The Better Brain Book [Paperback]

David Perlmutter (Author), Carol Colman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 2005

Loss of memory is not a natural part of aging-and this book explains why.

Celebrated neurologist David Perlmutter reveals how everyday memory-loss-misplacing car keys, forgetting a name, losing concentration in meetings-is actually a warning sign of a distressed brain. Here he offers a simple plan for repairing those problems, and regaining and maintaining clarity by offering the tools for:

Building a better brain through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and brain workouts

Coping with specific brain disorders such as stroke, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and Lou Gehrig's disease

Understanding risk factors and individually tailoring a diet and supplementary program

Features a "Life Style Audit," quizzes, brain boosting exercises, and a food and supplement program.

 

Editorial Reviews

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.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Dr. David Perlmutter tells you exactly how to prevent the effects of stress and 'aging' on your brain." -- Christiane Northrup, MD, August 2004

"This book provides excellent advice for enhancing memory and preserving mental function throughout life. I highly recommend it." -- Julian Whitaker, MD, Editor, Health & Healing and Founder, Whitaker Wellness Institute

"This is the first book I've seen that addresses factors that can influence brain health for better or worse." -- Andrew Weil, MD, August 2004 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Riverhead Trade (August 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594480931
• ISBN-13: 978-1594480935
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Self-Help > Memory Improvement

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better Brain, Better Me!, January 21, 2012

By 

Shelley Eckell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Better Brain Book (Paperback)

I read this book 2 1/2 years ago, loved it then, still love it now! I don't remember how much detail the author gave on nootropics but it was after reading this book I began my quest to sharpen my mind and improve my overall cognitive functioning. This book is inspiring as it is factual, in my opinion.

Besides following the exercises clearly outlined in this book, I also began researching and eventually taking a combination of nutritional supplements called nootropics. The great thing about nootropics is that, by and large, they're utterly harmless; they're meant to boost mental functioning such as cognition, memory, intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration with little to no side effects -regardless of dosage.

They were first discovered 30+ years ago and were used to treat serious medical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ADHD. Then after scientists began recommending them as cognitive enhancers to the public, they started to become a very popular brain supplement.

It is really quite amazing actually. Colors are brighter, music sounds better; I feel like I became smarter. Caffeine has become a thing of the past for me as well, don't need it anymore. I read more, I've actually read more books in the past year than I have in the past 15 years, I kid you not! I've been waking up every morning without fail for 2 years now feeling absolutely amazing. My suggestion to anyone looking to improve their brain function is to:

1) look into some type of natural brain supplement, everyone is different so do your own research like I did and decide for yourself if it's a good idea. Here are few good one's to get you started;

Piracetam Powder (500 Grams)

25 Grams Oxiracetam Bulk Powder 5 times stronger than Piracetam

2) and of course read this book, which was my personal inspiration and the beginning of my journey to a better me;

The Better Brain Book

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compares to Ornish, June 9, 2007

By 

Alfred Zacher (Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Better Brain Book (Paperback)

This book clearly presents an alternative resolution for memory loss and dimentia. It reflects a breakthrough in this area of medicine that rivals the insights into heart disease that Dr Ornish provided.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Our "bible" for Better Brains!, May 15, 2009

By 

Jill Heyn - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Better Brain Book (Paperback)

My Mother has Alzheimer's and my family considers THE BETTER BRAIN BOOK our "bible". I am doing everything I can to improve my brain health and avoid this terrible disease. I give this book to everyone I know that has a family member with Alzheimer's, BUT, I reccomend this book to EVERYONE!