Save Your Brain: The 5 Things You Must Do to Keep Your Mind Young and Sharp

Nussbaum’s book offers certain prescriptions for helping one to see that one’s brain can retain plasticity as we grow older. The brain does not have to atrophy, as once was the common thinking. I found the book helpful for a number of reasons. One, the author distills some complex information into something we can all understand. Two, for each of the five things we must do, he offers simple but effective ways to increase our brain power as we age.Nussbaum’s develops five critical areas: 1) Socialization 2) Physical Activity 3) Mental Stimulation 4) Spirituality and 5) Nutrition. He then tells how each one of these concepts is important and what we need to do to optimize each area. For example, he makes it clear under nutrition that the brain must have certain fats to thrive, and not the kind that comes from chips and fries. Under spirituality, he makes the case that regular meditation, prayer, or other types of mental rest and reflection help the brain to take a break from its rigors.I wish I’d had this book when I was in my thirties; I might be much smarter now. Kidding. But I do think, from what Nussbaum says, that it’s never too late. One of his most important points is that taking care of the brain helps to build a mental reserve, which helps to fight off or delay dementia. Each one of the five areas is important and works in conjunction with the others. If you’re curious about how your brain works or how to stave off old age, this book may be a good place to begin.One other point Nussbaum makes repeatedly is that we must continue to learn things that are “novel and complex” for us. For me, I ought to learn sign language because I’ve never done anything like that before. For others, it might be trying to learn a complex camera or studying a musical instrument. The task must be novel and complex for the individual. Take up knitting if you’re normally all thumbs!

I wanted to read this book because it's on the AARP list of the Top 5 books about brain health, and that ranking is well-deserved. Paul Nussbaum possesses great professional knowledge and credibility, but he's also a skilled writer who can articulate his message in a way that resonates with the average reader. He has a clear philosophy about brain health and the holistic approach we all need to take if we want to stay mentally sharp and protect against dementia as we age, and he lays out the key components, including nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, social connection and spirituality. If you follow the path he lays out, your brain can continue to thrive at an age. The book was written in 2010, and some elements don't hold up as well as they did six years ago. What he says about brain games doesn't reflect the current disputes over their value in maintaining cognition, but that's a more recent controversy. Overall, I got a great deal out of this book, learned a lot and finished with a greater resolve to take better care of my brain. I look forward to reading his more recent works.

I bought this after I sustained a traumatic brain injury and adjusted my life and implemented these five things and I recovered more quickly than expected. I went from unable to verbally communicate and so much more to working as a yoga instructor. I still use these things in my every day life and like to refresh up on it about once a year. I even purchased for multiple family members and people struggling with their mental health from tumors to strokes. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

As a busy mother of two I was thrilled to read this book. For me it was one stop shopping. This book describes the latest on brain health and development, the critical lifestyle areas (spirituality, nutrition, socilization, physical activity) , how and why you should impliment these into your life as well as great brain tips throughout the book.. (example tip.. Try to take a trip this year to a new surrounding and enjoy the brain health benifit) Still working on that tip with my husband:)The book also explains nutrition and how food is related to brain health. In the back of the book Dr. Nussbaum includes great recipes.I have not tried them all yet but the blueberry crips (pg 183)are a big hit with my girls..We have adopted a lot of the lifestyle changes already such as;family game nights, taking walks, eating better, yoga and breathing exercises (to calm the body).Simply put this book is a must read for anyone that is wanting a healthy brain and a much more fulfilling life!!P.S.I even allowed my 7 year old to teach me how to play chess.. (She thought that was so funny!!)Bring on the brain reserve!!

Everyone should read this book. The 5 activities for sustained and improved brain health are practical, grounded in science and easy to integrate into daily activities. I ordered several copies to give to share.

Very informative book on how your brain works and what you need to know to keep your brain healthy. The author is a wonderful speaker. I had the opportunity to hear him speak.

Some good ideas for maintaining brain function are offered in this book. It provides a comprehensive approach which appears to be beneficial. No harm in trying it out...

Well, turns out I have this covered. I still have a full time job as a Data Analyst. I also have a music hobby.

Simple easy read with some new ideas in terms of brain health.