Think Smart

April 15, 2009
Neuroscientist Restak ("Mozart's Brain and the Fighter Pilot") offers readers an insightful, varied prescription for achieving optimal brain health. His clear, concise description of brain development and functioning and neurological processes throughout the brain's maturation process provides a fertile context for his recommendations for improving neurological performance. Restak pulls together the latest brain research, as well as information gathered in conversations with experts in a variety of related fields, and provides ways to support brain health beginning with basic nutrition and dietary choices and physical activity. He then describes mental activities, outlining specific exercises to strengthen various types of brain functionality, such as memory, mental acuity, curiosity, spatial awareness, response time, and creativity. Throughout, the importance of sleep is illustrated. The final section examines ways to overcome nonoptimal brain function, particularly that associated with aging, through tactics such as employing one's abilities, socializing, and reducing stress. His epilog outlines ways to keep your brain actively engaged and to enhance its functionality, encapsulating what he covers throughout the book while including more specifics about diet. Highly recommended for public libraries.Candice A. Kail, Columbia Univ., New York

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