Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age

The 24 Question Self Assessment at the beginning of this book was probably the scariest thing I've experienced in a long while. I answered YES to almost every question.  Thankfully, the remainder of the book explains that most of these issues can be corrected. Improvements can be seen in just 12 weeks. There is hope. I have not been to a doctor for this (yet) but I believe I may have mild cognitive decline. My mother has Alzheimer's and I am her caregiver. I have a multitude of health problems of my own. I recently started following the NEURO Plan as outlined in the Alzheimer's Solution by Drs Dean and Ayesha Sherzai. I have already noticed a difference and hope to follow this program for life. Dr Gupta's book, Keep Sharp, adds another depth of self-treatment and prevention which I truly believe will make a difference. Keep Sharp also offers more in depth explanation of how the brain works and how simple changes truly can make a difference. This book offers an action plan that can be implemented today.Keep Sharp explains how the brain works and how our lifestyle impacts cognition. Dr Gupta has written it in a style that is easy to read and interesting. Some parts are quite technical but easy to follow. Please don't be afraid to read this book. It's comforting because it's real. It's not just hope, it's attainable.Of special interest to me were the 12 myths and 5 pillars. Myths dispelled include being doomed to forget things as we age, only using 10% of our brains, the ability of crosswords to help keep us sharp, and many more.The 5 Pillars are: - Move - Discover - Relax - Nourish - ConnectEach of these are included in the NEURO Plan (Nutrition, Exercise, Unwind, Restore, Optimize) but are approached from different angles. Keep Sharp offers even more tools and inspiration.One of the last chapters offers hope for caregivers. I found it of particular interest since I take care of Mom. Financial and emotional concerns are covered. But it also tells the story of a Dutch village for the elderly that I wish we could duplicate here. Our system isn't always set up for a smooth final chapter of our lives. We tried placing Mom in a very high end assisted living facility for Alzheimer's patients. The result was a broken hip that left her immobile and no longer a candidate for their care. We refused to put her in a nursing home where she would be strapped to a bed and have her depends changed every two hours. So we brought her home.I don't want to leave my children with the responsibility of taking care of me if I develop dementia. I don't want to do that to myself, either. I'm willing to take the necessary steps to control every factor that is within my reach.  Keep Sharp will be an important tool in my box.Gupta says that it takes just 12 weeks of diving in with each of the 5 pillars to make a real difference. I'll be back in 12 weeks to update my review.

If you only get one helpful thing from this book it is the following: Your physical and mental health depends foremost on your brain. Rest of the book is filling in the details of why that is true and specific actions to take care of your brain. Larry Beeman

I just started reading it but I find it informative, easy to read and excellent information

Gupta comes across as affable as he does on TV. HIs tone is cheerful and accessible, and his medical advice is sensible and helpful. (My copy, although billed as "good," was marred by needless underlining and scribbling.)

Keep Sharp was a book from my sister's book club. She said, 'read it'. We purchased and half way through. It really is for all ages, we are always on the move and are plant based, but still room for change and that's what we will do.Thankful.

If I could give this book a 10, I would! Dr. Gupta has laid out a cohesive plan, based on research from hundreds of current sources to help “build a better brain.” He has pulled together the most current data, put it into an easy to understand format, and provided an easy to follow plan.This is a topic my daughter and I are very interested in because Dementia runs in our family. The “Normal versus Not Normal” section was very informative and put so many of our fears to rest.Before I started reading this book, I read a review from someone who complained that Dr. Gupta was just repeating other researchers information. Yes, Dr. Gupta provides an extensive Bibliography in the Notes section for anyone who wants to verify the accuracy or read the original text. A good researcher, doctor, scientist, journalist, etc. will do exactly that. However, as a layperson, I do not have the expertise nor the inclination to do this extensive research on the brain! I truly appreciate Dr. Gupta’s time and effort to do so.I bought a hard copy of the book since I figured it would involve some heavy-duty reading. I’m so glad I did. Every once in a while I find myself looking up an unfamiliar medical or technical term, and I’ll write the meaning in the margin. I’ve had to refer back to my notes a few times. If you have a medical background you are one step ahead of this English teacher.

This book is very informative.

I purchased this book because of who Sanjay is (a reputable, level-headed and plain speaking expert), because I have a mother in her 90s beginning to show signs of dementia, and because I do a lot reading and try to follow healthier habits. I found Sanjay’s book to be really interesting in updating my understanding of how the brain works. He reviews recent studies and discusses the latest trends in healthy living. Much of the advice is not new news, but repetition being the mother of learning, I found this book and his recommendations simple and sensible. Prior to reading, I’ve already made progress on the health front after having a mild heart attack at 60. I’ve been eating healthier food (with room for more improvement), walk an average of 1,000 miles per year, and four months ago started intermittent fasting averaging 16 to 18 hours per day without food. The results so far have been great. Next on the list is more social interaction, strength training and menu refinement. It really does work. Most critical, I want to continue working as long as I can, stay energetic and engaged, and healthy enough to enjoy life. I’m ordering copies of this book for my family; it’s valuable foundational information everyone needs to be aware of. Thanks Sanjay!

Very informative and easy to understand.Will surely use some of these recommendations.Dr Gupta a big thank you from Montreal.

No obstante la información se puede retomar de aquí y de allá, el tenerla actualizada y compendiada en un lenguaje sencillo y accesible es de mucha utilidad. Recomiendo que toda la familia lo lea!

Excellent summary of spices and condiments

Having read a major portion of it I feel it is easy to read, relevant and well researched. A lot of practical advice is given in the book for all to follow. Dr Sanjay Gupta is a well-respected and accomplished doctor. Already recommended this book to my family & friends.

This book is for every one who wants to try and stay well and healthy through out their life,covers all aspects and will reward those who take onboard the excellent advice given by the author Dr Sanjay Gupta.