The Neuroscience of Memory: Seven Skills to Optimize Your Brain Power, Improve Memory, and Stay Sharp at Any Age

by Sherrie D. All, Paul E. Bendheim (Foreword)

Unlock the power of neuroscience to optimize your memory so you can stay mentally sharp.

Do you feel like your memory isn’t as great as it used to be? Do you sometimes find yourself walking into a room and forgetting why? Do you misplace things more often than you used to? As we age, our memory naturally declines. But there are scientifically proven ways to enhance brain and memory function. This book, grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience, will help you get started. 

The Neuroscience of Memory offers a seven-step memory improvement program based on the latest research. You’ll find powerful tools to optimize your brain and memory function, increase neural connections, and stay mentally sharp both now and in the long run. You’ll learn how to “feed your brain” with good nutrition, and how exercise can help you maintain mental acuity. And finally, you’ll discover how forming new memories is a key strategy for optimizing cognitive function, and how managing stress can help you not only think better in critical moments, but also help you keep the brain cells you have. 

When you understand how your memory actually works, you are better equipped to optimize it. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your memory while you are young, have noticed that your memory is declining as you age and want to improve it, or are looking for resources for dealing with Alzheimer’s (either for yourself or a loved one), this book will help you hold on to those treasured memories for as long as you possibly can.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Audiobook, Psychology

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2021

Reviews

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably should have paid more attention to the subtitle of this book, because while I was expecting a pop-science discussion of memory what I got was a self-help book. That said, this is probably the one of the best and is by far the most scientifically informed self help books I've ever read. The author, a Neuropsychologist, does a great job of talking about the way memory works and therefore the types of things you can do that will have an impact (and, more importantly, the things that will have no impact) on improving your memory. She clearly talks about where the science is unsettled or where the hype (e.g., supplements) outpaces reality. There is also a lot of focus on dealing with the anxiety and fear around memory lapses, which is a really good approach. The exercises and recommendations (around behavior, diet, exercise, etc.) seem thorough. Recommended to anyone worried about their memory.

**Thanks the the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rob Schmoldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic overview and deep diving excavation of the mind and our memory systems. A highlight for the reader is the amount of interaction with the text, to include myriad of prompts and exercises to enrich learning and self exploration. Highly recommend for anyone with any interest in the topic of memory.

ARC through NetGalley

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free e-copy of The Neuroscience of Memory: Seven skills to Optimize Your Brain Power, Improve Memory, and Stay Sharp at Any Age.

This is a wonderful and insightful read into the mind and our memory. Filled with wonderful ideas on how to train your brain to form new habits to improve your memory.

[abthebooknerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick & easy guide to not just to boost your memory, but your mental health too.

This was pretty cool, not gonna lie. I learned a lot of interesting facts about the brain that I didn't know before and how it correlates to how we live our lives, and the things we could be doing to improve upon it. There's a ton of bonus content, and printable worksheets, which is no surprise given that the author originally planned for this to be a workbook. It's a very practical approach to live a high-quality life, and I really appreciated the advice on meditation and mindfulness thrown in there!

Thank you to HighBridge Audio for sending me an ARC copy of this book!

✍️Writing Quality: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
👟Pacing: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
❤️Enjoyment Level: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

「 Overall: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ 」

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book if your interested in the topic of memory and commitment to self-exploration and forming new habits to improve your memory. It’s a breezy read for a complex topic and it offers many prompts and exercises to empower you.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book that breaks down how memories are formed, how to screen for memory impairment, and offers multiple tools to help improve your memory. In addition there are some great ideas for how to work with your primary care provider and/or neurologist to understand what is attributing to cognitive impairments. Easy to read. Well organized. You truly can’t go wrong with this book whether you are a patient or a healthcare practitioner.

[The_J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exercise, diet: creating the cognitive reserve and a "Circulatory" reserve as well.

[RJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

A workbook that should have stayed a workbook. The useful information is buried under the authors self-indulgent writing style along with annoyingly irrelevant details about the author and those tangential to the book.

[Cherry De · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts:
It is always interesting to learn how the physical brain connects or interacts with the more abstract or metaphysical mind. Let's not go to the spirit realm. That is an entirely different ball game. So, neuroscience. The neuroscience of memory is actually also the neuroscience of learning. Or part of it. Because I believe that we, humans, are lifelong learners, whether we like it or not. Some learn more than others. Some are more resistant to learning than others. That is also because our environment changes all the time. Some changes are slower than others. Change is also part of our adaptation for survival. Some call it evolution.

I also like the thought of neuroplasticity. There is apparently scientific evidence of the existence of this phenomenon called neuroplasticity to replace the old belief that the brain does not heal. Whether that is true or not (and I believe it is true given the scientific evidence), it is the principle of not giving up on damaged people that is exciting! We keep trying to help those in need! And that is the whole point of being human!

I am a nurse and I believe in that. Because if we can't be human, then we might as well let the AIs (artificial intelligence) populate earth.

Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4
Cover art = 4
Pace = (5 hrs and 21 mins listening time)
Narration = 5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

[Daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and New Harbinger for the ARC.

This book is aimed at people who really are concerned about their memory. I was not the target audience, but still it was interesting.

The author provides a website where you can download and print a workbook with exercises to complete while reading. I thought that was cool and a very dynamic way to motivate readers. It's not always you come across an interactive book.

At first, it's full of "I will teach you how to…", "You will learn to…", etc, but not actually getting to it. That was a little annoying, but once it got to the knowledge sharing it was better. In my opinion, the information seemed somewhat superficial. I would've thought she'd dive deeper into the subject.

The exact same sentences were mentioned more than once. I'm sure it's because this is an uncorrected proof, because I found myself often saying, didn't I just read this a few pages ago?

After not being able to exercise for over a month due to surgery, I feel very motivated to start again after being reassured that physical activity is good not only for your body but for your brain too.

Overall, it's a good book with good tips on improving your memory, though it did not blow me away. It's a little too much self-helpish for my taste.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference and workbook to consider if you have concerns about your memory or cognitive decline. And the good news is: there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of getting, or at least postponing the effects of, Alzheimer's and some other brain diseases.
The recommendations are quite similar to those for heart or diabetic health, and are probably things you are already working on, at least somewhat. Think: get moving, stop smoking, sleep well, eat well, keep learning, drink less, take prescribed medications.
The difference with this book is that the author explains how the various parts of the brain are effected by these activities or exposures, and includes some recent research about brain cells themselves. She also includes worksheets and challenges to help you understand where you stand currently, and some exercises you can try out.
I found the material quite readable, and enjoyed that the author included some humor. I felt reassured and better informed after reading it.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Cognitive decline is something many of us will face if we haven't already as our population continues to live longer. Sherrie All breaks down the risk factors - and there are many - but also describes the science behind the various forms of memory and shares some ways to improve our memories. I learned that turning 65 is the number one risk factor for memory decline but that there are many others. I'd be surprised if anyone reads the list and hasn't experienced something that puts them at a higher risk than they imagined. That means it's useful for all of us to learn more about this important topic. All provides evidence-based information, insight, a workbook of activities to do to help and gives us all hope. Thank you to Sherrie All and New Harbinger Publications for this interesting, useful book! #TheNeuroscienceofMemory #NetGalley

[Fernanda W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for people worried about their memory. Dr. All gives many tips on how to improve your memory, while explaining the importance of each step mentioned in the book, and the effect it has on your brain, in a simple and very understandable language.

The only reason I won't give this book 5 stars, is that many of the activities mentioned in the book are available on a complimentary pdf, but this material was not shared alongside the audiobook, which impaired my learning process and full absortion of the content.

This audiobook was given me by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

[Homa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book that the auther read herself. I enjoyed the audiobook as Dr. Sh.D. All reads it in a way that shows her passion about the subject. She has some nice examples and analogies in the book, which helped me remember the concepts better, e.g. cognitive reserve as a retirement saving account.
I recommend this book to everyone, whether they are struggling with their memory or not. It gives enough information about the brain and physiology of it and some practical ways to increase cognitive reserve and improve memory.

[Martha Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I wanted to expand my knowledge about memory backed up by science, and because I was starting to feel concerned about my memory (given that my grandma has Alzheimer's). I have to say I highly enjoyed listening to the audiobook read by the author herself. She provides practical tips, explains scientific concepts as well as research in a clear way, making the case for the 7 skills we can develop for a better memory. I learned a lot and reinforced information I had heard or read somewhere else. I really connected the dots with many concepts and I even made connections with the role of mindset (my research interest) in our memory. Recommended read for anyone.

[Carolyn Amate · Rating 5 out of 5]

TheNeuroscienceofMemory #NetGalley

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio book of The Neuroscience of Memory. Sheri All was so engaging and interesting in her explanation of the Neuroscience of how Memory is formed and stored. I found it extremely intriguing. She gave very simple steps to help people of all ages to improve Memory. I really enjoyed the book and learned alot 4.5 stars.

[pnwlibrarianpnw · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content of this book was excellent and her suggestions of things to try to improve memory are useful and applicable. I listened to the audiobook after reading in print also - and felt that at times the author’s humor missed the mark for me and lessened the authority of the information (which was scientifically based). The target audience for this title may be younger than I expected.

[Tammy (tales.of.tammy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, New Harbinger Publications, and Sherrie All for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What an interesting book! I have definitely noticed a change in my own memory, over recent years especially, and have worries about what that might mean. If you’re like me (or just interested in the brain, memory, etc) then pick up this book! Not only does it give you ways to help your memory as the cover suggests, but there is so much background information!

While reading, I learned so much about neuroscience, how memories are formed and kept, little factoids that were just mind blowing (SO INTERESTING.) Obviously this books discussed dementia and Alzheimer’s, and it is honestly just so informative.

There are numerous times in this book when you stop and complete an exercise. Have an e-arc I was unable to see all of it, but all of what I could see was helpful and I think the interactive aspect is very important!

Go read up on your brain!

[Marla Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to anyone of any age who wants some brain health tricks and also a lay person's understanding of the brain and brain health. It is an easy to read and highly informative and educational. It provides excellent tools with the worksheets.

[Abdul Alhazred]

One of the few books I could not finish. I get that it's targeted to an audience that doesn't know much about the topic but the way it's talking down to you was unbearable.

[JW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly useful.

[Cristian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only critique is the information could be wrong or outdated in terms of significant finding that should be cross referenced. One example in particular is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is associated with our working memory or short term memory. In this book it describes the working memory as being in the temporal lobe with long term memory if I recall correctly. This can be confusing as you delve deeper into the mind and find conflicting information in books. For a very fresh person into memory this is a decent read, but if you want to further educate yourself you will find this book to be too basic.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

few weeks ago I took a short memory test of having to remember 3 random words after having a conversation with the person who gave the test. I could recall 2 of the 3. Now that's not bad, but I used to have almost total recall so it was troubling to me. Then, I discovered this book The Neuroscience of Science... which offers the neuroscience data behind memory and seven skills for helping one to remember. This book is fascinating and so informative. I learned some new skills to help me remember things. Some of them I was already doing, but one of them was not. Adding it to my skill set will help my memory. All gives readers a clever acronym to remember these five things. I really enjoyed this book and want to read more of Sherri D. All's books. I highly recommend it!