High-Octane Brain: 5 Science-Based Steps to Sharpen Your Memory and Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's

by Michelle Braun, Karen Postal (Foreword)

From a Harvard- and Yale- trained neuropsychologist and a national leader in the field of brain health, a science-backed program to boost memory and dramatically decrease the risk of Alzheimer's in five steps.
 
American adults fear Alzheimer¹s more than any other disease (including cancer), and because many people do not realize there is no genetic cause for 99 percent of Alzheimer¹s cases, they do not take the necessary steps to change lifestyle factors shown to significantly protect against the disease. In her debut book, board-certified neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Braun inspires readers to make lasting improvements by understanding the truth about brain health and providing expert guidance through the maze of conflicting media advice on supplements, brain games, nutrition, and exercise. Braun interviews eight leading brain health experts, combining their insights with cutting-edge research to offer proven strategies to implement the five steps of the High-Octane Brain. Interactive exercises guide readers to develop a personalized program for optimal brain health. Dr. Braun provides a tracking system with a visual depiction of progress, and shows the High-Octane Brain plan in action through the lives of clients. Packed with valuable tips that you can implement immediately to minimize common "brain blips," exercises to boost your memory within minutes, and inspiring insights from nine High-Octane Brain role models ages 44 to 103, this groundbreaking book will finally put the future of your brain in your control.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Audiobook

288 pages, Hardcover

Published May 5, 2020

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

High octane brain outlines five different principles to improve the workings of the brain.There is good ,abbreviated discussion about the importance of sleep, learning , diet, exercise and stress and how each affects the other. A strategy to track good behaviors is discussed however I doubt anyone experiencing difficulties could actually carry through with the graphs. Overall, a very interesting book to ponder.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare that I purchase several copies of a book ---even rarer when I purchase and read several versions. For this book, I purchased both the hard copy and the Kindle edition---in part because I had filled my hard-copy with so many notes and in part, because the Kindle edition allows me to further explore all the hypertexted reference links, enlarge the print, and have a copy handy.

During my last five years of my Carroll University teaching, I became particularly interested in brain health and aging. Since retiring I have had the opportunity to read several excellent books dealing with these topics. By far, the best that I have read to date is High Octane Brain. This book's unusual format is one of its many strengths. Woven throughout the chapters are interviews with eight brain health experts who add context and value to the chapter topics addressed. At the end of chapters are "Top Takeaways" summaries. The scientific basis of the High Octane Brain program is well documented by over 200 references from well respected scientific journals and well-designed randomized clinical trials. The last two chapters introduce the reader to brain health success stories (role models) ages 44 to 83 and brain health Hall of Famers ages 91 to 103. Thematically woven into chapters throughout the book are two characters, Meredith and Lou, who take a seven-week High Octane Brain class and who share their goals, challenges, and outcomes. A key component of the book included in Appendix I is the High-Octane Brain Action Planner and Tracking System.

The author does an excellent job of lucidly explaining the latest scientific thinking about brain aging and convincingly debunks myths and corrects misunderstandings and misconceptions about "brain training," brain supplements, and mindfulness. She is fair-minded in indicating when there is yet a need for additional research The five science-based steps she advocates leading to a High-Octane-Brain (exercise, consuming healthy food, engaging and learning, lowering stress while boosting well-being, and adequate sleep) are presented in the order in which the most and best scientific evidence supports the steps. She alerts the reader to the large number of ongoing, international randomized clinical trials whose preliminary findings offer empirical hope that systematically managing these life-style factors can indeed maximize brain health.
Well-written, well-documented, full of pragmatic advice, helpful and hopeful - this book is a game-changer well-deserving of being widely read and its ideas put into practice. I've already attempted to incorporate its wisdom into my life even though it means cutting back on my pastry eating! I definitely will be sharing copies of it with others.

[Mandi Ehman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book has great information, and I will refer back to it. But…while I enjoy in-depth case studies in business books, they felt like filler in an attempt to make this book length when a magazine article outlining the 5 steps you can take to improve brain health is probably sufficient for most people.

[Eric Paradis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is redundant with many others in its series of advice in avoiding dementia as we age. There are lots of interviews with researchers, quite a few descriptions of cases and a rather simple acronym to remind of the key habits.

If you are not that old, the formal method presented throughout the chapters will annoy you. Maybe I am too young…

[Pam Porell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and good reminder we are what we eat.

[Pam Hurd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing new or groundbreaking but organized and thorough.

[Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very rudimentary. Lacks depth. That said, good place to start for those just learning about brain health.

[Emily Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic lifestyle recommendations, no novel insights to taking care of yourself

[Sophie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing particularly earth-shattering here, but I find myself returning to the chapter on nutrition often.

[Amy Kwalwasser · Rating 2 out of 5]

Outdated, simplistic, and repetitive.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

WPL March Discussion Book.
Very interesting read and discussion of research, conclusions, how tos. Instruction is both simply explained, with examples and real examples and also explained in detailed scientific terms with research, results, conclusions. It presents compelling evidence that it is possible to give yourself better odds of not developing Alzheimer’s, delaying its onset, mitigating its progression and severity, no matter when you start or if you are one of the 5% with genetic background of Alzheimer’s. Exercise is first and biggest influencer of changes. Consuming Brain healthy foods and avoiding or eating less of those that increase likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s symptoms. Engaging and learning, discussions, cognitive leisure activities, making music, art, writing, socializing, playing board or card games. Reducing stress, and boosting well-being. Facing what is, reduce depression , increase exercise and mindfulness. Reflect, recognize, practice acceptance of what is, good and bad. Develop good sleep routines.
Worksheets, instructions, bios, extensive supportive suggestions and guidance provided. Lots to learn and discuss

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book via Chirp who also sent me the PDF of bonus material to plan my own path for a high octane brain. :) I really like practical books that give me steps to change or improve myself. This book did exactly that along with the interesting data to back up their plan.

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting research shared in an accessible manner. Nothing earth shattering, but lots of foundational knowledge explaining why things like sleep, healthy diet, exercise, etc are beneficial to brain health. The high-octane method and tools provided in the book make it easy for an individual to track positive changes while working toward healthy brain habits.

[Nancy Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother’s neurologist recommended this book to me and I found it to be helpful, informative and persuasive. It is accessible and provides a gradual program to adopt proven heath strategies to age well.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband was recently diagnosed with MCI. The neuropsychologist recommended this book. We found we were already doing the recommended practices. But the case studies motivated us to stay the course.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-stars - A simplistic, common-sense plan for a healthy lifestyle that promotes brain health. Without the scientific studies, interviews with medical professionals, and anecdotal evidence, this book would have been half the length.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book and now want to purchase my own copy. There are different things to log that would be beneficial. Found very interesting especially that several of my family members have had or have dementia.

[Pía López Copetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

In audiobook format it can become somewhat tedious. The information is sharply accurate, giving light into a taboo topic such as AD.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating and practical book offers research-based guidance in developing, adapting and carrying out personalized plans for brain health. Worksheets included in audio and print formats.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is some really good info in this book, but it is the worst-written book I've read in decades. If you can make through the (lack of) editing, it's worth the quick read.