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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
informative
fast-paced
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
This was a comprehensive and engaging book. While I did learn some new things, the key points were nothing new. That said, just because I know what I 'should' do, doesn't mean I actually do it. This was a good reminder for me to alter some of my less healthy habits for better long-term health. Dr. Gupta covers the basics like sleep, nutrition, meditation, and more, and I thought it was just enough detail for the purposes of this book and for the general audience. If you want a deeper dive on any specific topic or feel like you already know the basics, you might want a book with a more narrow focus (e.g. Why We Sleep by Dr. Walker if you're specifically interested in sleep).
I liked that Dr. Gupta specifically combatted myths with evidence-based truths and I really appreciated his focus on dementia, especially towards the end of the book. He even offers practical and encouraging advice to family members who are caring for loved ones with dementia.
I listened to an audiobook version of this book so I could enjoy it while taking walks and Dr. Gupta does a great job narrating. I think I would have enjoyed it just as well if I read a physical copy.
I liked that Dr. Gupta specifically combatted myths with evidence-based truths and I really appreciated his focus on dementia, especially towards the end of the book. He even offers practical and encouraging advice to family members who are caring for loved ones with dementia.
I listened to an audiobook version of this book so I could enjoy it while taking walks and Dr. Gupta does a great job narrating. I think I would have enjoyed it just as well if I read a physical copy.
The important idea in this book is that neuroplasticity means we are able to actively decide to do things that care for our brains- exercise, sleep, diet, a sense of purpose and social connections are all part of this mix. The author is often exhortative in ways that I find annoying and perhaps dismissive of the complexity of behavior change. Being able to think about small changes that might make a big difference is useful. His suggested program involves adding habits on a weekly basis that may be near impossible for many people to do due to economic, emotional and other constraints. The advice to caregivers would have been better if done via interviews and narrative form instead of “take care of yourself”. I learned little in this book that I didn’t know before, but it has spurred me to take extra care of sleep and it validated many of the behaviors I (and likely other readers) already engage in.
I wanted to like this book, but it was just so bland and boring. It gets two stars because I think I learned something from it, saving it from one star ignominy…
informative
I am trying to learn as much as I can about preventing health measures. This books goes into detail about many scientific and science based topics but there is a lot of basic knowledge that makes the book readable for anyone. Even persons who are not as interested or focused on the science behind illnesses.
3.5-4.
This book is definitely geared toward older people even though he states Alzheimer's/dementia symptoms can start 20-30 years before diagnosis. He especially targets those with other underlying conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc.
However, there is still valuable information in this book if you consider yourself a "healthy" person. I liked how he debunked some science or "click-baity" articles regarding preventing dementia, such as how puzzles/crosswords are supposed to ward off the disease. Not necessarily. I found the science of the brain most interesting and the protocol for optimizing your brain is straightforward and back to basics in a way. It goes against Western society/culture in terms of what you're supposed to do (no processed foods or sugar, exercise, social connection, sleep, etc.), but in a way, I'm sure that's part of why we see such an increase in most diseases.
Anyway--read it if you're interested. I read it because my grandma has Alzheimer's so I wanted to see what this book had to offer. I also listened to the author when he was on the Armchair Expert podcast which is a great episode if you like podcasts.
This book is definitely geared toward older people even though he states Alzheimer's/dementia symptoms can start 20-30 years before diagnosis. He especially targets those with other underlying conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc.
However, there is still valuable information in this book if you consider yourself a "healthy" person. I liked how he debunked some science or "click-baity" articles regarding preventing dementia, such as how puzzles/crosswords are supposed to ward off the disease. Not necessarily. I found the science of the brain most interesting and the protocol for optimizing your brain is straightforward and back to basics in a way. It goes against Western society/culture in terms of what you're supposed to do (no processed foods or sugar, exercise, social connection, sleep, etc.), but in a way, I'm sure that's part of why we see such an increase in most diseases.
Anyway--read it if you're interested. I read it because my grandma has Alzheimer's so I wanted to see what this book had to offer. I also listened to the author when he was on the Armchair Expert podcast which is a great episode if you like podcasts.