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Save Your Brain: Simple steps and proven strategies to reduce your risk of cognitive decline - before it's too late
The urgent case for protecting your brain before old age, as well as proven strategies for how to do it, from the bestselling author of The M Word.
The evidence is clear - almost half of all cases of dementia and cognitive decline are preventable. But sadly none are treatable.
So what are the lifestyle changes that really make a difference to our brain health? What do the experts do to protect themselves from cognitive decline? And what can we do right now to preserve our quality of life as we age?
Save Your Brain answers all these questions and more. As we age, dementia and Alzheimer's pose a serious threat to our health and wellbeing. To give us a running start in the fight against cognitive decline, GP and acclaimed broadcaster Dr Ginni Mansberg presents the very latest evidence-based research on how to protect your most valuable asset - your clever, vulnerable, powerful brain. As the health of our brains increasingly takes centre stage, Ginni gives up-to-the-minute advice and strategies you can implement now to protect your brain as you age.
A must-read for anyone looking to maintain their quality of life, or that of loved ones, into old age.
The evidence is clear - almost half of all cases of dementia and cognitive decline are preventable. But sadly none are treatable.
So what are the lifestyle changes that really make a difference to our brain health? What do the experts do to protect themselves from cognitive decline? And what can we do right now to preserve our quality of life as we age?
Save Your Brain answers all these questions and more. As we age, dementia and Alzheimer's pose a serious threat to our health and wellbeing. To give us a running start in the fight against cognitive decline, GP and acclaimed broadcaster Dr Ginni Mansberg presents the very latest evidence-based research on how to protect your most valuable asset - your clever, vulnerable, powerful brain. As the health of our brains increasingly takes centre stage, Ginni gives up-to-the-minute advice and strategies you can implement now to protect your brain as you age.
A must-read for anyone looking to maintain their quality of life, or that of loved ones, into old age.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
34 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 8, 2025
I was beginning to think I wasn't going to learn anything new for most of the book. I think it's a great book if you are starting your learning journey on brain health, but if you've read three or four such books, most of the content will feel repetitive.
This was true for me except for the chapter on sleep. I had read several books on sleep as well and had known much of this content too, but I also learned and re-learned a lot of things I wasn't previously aware of or had forgotten. I plan to buy this book just to have the reference information available on sleep.
The only other thing that surprised me was the link between oral health and brain health. I'm glad I'm fastidious about flossing!
Rounding up to 4 since it is a good primer and because I learned more than I thought I would.
This was true for me except for the chapter on sleep. I had read several books on sleep as well and had known much of this content too, but I also learned and re-learned a lot of things I wasn't previously aware of or had forgotten. I plan to buy this book just to have the reference information available on sleep.
The only other thing that surprised me was the link between oral health and brain health. I'm glad I'm fastidious about flossing!
Rounding up to 4 since it is a good primer and because I learned more than I thought I would.
July 1, 2025
Comprehensive, informative and evidence-based strategies to protect the brain as we age.
April 7, 2023
An easy to read, evidence-backed refresher!
June 9, 2023
Easy to read, comprehensive and evidence-based (although some of the evidence is a bit shaky). But there are 2 problems with the book.
First, it's focus on brain health often leads to ignoring bad effects on other parts of the body of things that might be good for the brain. And to ignoring alternatives that are good for brain and body. For example, alcohol is highly recommended (in small amounts) but reservatrol is also found in grapes and berries, which are much safer than alcohol for people with cancer, alcoholics and people with sleep disorders.
Second, it fails to mention, or give warnings, that some recommendations are bad for people with certain medical conditions - many of which become more common with age. For example, alcohol and HRT are not recommended for women with breast cancer - and 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
First, it's focus on brain health often leads to ignoring bad effects on other parts of the body of things that might be good for the brain. And to ignoring alternatives that are good for brain and body. For example, alcohol is highly recommended (in small amounts) but reservatrol is also found in grapes and berries, which are much safer than alcohol for people with cancer, alcoholics and people with sleep disorders.
Second, it fails to mention, or give warnings, that some recommendations are bad for people with certain medical conditions - many of which become more common with age. For example, alcohol and HRT are not recommended for women with breast cancer - and 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
April 27, 2023
I already knew a lot of what was written but gòod to see the evidence. A must read for anyone over 40.
April 9, 2023
Very easy to read and understand. Plenty of information
August 10, 2024
Pētījumos balstīta, vienkārša un saprotama informācija par smadzeņu veselību un tās saglabāšanu. Fiziskas aktivitātes, kvalitatīvs miegs, veselīgs uzturs, socializācija, kognitīvās aktivitātes - jā, nekas pārsteidzošs un maģisks. Interesants likās autores viedoklis par uztura bagātinājiem, par kuru iedarbību trūkst pierādījumu.
September 26, 2024
(The English review is placed beneath the Russian one)
Как правильно заметили многие другие читатели, книга мало что говорит нового и лишь повторяет все те правила по ведению здорового образа жизни, что всем давно известны. В принципе, достаточно посмотреть видеоролики на сайте YouTube о здоровом образе жизни как таковом, чтобы понять, какой стиль жизни наиболее выгоден в плане сохранения здорового мозга. Однако и видеороликов на YouTube выходит на эту тему всё больше и больше, так же как и книг на эту тему выпускается новых всё больше, оставляя контент без существенных изменений, но люди зная это, продолжают потреблять такой вот контент. Думаю, многим людям просто нравится перечитать/прослушивать то, что они и так знают, т.к. в некоторых случаях такой повтор информации является как бы дополнительным стимулирующим действием или напоминанием, почему нужно вести здоровый образ жизни.
Если говорить о содержании или об основных идеях, то все они сводятся к давно известным советам, таким как здоровый сон, отсутствие постоянного стресса, физическая активность (не важно какая, ибо подойдут даже прогулки по парку или фитнес упражнение), правильное питание, минимальное количество алкоголя и умеренное количество кофе и так далее. Да, в книге есть и более специфические или серьёзные темы как, например, потребление искусственных витаминов (т.е. те, что в виде таблеток), но тут нужно понимать, что любое такое потребление должно быть согласовано с врачом, ибо передозировка витаминов чрезвычайно опасна.
Во всех этих очевидных, хоть и правильных, советов меня заинтересовал один очень дельный совет, о котором я ещё не слышал. Автор пишет, что для здоровья мозга важны разные умственные упражнения, т.е. важно нагружать мозг, к примеру, изучением иностранного языка, рисованием, решением головоломок или просто разнообразными компьютерными играми, чтением книг и пр. Т.е. важно чтобы мозг не привыкал к рутине, важны разные ментальные упражнения. Пожалуй, это главный и самый ценный совет, который я нашёл в книге. Да, все остальные советы так же важны, но как я отметил выше, все они повторяются во множестве книг и видеороликах YouTube о здоровом образе жизни как таковом.
As many other readers have correctly noticed, the book says little new and only repeats all those rules for a healthy lifestyle that everyone has known for a long time. In principle, it is enough to watch YouTube videos about healthy lifestyles to understand which lifestyle is the most beneficial in terms of maintaining a healthy brain. However, there are more and more YouTube videos on this topic, as well as more and more books on this topic, leaving the content without significant changes, but people, knowing this, continue to consume such content. I think a lot of people just like to re-read/listen to what they already know, as in some cases, this repetition of information is kind of a stimulus or reminder of why you should live a healthy lifestyle.
If we talk about the content or the main ideas, they all boil down to long-known tips, such as healthy sleep, lack of constant stress, physical activity (it does not matter what kind, for even a walk in the park or fitness exercises will do), proper nutrition, a minimum amount of alcohol and a moderate amount of coffee and so on. Yes, there are more specific or serious topics in the book, such as the consumption of artificial vitamins (i.e., those in the form of pills), but it should be understood that any such consumption should be coordinated with a doctor because an overdose of vitamins is extremely dangerous.
In all these obvious, though correct, tips, I was interested in some very good advice, which I have not heard yet. The author writes that various mental exercises are important for brain health, i.e., it is important to load the brain, for example, by learning a foreign language, drawing, solving puzzles, or just various computer games, reading books, etc. The author says that it is important to exercise the brain. I.e., the brain mustn't get used to a routine; different mental exercises are important. This is probably the main and most valuable advice I found in the book. Yes, all the other tips are just as important, but as I noted above, they are all repeated in a lot of books and YouTube videos about healthy lifestyles.
Как правильно заметили многие другие читатели, книга мало что говорит нового и лишь повторяет все те правила по ведению здорового образа жизни, что всем давно известны. В принципе, достаточно посмотреть видеоролики на сайте YouTube о здоровом образе жизни как таковом, чтобы понять, какой стиль жизни наиболее выгоден в плане сохранения здорового мозга. Однако и видеороликов на YouTube выходит на эту тему всё больше и больше, так же как и книг на эту тему выпускается новых всё больше, оставляя контент без существенных изменений, но люди зная это, продолжают потреблять такой вот контент. Думаю, многим людям просто нравится перечитать/прослушивать то, что они и так знают, т.к. в некоторых случаях такой повтор информации является как бы дополнительным стимулирующим действием или напоминанием, почему нужно вести здоровый образ жизни.
Если говорить о содержании или об основных идеях, то все они сводятся к давно известным советам, таким как здоровый сон, отсутствие постоянного стресса, физическая активность (не важно какая, ибо подойдут даже прогулки по парку или фитнес упражнение), правильное питание, минимальное количество алкоголя и умеренное количество кофе и так далее. Да, в книге есть и более специфические или серьёзные темы как, например, потребление искусственных витаминов (т.е. те, что в виде таблеток), но тут нужно понимать, что любое такое потребление должно быть согласовано с врачом, ибо передозировка витаминов чрезвычайно опасна.
Во всех этих очевидных, хоть и правильных, советов меня заинтересовал один очень дельный совет, о котором я ещё не слышал. Автор пишет, что для здоровья мозга важны разные умственные упражнения, т.е. важно нагружать мозг, к примеру, изучением иностранного языка, рисованием, решением головоломок или просто разнообразными компьютерными играми, чтением книг и пр. Т.е. важно чтобы мозг не привыкал к рутине, важны разные ментальные упражнения. Пожалуй, это главный и самый ценный совет, который я нашёл в книге. Да, все остальные советы так же важны, но как я отметил выше, все они повторяются во множестве книг и видеороликах YouTube о здоровом образе жизни как таковом.
As many other readers have correctly noticed, the book says little new and only repeats all those rules for a healthy lifestyle that everyone has known for a long time. In principle, it is enough to watch YouTube videos about healthy lifestyles to understand which lifestyle is the most beneficial in terms of maintaining a healthy brain. However, there are more and more YouTube videos on this topic, as well as more and more books on this topic, leaving the content without significant changes, but people, knowing this, continue to consume such content. I think a lot of people just like to re-read/listen to what they already know, as in some cases, this repetition of information is kind of a stimulus or reminder of why you should live a healthy lifestyle.
If we talk about the content or the main ideas, they all boil down to long-known tips, such as healthy sleep, lack of constant stress, physical activity (it does not matter what kind, for even a walk in the park or fitness exercises will do), proper nutrition, a minimum amount of alcohol and a moderate amount of coffee and so on. Yes, there are more specific or serious topics in the book, such as the consumption of artificial vitamins (i.e., those in the form of pills), but it should be understood that any such consumption should be coordinated with a doctor because an overdose of vitamins is extremely dangerous.
In all these obvious, though correct, tips, I was interested in some very good advice, which I have not heard yet. The author writes that various mental exercises are important for brain health, i.e., it is important to load the brain, for example, by learning a foreign language, drawing, solving puzzles, or just various computer games, reading books, etc. The author says that it is important to exercise the brain. I.e., the brain mustn't get used to a routine; different mental exercises are important. This is probably the main and most valuable advice I found in the book. Yes, all the other tips are just as important, but as I noted above, they are all repeated in a lot of books and YouTube videos about healthy lifestyles.
June 22, 2023
I cannot think of a reason to award it fewer stars
Overall this book is great, but to me, it doesn't feeeeeel like a 5-star book. Maybe a 4-star book? I don't know. Here's the point. This book is exactly what it says it is (though I find the blurb more panicked and anxiety provoking then necessary). I think the 'revelations' gained are far more ordinary and mundane that this book deserves, but the truth is what the truth is. I think this is why I'm okay with the 5-star review.
In short, At this level, I didn't really learn much, though I'm encouraged to increase my vegetable intake and maybe start running again (x-/). However, this is not where this book shines. I have to commend Ginni Mansberg for the structure, clarity, depth, and accuracy of her research and writing.
[Insert Soapbox 1] this book comes together as an outstanding example of how to present facts in an accurate, yet easily digestible format for lay audiences. If I every write a book of this type, I hope to follow her example.
[Insert Soapbox 2]
Overall this book is great, but to me, it doesn't feeeeeel like a 5-star book. Maybe a 4-star book? I don't know. Here's the point. This book is exactly what it says it is (though I find the blurb more panicked and anxiety provoking then necessary). I think the 'revelations' gained are far more ordinary and mundane that this book deserves, but the truth is what the truth is. I think this is why I'm okay with the 5-star review.
In short, At this level, I didn't really learn much, though I'm encouraged to increase my vegetable intake and maybe start running again (x-/). However, this is not where this book shines. I have to commend Ginni Mansberg for the structure, clarity, depth, and accuracy of her research and writing.
[Insert Soapbox 1] this book comes together as an outstanding example of how to present facts in an accurate, yet easily digestible format for lay audiences. If I every write a book of this type, I hope to follow her example.
[Insert Soapbox 2]
January 4, 2025
A well researched, informative read to help us avoid cognitive decline. the thing we do to maintain our bodies (eating well, exercising, avoiding smoking) are also good for our brains.
The urgent case for protecting your brain before old age, as well as proven strategies for how to do it, from the bestselling author of The M Word. The evidence is clear - almost half of all cases of dementia and cognitive decline are preventable. But sadly none are treatable. So what are the lifestyle changes that really make a difference to our brain health? What do the experts do to protect themselves from cognitive decline? And what can we do right now to preserve our quality of life as we age? Save Your Brain answers all these questions and more. As we age, dementia and Alzheimer's pose a serious threat to our health and wellbeing. To give us a running start in the fight against cognitive decline, GP and acclaimed broadcaster Dr Ginni Mansberg presents the very latest evidence-based research on how to protect your most valuable asset - your clever, vulnerable, powerful brain. As the health of our brains increasingly takes centre stage, Ginni gives up-to-the-minute advice and strategies you can implement now to protect your brain as you age .A must-read for anyone looking to maintain their quality of life, or that of loved ones, into old age.
The urgent case for protecting your brain before old age, as well as proven strategies for how to do it, from the bestselling author of The M Word. The evidence is clear - almost half of all cases of dementia and cognitive decline are preventable. But sadly none are treatable. So what are the lifestyle changes that really make a difference to our brain health? What do the experts do to protect themselves from cognitive decline? And what can we do right now to preserve our quality of life as we age? Save Your Brain answers all these questions and more. As we age, dementia and Alzheimer's pose a serious threat to our health and wellbeing. To give us a running start in the fight against cognitive decline, GP and acclaimed broadcaster Dr Ginni Mansberg presents the very latest evidence-based research on how to protect your most valuable asset - your clever, vulnerable, powerful brain. As the health of our brains increasingly takes centre stage, Ginni gives up-to-the-minute advice and strategies you can implement now to protect your brain as you age .A must-read for anyone looking to maintain their quality of life, or that of loved ones, into old age.
April 20, 2024
The information was thorough, studies were referred to often and broken down into a comprehensive way for the average reader. However, it was a little bit jarring to see the statement that “dividing up the different types of dementias into an arbitrary list, however, is problematic… But here goes anyway.” This did not set my expectations for the content of the book very high.
The blurb on this book stated that the audience would be for anybody looking to get a running start on preventing cognitive decline yet the first chapter made it clear the insight offered would best suit middle aged individuals. I am not yet one of those and consistently felt a little bit excluded.
With reference to what we (if that even does include me) should be doing to sum up the findings of over 700 research studies, 22 medical professionals and countless webinars - it absolutely is the stuff doctors say all the time and yes, just “keep healthy.”
July 31, 2024
This was a quick and easy read that presented the information in a very easy to obtain manner for the average reader. I did appreciate the chapter that went into a little more depth on the brain, but the author ensures the reader that it isn’t necessary if science isn’t your thing. This book provides researched based ways to help delay cognitive decline as well as identifying ways frequently touted that just don’t have enough conclusive evidence behind them. It mainly focuses on diet and lifestyle changes while pointing out that basically all supplements haven’t given enough convincing data to recommend. Which is great for any income level in the sense that many of the changes promoted are free, so long as one has the knowledge, and doesn’t require spending money on expensive supplements, gadgets, or specific activities. An interesting book for those who would like to keep their brain healthy and functioning for as long as possible.
October 8, 2024
Unsure how I feel about it
It’s written with good intent but the take away points and benefit really vary with the reader’s expectations and previous/existing knowledge.
Didn’t bring up much new IMO
Essentially most studies are pending further research and we need to live as healthy as possible in all aspects, eg. manage any existing conditions and maintain quality physical and mental health to lower risks. Eg eat well, sleep well, exercise, stay working, manage stress, have hobbies.
It’s demoralising when stories are thrown in of healthy adults with no pre existing conditions or family hx that end up with dementia.
On a positive note, it serves as great motivation in encouraging pursuit of various hobbies instead of focusing/ mastering just one.
And remember, it’s ok if you lose your keys, but not if you forget what to do with them.
It’s written with good intent but the take away points and benefit really vary with the reader’s expectations and previous/existing knowledge.
Didn’t bring up much new IMO
Essentially most studies are pending further research and we need to live as healthy as possible in all aspects, eg. manage any existing conditions and maintain quality physical and mental health to lower risks. Eg eat well, sleep well, exercise, stay working, manage stress, have hobbies.
It’s demoralising when stories are thrown in of healthy adults with no pre existing conditions or family hx that end up with dementia.
On a positive note, it serves as great motivation in encouraging pursuit of various hobbies instead of focusing/ mastering just one.
And remember, it’s ok if you lose your keys, but not if you forget what to do with them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2025
With a family history of dementia and every possible family ailment afforded to humans, we’ve tried our hardest to find ways to help bring awareness to our health and this book was a great read to understand more about my brain and overall health. Did it take 2 months to ready? Yes, but that was not the authors fault but rather my lack of concentration. Definitely a lot of helpful tips and information condensed in to an accessible for the average person to gain an understanding on how our brains work and how to care for them throughout life.
February 11, 2024
I had high hopes. Unfortunately the authors biases seemed to cloud her writing.
Numerous times she mentions alcohol
Is ok, despite the overwhelming research on how much damage alcohol does to the brain and to sleep.
If you aren’t very health conscious or aware of how your habits impact your brain health etc you may love it. But I personally think there is way better books and information out there.
Numerous times she mentions alcohol
Is ok, despite the overwhelming research on how much damage alcohol does to the brain and to sleep.
If you aren’t very health conscious or aware of how your habits impact your brain health etc you may love it. But I personally think there is way better books and information out there.
October 9, 2025
🎧 Informative book, especially timely for anyone in midlife like me, as lifestyle changes later than that are not as helpful for brain health, we now know.
The audiobook experience wasn’t great though, as Ginny’s narration was always clear but her intonation often reminded me of a student reading her best work out loud to the class- for 6 hours. I have to do audiobooks for health reasons but if you have a choice, go for the book version.
The audiobook experience wasn’t great though, as Ginny’s narration was always clear but her intonation often reminded me of a student reading her best work out loud to the class- for 6 hours. I have to do audiobooks for health reasons but if you have a choice, go for the book version.
May 9, 2023
almost done, I'm listening to the audio version (7 hours) on my commute, two things irk me;
1) it feels like Ginny is regurgitating information, collected/researched by others, nothing original
2) I've lived in Australia and NZ for decades, but her rising inflections drive me batty and I find it hard to abide by her voice
So if anything, stick with the book; it's easier to skim as well :)
1) it feels like Ginny is regurgitating information, collected/researched by others, nothing original
2) I've lived in Australia and NZ for decades, but her rising inflections drive me batty and I find it hard to abide by her voice
So if anything, stick with the book; it's easier to skim as well :)
December 21, 2023
An excellent and most easy read for anyone in their 40s or 50s who is worried about dementia. A fun fact is that 45% of dementia can be avoided - this book tells you what you need to do to lower your likelihood of contracting this insidious disease, regardless of whether you have the genetics. A must read.
August 28, 2025
Lots of science we’ve into this one but I didn’t get much from it as takeaway. Much of the advice seems fairly basic – diet, exercise, sleep, connection with others. Finished the audiobook in one day.
July 11, 2023
Really interesting read into brain health and cognitive decline and the simple steps you can take in middle age to boost your overall wellbeing.
July 15, 2023
Easy to understand and scientifically based, will refer back to this book as I age
December 31, 2023
Perfect book to develop insight into cognitive decline.
February 26, 2024
It was informative, however I felt quite a bit was shakey information. 😊
May 30, 2024
horrible narration that probably annoys even some Aussies.
This is just a gathering of work by others with comments that left this scientist perplexed.
not recommended
This is just a gathering of work by others with comments that left this scientist perplexed.
not recommended
July 5, 2024
An average read. Sensible. Nothing earth shattering. Just not that exciting and wonderful either.
December 30, 2024
Easy to read and super informative!
May 22, 2025
Lots of great information about what we do and don't know about brain health and how to try and look after it. I love the honesty surrounding the science - it's not a sales pitch, just fact.
July 28, 2025
Good info!
March 7, 2025
Finished May 2023. GREAT.
So Informative. Should read again
So Informative. Should read again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews