BRAINY RESOURCES
Books:
"The Human Brain Book" by Rita Carter
I'm partial to this author because her book "Mapping the Mind" was my very first brain book! It was tough going for an intro book. This more recent one is more accessible, a good one for those looking to learn brain basics. Includes illustrations and an interactive dvd.
"The Healthy Aging Brain" by Louis Cozolino
A researcher for many decades, Louis is deeply interested in living fully rather than simply avoiding disease. Great focus on psychosocial issues--tribal elders must share their wisdom to keep the brain healthy! He was my favorite speaker at a February 2009 conference of prominent neuroscientists.
"Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain" by Sharon Begley
The science behind our ability to affect brain chemistry and neural tissue is clearly presented. Sharon is an aaclaimed science writer at Newsweek who makes scientific concepts easy to understand--and she wrote a cover blurb for my book "The Richest of Fare" (thanks Sharon!).
"Physiology of Behavior" by Neil Carlson
This was the textbook for my "Brain Research in Education" certificate program. It is technical but accessible for healthcare professionals and the motivated lay reader.
"Aging with Grace: What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives" by David Snowden
If you've ever heard someone refer to "The Nun Study," this book is what they're referring to! Snowden (an epidemiologist) turned the world of Alzheimer's research upside down with his pioneering study. Nuns who had no signs of cognitive decline had signs of Alzheimer's disease upon autopsy, suggesting that a healthy brain can handle the disease to some extent without functional loss. Some of the nuns were learning a new language in their 90's! The ability to express emotions in language (verbal and written) was found to be an early warning sign in the 20's and 30's of cognitive problems later in life. This is a great book for anyone interested in what behaviors help to build a brain-healthy lifestyle.
Websites:
AARP
Get Brain Healthy
Eclectic but very practical and focused on prevention.
The Conference Board
Your Brain at Work: Enrich Your Life, Enrich Your Brain
This publication is practically oriented, well organized, with a preventitive focus.
Helping employees to improve brain health keeps them working better and longer. The Conference Board announces the publication of "Your Brain at Work: Making the Science of Cognitive Fitness Work for You," the first of three booklets combining the latest neuroscience with practical tips for brain health.
Dana Foundation
The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives (DABI) is a nonprofit organization of 260 eminent neuroscientists, including ten Nobel laureates. The Dana Alliance is committed to advancing public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research and to disseminating information on the brain in an understandable and accessible fashion. This site provides information on brain disorders and disease, little on preventitive brain health.
Franklin Institute
The Human Brain
User-friendly language, nutritional and preventitive tips.
McGill University
The Brain from Top to Bottom
A great educational tool. One of my favorites for many years!
Met Life
Ten Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Brain
A great resource, practical and cuttting-edge, mentions spirituality, purpose, and money.
National Geographic
http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-body/brain-article.html
Great interactive map of the brain that shows which areas do certain basic tasks such as smelling, tasting, hearing, and kissing!
National Institute of Health
Hendrie, Hugh C.; Albert, Marilyn S.; Butters, Meryl A.; et al. “The NIH Cognitive and Emotional Health Project: Report of the Critical Evaluation Study Committee.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association January 2006; Vol. 2 (1): 12–32.
Free download available on line (21 pages)
This report states that most research is oriented toward disease detection and treatment, and that there is a need for more research on healthy aging and preventitive brain health. An expert panel appointed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to assess current scientific knowledge about brain health and identify promising areas for further research finds that heart health, physical activity, freedom from chronic illness and a strong social support system may all help maintain mental sharpness and emotional well-being as we age. The panel identifies more than 40 factors that may influence cognitive and emotional health in older adults. Some of the most consistent findings link high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and excess weight to an increased risk of cognitive decline. Evidence suggests that combinations of factors may be more significant over time than any single factor.
Neuroscience For Kids
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/help.html
Professor Eric Chudler does a great job keeping us informed of brain research, articles, and websites. Sign up for his free monthly newsletter.
Tufts University
Health and Nutrition Newsletter
If you think food is the best medicine, you'll love Tufts--a great blend of mainstream and holistic research!
|
|