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.
Book Description
Today people are living longer and remaining active well into their 80s, but what seniors fear most is that their old age will be diminished by physical and mental decline. Here bestselling author Dr. Richard Restak offers practical advice about how to maintain peak mental ability while aging. Clear, concise and authoritative, Older & Wiser shows us that old age is just a state of mind. Large Print Edition --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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