk of cognitive decline. I often here in passing or in the news, off handed mentions of studies related to memory loss. Things like, drink more red wine, do more cross word puzzles etc. Whenever I here those stories my inner skeptic comes out and I tend to ignore them. In contrast however, this book seems like a summary of all the off handed stories I've heard, eat your veggies & greens, exercise, avoid sugar, manage your stress, avoid BPA plastics, learn a new language etc, with descriptions behind the science of why you should do each thing as it relates to cognitive function.
The author appears to run some sort of medical clinic, in which he often interacts with people seeking help with cognitive decline. He describes many papers he has written on studies he has performed in his clinic. I get the impression he spends a lot of time researching this topic, and knows what he's talking about.
However I have two main gripes about this book. The first is the reference system that is used. He often cites studies when discussing the various topics, however he doesn't reference the relevant study directly in the text. Instead, you have to look into the appendix for a list of all the studies and their associated sections in the book. This seems bizarre to me and essentially makes it impossible to go and quickly find/read the studies he refers to yourself.
The second is his constant mention of focusing on choosing organic, non-gmo, grain fed foods. I've got nothing wrong with someone saying this. However I expected, and wanted more discussion on why eating these foods was better than the alternative.
The author appears to run some sort of medical clinic, in which he often interacts with people seeking help with cognitive decline. He describes many papers he has written on studies he has performed in his clinic. I get the impression he spends a lot of time researching this topic, and knows what he's talking about.
However I have two main gripes about this book. The first is the reference system that is used. He often cites studies when discussing the various topics, however he doesn't reference the relevant study directly in the text. Instead, you have to look into the appendix for a list of all the studies and their associated sections in the book. This seems bizarre to me and essentially makes it impossible to go and quickly find/read the studies he refers to yourself.
The second is his constant mention of focusing on choosing organic, non-gmo, grain fed foods. I've got nothing wrong with someone saying this. However I expected, and wanted more discussion on why eating these foods was better than the alternative.
September 4, 2018
This book had some good information, but I didn't love it. Much of what I read was not new information and several things I disagreed with. His main point of 12 "super foods" you should eat includes 4 habit forming foods/drinks. I feel like for many people it is just justification to over indulge and it won't really help them eat healthy. Plus 100 pages later he does admit that you have to be cautious, after earlier saying you should definitely eat these 12 things "every day."
August 25, 2024
4.5 🌟
I love how informative and applicable I found this book
I love how informative and applicable I found this book
February 4, 2018
Fairly solid book, although not a whole lot I haven’t read elsewhere
March 2, 2020
What a great read! So much helpful information! As someone who deals with people with memory loss in my personal and professional life, I want to do everything I can to preserve my memory as I age!
March 28, 2018
A fantastic idea. What is best for the brain? This book covers food, nutrition, exercise, stress management and sleep all from the perspective of the brain. The author claims with the right lifestyle one can stave off dementia and other memory loss conditions. It is a powerful message backed up by science. I am making changes!
January 11, 2018
If you need another reason to eat better and get more exercise this year, this book provides it with medical information, lists of recommended foods/foods to avoid, and exercise that may help keep your brain sharp, even as one ages. Can't wait to try the recipes included!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this important new book for healthy living.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this important new book for healthy living.
September 16, 2019
Nothing new for me here. Good summary for everyone who starts and wants to get the basics of wellbeing.
January 21, 2019
If you're a regular reader of these kinds of books like I am, you can easily skip Steven Masley's The Better Brain Solution, because it's nothing more than a recap of all the other books on the subject, bringing together the latest research on diet, exercise, and mental states and how that affects our chances of getting dementia in our elderly years. For those who don't regularly read such books, though, the good news about The Better Brain Solution is that its conclusions are backed by literally dozens of other books that have already been vetted by the medical community, making everything being said here eminently trustworthy. A good primer on the subject of things you can be doing in middle-age to better prepare yourself for your elderly years, it comes recommended in that spirit.
March 14, 2025
This was good. Common sense healthy eating and lifestyle tactics but with evidence to motivate me (hopefully). I liked learning of ways to improve not only my risk of common American diseases, but also brain health. As someone trying to avoid/reduce risk of hereditary Alzheimer’s, I appreciated the science and practical solutions. It was a lot longer than it needed to be (11 hrs listening!) with repetition of many points, so four stars.
May 21, 2018
Motivating & practical. I let much of the technical detail go by but appreciated the practical discussions of diet, sleep, exercise & relationships with others. All important aspects of healing, not only for specific conditions but overall life. Best of all the author recommends a moderate amount of coffee & red wine daily, along with lots of vegetables & other healthful foods, of course.
December 28, 2017
Even if I don't strictly believe in making New Year's Resolutions, I'm always interested in learning more about health and nutrition, especially as it relates to my brain. (My favorite "possession!")
What Dr. Masley does best in this surprisingly pleasant read is put complex metabolic functions and their proven relationship to your brain into language anyone can understand. He also offers completely reasonable changes anyone can make right now, no matter what their age, current health situation or obsession-levels with chocolate.
So ditch the #resolutions and just...buy this book? https://www.amazon.com/Better-Brain-S...
What Dr. Masley does best in this surprisingly pleasant read is put complex metabolic functions and their proven relationship to your brain into language anyone can understand. He also offers completely reasonable changes anyone can make right now, no matter what their age, current health situation or obsession-levels with chocolate.
So ditch the #resolutions and just...buy this book? https://www.amazon.com/Better-Brain-S...
February 3, 2019
Dr. Masley walks you through the steps to healthier eating, exercise and relaxation in a science backed explanation. His writing is approachable, not too textbook or preachy. He explains the connection between heart disease, diabetes and dementia. Spoiler alert: stop eating sugar and prepared foods.
July 3, 2019
I wish I could give The Better Brain Solution 3.5 stars. This book has some valuable information, especially the discussion of glycemic index vs. glycemic load, a concept I was not familiar with. The meat of the book, however, boils down to: eat a Mediterranean Diet, get aerobic exercise, and practice strength training. The author fills in a lot of details, and provides some delicious recipes, but those are the highlights of the book. So it's advice we've heard many times before, but reinforcement doesn't hurt.
I do have some issues with the book, hence my reluctance to give 4 stars. I feel Dr. Masley doesn't give enough weight to genetic factors. Early in the book, he goes so far as to say that his plan will work for “everyone,” but then later says we can prevent “nearly two thirds of all dementias.” My own mother succumbed to dementia despite having no problems during her life with blood sugar management. I've had similar issues with cholesterol management despite a dramatically improved diet and increased exercise. Multiple doctors have advised me that genetics plays an important role in these things.
There is also a little carelessness in selecting evidence. For example, the author mentions southern India has having “one of the lowest rates of Alzheimer's on the planet." But according to WHO, India has an average life expectancy nearly ten years less than that of the United States – couldn't that be a factor in lower incidents of Alzheimer's? This can be potentially dangerous, as when he recommends a variety of supplements and other ingredients that, upon further research, have possibly serious long-term side effects if not used with extreme caution.
Dr. Masley also glosses over potential impacts of his advice, for both society and individuals. For example, he recommends almond milk without acknowledging the enormous environmental impact of almond milk. He also recommends medical tests throughout the book that he acknowledges will not be covered by most insurance plans – implying the full benefits of the Better Brain Solution are only accessible to the wealthy.
Finally, I have to take issue with this statement: “...as the demands of our insurance industry force many physicians to see more and more patients per day...”. I've worked for doctors, and their decision to compromise patient care by increasing the number of patients they see, is entirely about maximizing profit. There are plenty of things we can blame on the insurance industry, but this is not one of them.
The Better Brain Solution is a useful read, but as with all “self-health” books, do your own research before proceeding.
I do have some issues with the book, hence my reluctance to give 4 stars. I feel Dr. Masley doesn't give enough weight to genetic factors. Early in the book, he goes so far as to say that his plan will work for “everyone,” but then later says we can prevent “nearly two thirds of all dementias.” My own mother succumbed to dementia despite having no problems during her life with blood sugar management. I've had similar issues with cholesterol management despite a dramatically improved diet and increased exercise. Multiple doctors have advised me that genetics plays an important role in these things.
There is also a little carelessness in selecting evidence. For example, the author mentions southern India has having “one of the lowest rates of Alzheimer's on the planet." But according to WHO, India has an average life expectancy nearly ten years less than that of the United States – couldn't that be a factor in lower incidents of Alzheimer's? This can be potentially dangerous, as when he recommends a variety of supplements and other ingredients that, upon further research, have possibly serious long-term side effects if not used with extreme caution.
Dr. Masley also glosses over potential impacts of his advice, for both society and individuals. For example, he recommends almond milk without acknowledging the enormous environmental impact of almond milk. He also recommends medical tests throughout the book that he acknowledges will not be covered by most insurance plans – implying the full benefits of the Better Brain Solution are only accessible to the wealthy.
Finally, I have to take issue with this statement: “...as the demands of our insurance industry force many physicians to see more and more patients per day...”. I've worked for doctors, and their decision to compromise patient care by increasing the number of patients they see, is entirely about maximizing profit. There are plenty of things we can blame on the insurance industry, but this is not one of them.
The Better Brain Solution is a useful read, but as with all “self-health” books, do your own research before proceeding.
February 21, 2018
12 Smart Foods - Leafy Green, Vegs, Long Chain Omega3 (dha /EPA/Salmon/Sardine/Mussels), Extra Virgin Olive Oil/Avocado/Nut Oil, Nuts, Berries/Cherries, Natural non alkalized Coco(1tbs per day)/Dark Chocolate, Coffee/Green Tea (2.5 MGs 1-2 cups per day), Red Wine (10-20 oz per day)/resveratrol, Herbs/Spices (curry, rosemary, thyme)/Curmumin, BPA free Beans, fermented foods/ probiotics
Avoid – Trans Fats/Oil (partially hydrogenated/hydrogenated), Toxic Fats (non grass fed meat/Dairy), Sugar, sweetener
Moderate – Sweets, Clean Saturated Fat, Salt(2500 MG per Day), Gluten (eczema/psoriasis)
Tips – Eat food with Low sugar food/Low GI /GL(10-20), More Fiber, Partial Intermittent Fasting (15-18 Hour 2-3 days or up to 21 days/500-800 Cal day)
Multi vitamins - (Designs for Heath, Thorne Research, Metagenics, ProThera, VM -D (2000 IU per day) B12(100mg), Mixed Folates (400mg), Chromium (400-800mg)) + Long Chain O3 (DHA 400 mg/400 EPA) + Probiotic (25 bill micro per day) + Magnesium (400mg)
Optional CoQ10, Curcumin, resveratrol
Avoid – Trans Fats/Oil (partially hydrogenated/hydrogenated), Toxic Fats (non grass fed meat/Dairy), Sugar, sweetener
Moderate – Sweets, Clean Saturated Fat, Salt(2500 MG per Day), Gluten (eczema/psoriasis)
Tips – Eat food with Low sugar food/Low GI /GL(10-20), More Fiber, Partial Intermittent Fasting (15-18 Hour 2-3 days or up to 21 days/500-800 Cal day)
Multi vitamins - (Designs for Heath, Thorne Research, Metagenics, ProThera, VM -D (2000 IU per day) B12(100mg), Mixed Folates (400mg), Chromium (400-800mg)) + Long Chain O3 (DHA 400 mg/400 EPA) + Probiotic (25 bill micro per day) + Magnesium (400mg)
Optional CoQ10, Curcumin, resveratrol
February 19, 2024
Alot of info I already knew, but I as a person with blood sugar issues, I have read a lot of info on the effects of insulin issues. I really liked the recipes and the how to section of the book
March 6, 2019
It was just ok. It was pretty similar to the others books out there.
November 25, 2021
Read, or listen to this book! Dr. Masley is a cardiologist, so he has information and advice that complement the interesting stories told by brain surgeon Sanjay Gupta in his excellent book, Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age. Notably, that some doctors are now calling Alzheimer's "Type 3 Diabetes!" You'll also be surprised by the common substances that are together doubling, tripling and quadrupling your likelihood of developing dementia. Anticholinergics like Benadryl, and popular antidepressants. BPA. And of corse, sugar, refined flours, pesticide laden factory farmed meat, and overheated oils. EEEK!
Most people can exercise and avoid sugar and refined flour. But of course some things, like eating grass-fed, organic meats and organic foods are only for the privileged. Masley refers us to the Environmental Working Group for a list of less toxic fruits and vegetables.
All the improvements in food, environment, and healthcare have come about by mass struggles. In terms of health, that has to include the fight against racism--another cause of stress and worsening conditions. On a world-wide scale, consider that the high demand for grass-fed beef and collagen encourages ranchers in Brazil to cut down the rainforests, which increases global warming and the droughts and fires in the US West. So, if you want to clock in the 4.5 miles of daily walking Masley recommends, be sure to include a march for social justice!
Most people can exercise and avoid sugar and refined flour. But of course some things, like eating grass-fed, organic meats and organic foods are only for the privileged. Masley refers us to the Environmental Working Group for a list of less toxic fruits and vegetables.
All the improvements in food, environment, and healthcare have come about by mass struggles. In terms of health, that has to include the fight against racism--another cause of stress and worsening conditions. On a world-wide scale, consider that the high demand for grass-fed beef and collagen encourages ranchers in Brazil to cut down the rainforests, which increases global warming and the droughts and fires in the US West. So, if you want to clock in the 4.5 miles of daily walking Masley recommends, be sure to include a march for social justice!
October 16, 2022
"Zdrowy mózg - Jak walczyć z insulinoopornością zatrzymać demencję i poprawić funkcje poznawcze" Dr Steven Masley
Książka wydawnictwa Czarna owca, wydana w 2018, która przeleżała u mnie na półkach, hmm z 2 - 3 lata? Licząca 432 strony w tym 331 stron bez przepisów, podziękowań, bibliografii. Poradnik który obejmuje plan do walki z demencją i alzheimerem oraz dla poprawy funkcjonowania mózgu i ogólnego stanu zdrowia.
Głównym jego członem jest 12 grup produktów które Dr Masley wyszczególnia aby jeść jak najczęściej (najlepiej codziennie) oraz program ćwiczeń fizycznych polegający na odpowiedniej intensyfikacji twojego pulsu (prowadzi przez 3 etapy). Wspomniana została także higiena snu i działania zapobiegające stresowi lecz głównym członem jest dieta i trochę mniej ćwiczenia.
Na początku została omówiona choroba utraty funkcji poznawczych mózgu z prostym testem oraz omówione badania (w tym genetyczne) jakie możemy podjąć aby u nas wykryć prawdopodobieństwo wystąpienia ww. chorób. Oczywiście opisane są czynniki które w sposób procentowy mogą prowadzić do wystąpienia demencji/ alzheimera.
July 12, 2019
Easy read. Able to finish fairly quickly. Like the use of studies and such about the what can and cant positively impact the brain. At times seems like the evidence presented can be a bit too anecdotal, and shouldnt be giving the standing that he seems to give.
Ultimately enjoyed reading, and always good to know of ways to improve the above and beyond most important organ in your body. Not sure if worth purchasing, but getting it from the library was perfectly fine with me.
-eat good
-exercise
-destress/meditate
-continue learning
these are the most basic principles and can be labored at times too much.
Ultimately enjoyed reading, and always good to know of ways to improve the above and beyond most important organ in your body. Not sure if worth purchasing, but getting it from the library was perfectly fine with me.
-eat good
-exercise
-destress/meditate
-continue learning
these are the most basic principles and can be labored at times too much.
February 4, 2018
Nothing groundbreaking here, but Dr Masley has pulled together the science as it relates to good brain health (nutrition, toxins, exercise, sleep & stress management). If you want to fight a family history of cognitive issues (Alzheimer’s), this feels like an empowering read with great tips to influence improved brain health.
November 9, 2018
If you are in the know in the health space with the latest trends then this book may not have a whole new tips for you. However, if you are a novice then this book does a great job of consolidating everything and providing justification behind it. I listened to this on Audible which was fine, but there were some great scientific nuggets which I'll try to reread on Kindle
October 29, 2020
The information is very similar to the Genius Life by Max Lugavere. The information in this book also aligns with the book The End of Alzheiner's Program by Dr. Bredesen. Of the three books, I found Genius Life to be the most relatable, but there is excellent information in all three.
January 18, 2021
As someone else said, there aren't any new ideas here, but, a good read nonetheless. Reminders are always helpful when adopting a healthy lifestyle so I do find the book very helpful in that regard. The books is well organized, and is an easy read.
November 17, 2021
Continuing research on the Book Why we get sick on insulin sensitivity. Most of the info was in the why we get sick book. There are some differing opinions on the way to reduce insulin resistance but both books are in alignment. More focus on supplements in this book. Recommended.
March 15, 2018
Thought this was a great book if you want to learn more about eating better and taking good care of your brain and body. Lots of actionable items for me.
March 17, 2018
I found a number of healthy tips in this book, most I already knew about, but a few reminders couldn't hurt.
May 1, 2018
A lot of good, practical health advice backed up by convincing studies and first-hand knowledge.
July 21, 2018
I just read this because it was lying around. Informative and it seems to reinforce some things that I've heard other friends talk about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews