A few excerpts and comments:
"But it important to know that memory is fundamentally a learning process--the result of constantly interpreting and analyzing incoming information."
"... your memory is not a single system--it's made up of a network of systems, each playing a different role in creating, storing, and recalling."
"The brain remains plastic throughout life and can rewire itself in response to learning. It can also generate new brain cells under the right circumstances."
"...exercise is the only behavioral activity scientifically proven to trigger biological effects that can help the brain." Also, "physical in activity has been calculated to be the most significant risk factor in cognitive decline and the development of dementia."
The author notes that physical exercise has often been sacrificed in schools. Research shows the benefit of physical exercise on learning. (There are tons of articles out there about how physical education/activity increases academic performance.)
There are also plenty of studies that research the affect of physical exercise on other age groups (including my own), but in addition to my own age group, I'm concerned about how taking physical education out of schools has been a mistake that has been detrimental in so many areas of child development.
About brain-training videos, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku which can improve working memory in specific areas, Gupta adds that "...although they can help your brain get better at performing those specific activities, their benefits do not extend to other brain functions like reasoning and problem solving, both of which are key to building cognitive reserve."
The book covers everything from to diet, exercise, learning, and more. The connections Gupta makes about how these behaviors effect the brain provides essential information. It may be common sense in many cases, but the how is important to know.
Building a better brain is important for people of all ages. For children, adults, and the elderly, the book offers scientific and common sense methods to preserve and increase the brain's functions and delay cognitive decline.
Excellent addition to my brain book collection.
NetGalley/Simon & Schuster
Brain/Neuroscience/Aging. Jan., 2020. Print length: 326 pages.
I should read this! After all, it's super important to know how to keep your brain firing on all cylinders...before it's too late. :)
ReplyDeleteI liked the way he discussed the effects of diet, exercise, learning, etc. on the brain. Sometimes we don't connect our general overall behaviors with brain specifically.
DeleteI'm curious about learning languages or other things like that. I've heard in the past that activity like that will help but maybe it's just like puzzles/crosswords that it only helps in a certain way. Such an interesting read!
ReplyDeleteYes, he does discuss learning languages as the kind of learning that has a discernibly positive effect on the brain--a measurable effect. Learning new things from a new language, to music, to college courses, to learning by reading in areas of interest all have long-lasting and measurable effects on memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. You bilingual prodigy, you! :) You get extra benefits because you read a great deal in Spanish, Iliana.
ReplyDeleteThis subject has been on my mind a lot lately - and it scares me to death.
ReplyDeletePhysical activity becomes more difficult every year that you age after retirement, just when you need it most to stave off dementia and the like. Sort of a Catch-22 thing.
I know. It is scary to think about, but Gupta mentions studies about improvement in any age and includes some great sources to find out more at the end.
DeleteThis sounds like a fascinating read. And motivation for me to jump back into my exercise routine I keep making excuses for.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I'm taking it seriously, Wendy.
DeleteI'm impressed he's made such a complicated topic so accessible to the lay person.
ReplyDeleteHe has a gift for communicating and explaining with the lay person in mind instead of writing a scholarly abstract.
DeleteThis sounds so good; I like when they put complex information into lay person terms. (Although some of my family members had health issues, memory issues was never one of them). They say crossword puzzles and reading varied kinds of books can help - so we book bloggers should be good:)
ReplyDeleteAlthough crossword puzzles have a limited benefit, reading widely has a much greater positive effect. Not only does reading expand our horizons, it can make us think in areas we don't experience in our every day lives. :)
DeleteThe brain is one mysterious and complex organ, isn't it? This book sounds like both a fascinating and an interesting read. Will keep this book in mind should the mood calls for it. :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely one I'd like to get, I need all the help I can muster. I'm delighted to see that reading has positive benefits, so I must make more time to read for my health. Since Ricky's table saw accident, I'm doing more manual labor so that should help as well.
ReplyDelete