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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
Keep Sharp was a pretty good introductory text, and a good reminder of all the things we all know we should be doing (or doing better).
The first part is essentially an overview of the current state of knowledge and research into the causes/biology/mechanisms for brain aging diseases, and Gupta communicates this information pretty clearly without getting too technical, as well as highlighting where research is still ongoing.
The “how-to” part of the book on prevention contains nothing really new or surprising:
- Exercise
- Eat well (i.e. more vegetables)
- Get more sleep
- Engage in de-stressing activities
- Stimulate your brain with continued learning
- Maintain social connections and relationships
Gupta stresses the importance of and evidence for each of these points, and encourages readers that it’s not too late to start new habits because anything is better than nothing, which is a positive, potentially motivating message.
The last part of the book presents an introduction for if you or a loved one gets a diagnosis and suggests further sources of support, which could be helpful for readers experiencing the effects of a diagnosis on a more personal level.
I’d recommend this book to anyone in the latter group who is noticing symptoms or has received a diagnosis for themselves or a loved one as a good introduction (certainly over worried Googling and getting who-knows what results).
For anyone interested in preventing cognitive decline, the bullet points above are basically what you need to know, though further reading is not discouraged if there’s interest in any of the above topics/evidence/etc.
The first part is essentially an overview of the current state of knowledge and research into the causes/biology/mechanisms for brain aging diseases, and Gupta communicates this information pretty clearly without getting too technical, as well as highlighting where research is still ongoing.
The “how-to” part of the book on prevention contains nothing really new or surprising:
- Exercise
- Eat well (i.e. more vegetables)
- Get more sleep
- Engage in de-stressing activities
- Stimulate your brain with continued learning
- Maintain social connections and relationships
Gupta stresses the importance of and evidence for each of these points, and encourages readers that it’s not too late to start new habits because anything is better than nothing, which is a positive, potentially motivating message.
The last part of the book presents an introduction for if you or a loved one gets a diagnosis and suggests further sources of support, which could be helpful for readers experiencing the effects of a diagnosis on a more personal level.
I’d recommend this book to anyone in the latter group who is noticing symptoms or has received a diagnosis for themselves or a loved one as a good introduction (certainly over worried Googling and getting who-knows what results).
For anyone interested in preventing cognitive decline, the bullet points above are basically what you need to know, though further reading is not discouraged if there’s interest in any of the above topics/evidence/etc.
A few good, new takeaways here, but mostly this was a lot of reminders and reinforcements. It was reassuring to know that I have already begun implementing many of his suggestions on my own in the last year.
I was searching around for a self-help audiobook written by an AAPI author, and came across this book. It had good ratings, so I was curious to see what Dr. Gupta has to say about brain health.
First of all, the audiobook is worth it. Sanjay is a really pleasant narrator and storyteller. He did a great job mixing factual data and medical jargon with interesting stories. The main premise of the book is how can we slow down or prevent cognitive decline at old age for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's. Crazy thing is our brain fully matures by your mid-20s, and then the decline starts. Yikes!
Not going to lie, dementia and Alzheimer's terrifies me. Brain disease is really hard on loved ones, and I'd like to not do that to my family/friends.
While listening in my drives or walks, I was constantly looking within at my choices based on the 5 areas of focus relayed by Dr. Gupta . Definitely proud of some of the changes I've made the last few years and disappointed/concerned about some of the key focus points.
Do you know what his number one proven focus is?
Exercise and moving. We know the benefits to your physical health, but no clue how much it helps PREVENT cognitive decline. This is the one area I'm proud of - during the pandemic I started walking a lot and got into listening to autobiographical audiobooks during the walks. Then 1.5 years ago I got back into kickboxing
First of all, the audiobook is worth it. Sanjay is a really pleasant narrator and storyteller. He did a great job mixing factual data and medical jargon with interesting stories. The main premise of the book is how can we slow down or prevent cognitive decline at old age for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's. Crazy thing is our brain fully matures by your mid-20s, and then the decline starts. Yikes!
Not going to lie, dementia and Alzheimer's terrifies me. Brain disease is really hard on loved ones, and I'd like to not do that to my family/friends.
While listening in my drives or walks, I was constantly looking within at my choices based on the 5 areas of focus relayed by Dr. Gupta . Definitely proud of some of the changes I've made the last few years and disappointed/concerned about some of the key focus points.
Do you know what his number one proven focus is?
Exercise and moving. We know the benefits to your physical health, but no clue how much it helps PREVENT cognitive decline. This is the one area I'm proud of - during the pandemic I started walking a lot and got into listening to autobiographical audiobooks during the walks. Then 1.5 years ago I got back into kickboxing
Sanjay Gupta and his ghostwriter make an excellent team.
'Get Sharp,' a book about dementia for the general public, is a trove of solid information, reasonable advice, and practical resources. It's geared toward three audiences: health and self-improvement types, people with early-stage dementia, and caregivers and family members. It has something to offer each of these audiences, as well as the general reader.
The book begins with an exploration of the science of dementia. It's clearly written and easily followed by the lay reader. The next section is the "self-help" part implied by the book's title, and Gupta's prescriptions strike me as entirely reasonable. Gupta's prescription? Exercise every day, prioritize getting a good night's sleep, don't eat garbage food, keep learning new things and taking on new challenges, and maintain your social network. From there, the book addresses audiences with more than a casual interest in the subject matter. With practical advice for people experiencing dementia, as well as for people in their care circles, Gupta discusses everything from current treatments to nursing homes to financial arrangements. As someone with a general interest in health, but no pressing need for dementia-related resources, I kind of glossed over this last part. Nevertheless, now I know it's there. I'll turn to it if I need it sometime in the future.
While Gupta is susceptible to a bit of name-dropping, I appreciated _Keep Sharp_'s practical approach to its subject matter. Gupta isn't trying to sell me anything, his ideas strike me as reasonable and practical, and he has provided me with useful information should I need it down the line. After all, it's hard to argue with "exercise, eat right, don't 'tough guy' yourself out of sleep, and stay engaged." If you do all those things and get dementia anyway, you'll still have lived a happier, healthier, better life than if you hadn't. It's pretty hard to argue with that.
Overall, this book is worth your time. I'll probably gift _Keep Sharp_, and I hope my friends and loved ones give it a go.
'Get Sharp,' a book about dementia for the general public, is a trove of solid information, reasonable advice, and practical resources. It's geared toward three audiences: health and self-improvement types, people with early-stage dementia, and caregivers and family members. It has something to offer each of these audiences, as well as the general reader.
The book begins with an exploration of the science of dementia. It's clearly written and easily followed by the lay reader. The next section is the "self-help" part implied by the book's title, and Gupta's prescriptions strike me as entirely reasonable. Gupta's prescription? Exercise every day, prioritize getting a good night's sleep, don't eat garbage food, keep learning new things and taking on new challenges, and maintain your social network. From there, the book addresses audiences with more than a casual interest in the subject matter. With practical advice for people experiencing dementia, as well as for people in their care circles, Gupta discusses everything from current treatments to nursing homes to financial arrangements. As someone with a general interest in health, but no pressing need for dementia-related resources, I kind of glossed over this last part. Nevertheless, now I know it's there. I'll turn to it if I need it sometime in the future.
While Gupta is susceptible to a bit of name-dropping, I appreciated _Keep Sharp_'s practical approach to its subject matter. Gupta isn't trying to sell me anything, his ideas strike me as reasonable and practical, and he has provided me with useful information should I need it down the line. After all, it's hard to argue with "exercise, eat right, don't 'tough guy' yourself out of sleep, and stay engaged." If you do all those things and get dementia anyway, you'll still have lived a happier, healthier, better life than if you hadn't. It's pretty hard to argue with that.
Overall, this book is worth your time. I'll probably gift _Keep Sharp_, and I hope my friends and loved ones give it a go.
informative
informative
medium-paced
Very informative. Basically the majority of us (in the US at least) are doing most things wrong. Cool cool cool.
informative
medium-paced
While a lot of the recommendations for maintaining brain health are common knowledge, I especially appreciated the research into Alzheimer's disease. It was interesting to learn when the disease may begin, and the stages as it unfolds. It was heartening to learn that some people with the physical traits, do not exhibit the mental traits so often associated with it. I was grateful for the tips on caregiving and where to go for updated information going forward. I listened to this book, but I will be purchasing it for future reference.