We're
living longer but will we live into our later years in good mental
health? Many of us are familiar with the heartbreak of dementia. Is
there any way we can reduce our chances of getting dementia?
Yes.
We are all getting older but that does not mean we have to suffer
with dementia. “Dementia is not normal. Normal aging does not
result in dementia. Dementia … is a disease state that may, with
healthy choices, be avoided.” (177)
Dr.
Jennings has written this book “to lead people to healthier lives,
which slow the aging process and reduce the risk of dementia.” (45)
It includes the latest scientific findings that Jennings summarizes
into usable information we can put into practice. Some of the
information is a bit technical but Jennings includes bullet points at
the end of each chapter for easy review. He also provides bullet
points of the actions we can take based on the material in the
chapter. There is also a chapter near the end that is a review of all
the major information.
There
is a ton of useful information in this book that every baby boomer
should know. Some things we can't change, like the effects from our
childhood experiences and our DNA. But there is so much we can do to
be healthy and go into old age with a better mental condition.
Exercise is essential. Avoiding certain foods, like fast foods and
blackened meats, while embracing the benefits of others, like fruits,
vegetables, coffee and green tea.
I
love reading and was glad when Jennings wrote, “...the healthiest
mindset is one that loves to grow and advance in truth … rather
than maintaining a mindset that believes it already possesses the
truth and therefore resists any new insights.” (141)
I
don't watch television and now I know why. “The brain cannot tell
the difference between a real threat and a perceived threat.” (189)
Watching stressful television programs (not educational ones) alters
the brain structure and increases the risk for attention problems as
well as dementia. (189)
I
am very impressed with this book and highly recommend it. It has
helped me understand why late-onset Alzheimer's disease is on the
rise. It has also helped me understand what I can do to avoid it. Many suggestions I have already put into practice. Jennings notes that all
the suggestions will not be applicable to everyone. The information
provided will allow each reader to choose which to do and form their
own action plan.
You
can find out more about the book, read a chapter, and watch
informative videos at https://www.agingbrainbook.com/.
My
rating: 5/5 stars.
Timothy
R. Jennings, MD, has been in private practice as a psychiatrist and
certified master psychopharmacologist since 1997. Board certified in
psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, he is a
specialist in transcranial magnetic stimulation, a drug-free
treatment for depression. Dr. Jennings is a Distinguished Fellow of
the American Psychiatric Association, Fellow of the Southern
Psychiatric Association, and past president of both the Tennessee and
Southern Psychiatric Associations. He is a highly sought after
lecturer and international speaker, and the author of The
God-Shaped Brain
and The
God-Shaped Heart.
He lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Baker
Books, 288 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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