Older and Wiser: What Science Tells Us about Maintaining Peak Mental Ability for as Long as We Live - Hardcover

In "Older and Wiser," neurologist and bestselling author Dr. Richard Restak draws on the latest scientific research to offer practical advice about how we can retain peak mental ability as we grow older. To better understand how aging affects the brain, Dr. Restak surveys what current research has discovered about the aging process, including the role of genetics and diet. Contrary to the widely shared perception, the brain does not necessarily deteriorate as we age, says Dr. Restak, though it does undergo changes. It is also a myth that we suffer a significant loss of nerve cells in the brain as we age; in fact, we can actually expand the connections between neurons if we continue to be intellectually stimulated and curious. Like other parts of the body, the brain is a dynamic organ, and we need to exercise it by being intellectually active to keep it operating at peak level. Beyond what science tells us, "Older and Wiser" lets those who have aged successfully speak candidly about the ten factors of successful aging that Dr. Restak has identified, which include regular physical activity, intellectual curiosity, and maintaining a strong social network. Dr. Restak also separates the facts from the myths about the mature brain on such topics as Alzheimer's, stroke, insomnia, and depression, and he examines the pros and cons of drugs used in treating these disorders.