Books:
"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.
"The Healthy Aging Brain" by Louis Cozolino
This book is one of the best brain books available. A researcher for many decades, he 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."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 Myth of Alzheimer's" by Peter Whitehouse MD
A controversial book from a geriatric neurologist and leading expert on Alzheimer's. He's ready to get rid of the name "Alzheimer's" and suggests radical new approaches to cognitive decline beyond medication. He discusses the healing power of story, the cognitive iimportance of being part of a community and helping others, and his intergenerational school.
"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.
"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.
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