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The Secret Life Of The Grown-up Brain: The Surprising Talents Of The Middle-Aged Mind (2010)

by Barbara Strauch(Favorite Author)

3.75 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0670020710 (ISBN13: 9780670020713)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Viking Adult

review 1: It is pleasing to be able to own that one’s brain is “grown-up.” It is challenging to understand what a “grown-up brain” means. When I discovered this book, the title caught my attention (as it hints at speaking to my favorite subject – brain plasticity); it was the subtitle that made the sale. Having approached, my some definitions, my “middle years,” I was excited to explore what talents I possess now that I have crossed that threshold. The author, a Science Editor at the New York Times, does an admirable job of researching this topic and translating that research into a clear, often enjoyable read. The book is divided into three sections. The first, The Powers That Be, is an overview of the “software” that makes up the brain and how it is enhance... mored (by experience, education, health, etc.) to be far more powerful in Middle Age than was previously suggested. The author discusses research that indicates the Middle Aged brain is agile enough to handle situations, complexities and challenges incomprehensible in earlier life. The second section, The Inner Workings, highlights how the “hardware” (how the MA brain has been shaped by experience, genes, education, etc.) and “software” (what the MA brain knows and is able to learn) are co-creating a mind that can, with attention and a bit of luck, continue to learn, grow and develop well into one’s 70’s. This section also introduces how the brain can (and does) regenerate itself over one’s lifetime. This idea is exceptional news for those who have suffered brain damage and takes exception to the long-held idea that brain cells cannot be regenerated. It is also welcomed by those who are advancing in age without the “curse” of having diminished capacities merely because they are aging. The final section, Healthier Brains, is just that, what can be done to have a healthier (and healthy) brain. Primary to that end is aerobic exercise. According to the author, any aerobic exercise produces new brain cells in the memory centers of lab animals (such tests on humans cannot be done due to the “untimely demise” required of the test subjects). Consistent such exercise has shown results in humans based upon cognitive testing. Added to exercise is diet. Eating foods higher in ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and avoiding (of course) foods high in Trans fats have shown positive results. Some studies have shown low grade stress (like the stress produced by the hunger experienced while dieting, for instance) will improve the brain processes. Most of the studies mentioned by the author are in the early stages or are small sample studies. More than a few, however, are longitudinal (50+ years), broad sample studies, the gold standard of research. This book is a good source for information about what happens to our “minds” as we age. The sources appear to lengthy, broad and well documented. It is easily accessed for reference and in not overly technical, allowing for a wider readership. It is of depth enough that it needs to be read carefully, it is NOT a weekend read.
review 2: Engagingly written for the layperson, Barbara Strauch has mostly good news for those of us not in our "first youth." Sure, your brain may forget names, but it is busy doing other things that may be more important. Strauch cites (fairly) recent research on the benefits of exercise (definitely helps, darn it), certain foods (probably helps), doing puzzles/learning new things (probably helps), and being social (couldn't hurt). If you remember to pick it up and read it, it may help you feel better about your life stage. less

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