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.
Andrew Weil, MD, August 2004
"This is the first book I've seen that addresses factors that can influence brain health for better or worse."
Christiane Northrup, MD, August 2004
"Dr. David Perlmutter tells you exactly how to prevent the effects of stress and 'aging' on your brain."
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. After completing residency training Neurology, also at the University of Miami, Dr. Perlmutter entered private practice in Naples, Florida where he serves as Medical Director of the Perlmutter Health Center and the Perlmutter Hyperbaric Center. Dr. Perlmutter serves as Adjunct Instructor at the Institute for Functional Medicine in Gig Harbor, Washington, 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 author of: Brainrecovery.com — Powerful Therapy for Challenging Brain Disorders, and The Better Brain Book (in print — Riverhead Publishers, August, 2004) and is recognized internationally as a leader in the field of nutritional influences in neurological disorders. Dr. Perlmutter has been interviewed on many nationally syndicated radio and television programs including 20/20, the 700 Club, The Faith Daniels Program, and Larry King Live. He is currently involved in research studying the effectiveness of glutathione in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Dr. Perlmutter was awarded the 2002 Linus Pauling Award for his pioneering work in innovative approaches to neurological disorders. In addition, he received the 2002 Denham Harmon Award from the American College for the Advancement in Medicine for his work in advancing the understanding of free radical biochemistry in neurological diseases. Carol Colman is the coauthor of numerous bestselling health books.
Better Brain Book FROM THE PUBLISHER
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.
Author Biography: David Perlmutter, M.D., is a board-certified neurologist, is a leader in the field of complementary medicine. His scientific publications have appeared in The Journal of the American Medical Association and The Journal of Neurosurgery. In addition to founding the Perlmutter Health Center, he is host of the medical television series LifeGuide with David Perlmutter, M.D.
Carol Colman is the New York Times bestselling co-author of Curves.
FROM THE CRITICS
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. (Sept. 1) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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