Older and Wiser: How to Maintain Peak Mental Ability for As Long As You Live [Hardcover]

Richard M. Restak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 6, 1997

In "Older and Wiser," neurologist and bestselling author Dr. Richard Restak draws on the latest scientific research to offer practical advice about how we can retain peak mental ability as we grow older. To better understand how aging affects the brain, Dr. Restak surveys what current research has discovered about the aging process, including the role of genetics and diet. Contrary to the widely shared perception, the brain does not necessarily deteriorate as we age, says Dr. Restak, though it does undergo changes. It is also a myth that we suffer a significant loss of nerve cells in the brain as we age; in fact, we can actually expand the connections between neurons if we continue to be intellectually stimulated and curious. Like other parts of the body, the brain is a dynamic organ, and we need to exercise it by being intellectually active to keep it operating at peak level. Beyond what science tells us, "Older and Wiser" lets those who have aged successfully speak candidly about the ten factors of successful aging that Dr. Restak has identified, which include regular physical activity, intellectual curiosity, and maintaining a strong social network. Dr. Restak also separates the facts from the myths about the mature brain on such topics as Alzheimer's, stroke, insomnia, and depression, and he examines the pros and cons of drugs used in treating these disorders.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Restak, neurologist and author of numerous popular books on the human brain (including the companion volume to the PBS series The Brain), considers here the effects of aging on the human brain and suggests ways to maintain peak mental performance. Stressing that brain functioning is the most predictive feature of longevity, Restak describes both the cellular mechanisms responsible for aging and the cognitive processes of the mature brain?some of which, he notes, actually improve with age. He discusses the role of neurotransmitters and briefly describes drugs that may compensate for changes that occur in these chemicals over time. Throughout, the author carefully distinguishes normal, age-associated memory loss from symptoms characterizing a diseased brain. Restak summarizes the wisdom of nine mentally agile seniors and offers 30 practical suggestions (covering nutrition, exercise, and social and mental activities) to maximize mental performance. A useful and popular acquisition for any public library.?Laurie Bartolini, Legislative Research, Springfield, Ill.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1 edition (August 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684829762
• ISBN-13: 978-0684829760
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #699,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Know information, January 5, 2012

By 

Avis Y. Grant "zimexlady" (DENVER AIRPORT) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Older and Wiser: How to Maintain Peak Mental Ability for As Long As You Live (Hardcover)

This book has be a huge relief to me in the statement "The most thing people over 50 worry about is 'will I get Alzheimers or develop degeneration of the brain'". Understanding the brain aging process has cleared up this worry for me and I discovered I am normal. HUGE relief to have this easy to understand information at hand. If you are over 50, read it. I am 81 and worried about "forgetting" things every day. Now, I can go about my life unfettered.