From Publishers Weekly
Playing into our culture's obsession with maintaining youthfulness, neurologist Perlmutter and coauthor Colman say the "typical" signs of brain aging—losing your keys, forgetting appointments, having trouble multitasking—aren't necessarily inevitable and are actually preventable. They divide their book into three tiers: factors affecting mental function, tools for developing a better brain and specific brain disorders. Perlmutter, who runs a Florida health center, is quite concerned with showing how brain aging can be prevented and clarity can be regained by making dietary adjustments. He and Colman also warn of the dangers of using prescription or OTC drugs that may be "interfering with your brain's ability to function at optimal levels." From stomach acid suppressors to antidepressants, medications lower brain antioxidants, they say, leaving dangerous free radicals room to roam. Perlmutter and Colman recommend the usual supplemental solutions, but also pay attention to new memory rejuvenating therapies like hormone replacement. There's also an illuminating chapter on the brain toxins present in the average daily diet (e.g., aluminum and mercury), with advice on how to eliminate them. Although the authors sometimes favor an alarmist tone, their book is an informative explanation of how the brain ages and how it can be protected, and it presents novel, practical ideas.
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Julian Whitaker, MD, Editor, Health & Healing and Founder, Whitaker Wellness Institute
"This book provides excellent advice for enhancing memory and preserving mental function throughout life. I highly recommend it."
Book Description
The Better Brain Book, by David Perlmutter, MD, FACN
Loss of memory and acuity is not a natural part of aging, and celebrated neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, shows readers how easy it is to regain and maintain clarity.
Most people can see the signs in their lives-they can't remember where they put their keys; they forget who they're calling mid-dial; shopping lists are the only things that give them an indication of why they've entered a store. However, these are not normal signs of aging. They are the symptoms of a distressed brain, one on its way to more serious conditions that can leave the individual unable to care for him- or herself later in life.
The Better Brain Book provides all the tools any reader will need for rejuvenating the mind, whether they've become forgetful and less able to focus at work, or are trying to help a loved one who has suffered a serious illness. This helpful guide helps you to:
discover hidden brain toxins in your medicine cabinet, your household products, and the food you eat;
learn how to bring back clarity and mental vigor; and
find out what your doctor won't tell you about preventing and treating stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological conditions.
In addition, The Better Brain Book offers a unique three-tiered food and supplement program that helps heal damage and restore youthful sharpness and memory, as well as specific exercises for keeping the mind alert. (You'll never lose your keys again!)
About the author
David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, is a board-certified neurologist who received his MD degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine, where he was awarded the Leonard G. Rowntree Research Award. He practices adult and pediatric neurology at the Perlmutter Health Center in Naples, Florida, and has contributed extensively to the world medical literature with publications appearing in such journals as
The Journal of Neurosurgery,
The Southern Medical Journal, and
Archives of Neurology. He is the recipient of the 2002 Linus Pauling Award for his pioneering research in neurological diseases, and has appeared on many nationally syndicated television programs including 20/20, Good Morning America, The Early Show, and Oprah. He is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and winner of the 2006 Clinician of the Year Award from the National Nutritional Foods Association.
