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Use Your Brain to Change Your Age: Secrets to Look, Feel, and Think Younger Every Day
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS BETWEEN YOUR EARS.
A healthy brain is the key to staying vibrant and alive for a long time, and in Use Your Brain to Change Your Age, bestselling author and brain expert Dr. Daniel G. Amen shares ten simple steps to boost your brain to help you
live longer, look younger, and dramatically decrease your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Over the last twenty years at Amen Clinics, Dr. Amen has performed more than 70,000 brain scans on patients from ninety different countries. His brain imaging work has taught
him that our brains typically become less active with age and we become more vulnerable to
memory problems and depression. Yet, one of the most exciting lessons he has learned is that
with a little forethought and a brain-smart plan, you can slow, or even reverse, the aging process in the brain.
Based on the approach that has helped thousands of people at Amen Clinics along with the most cutting-edge research, Dr. Amen’s breakthrough, easy-to-follow antiaging program shows you how
• Boost your memory, mood, attention,
and energy
• Decrease your risk for Alzheimer’s and
other forms of dementia
• Eat to live longer
• Reduce the outward signs of aging and
make your skin more beautiful
• Promote the healing of brain damage due
to injury, strokes, substance abuse, and
toxic exposure
• Dramatically increase your chances of
living longer and looking younger
••And much more.
By adopting the brain healthy strategies detailed in Use Your Brain to Change Your Age , you can outsmart your genes, put the brakes on aging, and even reverse the aging process. If you change your brain, you can change your life—and your age.
A healthy brain is the key to staying vibrant and alive for a long time, and in Use Your Brain to Change Your Age, bestselling author and brain expert Dr. Daniel G. Amen shares ten simple steps to boost your brain to help you
live longer, look younger, and dramatically decrease your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Over the last twenty years at Amen Clinics, Dr. Amen has performed more than 70,000 brain scans on patients from ninety different countries. His brain imaging work has taught
him that our brains typically become less active with age and we become more vulnerable to
memory problems and depression. Yet, one of the most exciting lessons he has learned is that
with a little forethought and a brain-smart plan, you can slow, or even reverse, the aging process in the brain.
Based on the approach that has helped thousands of people at Amen Clinics along with the most cutting-edge research, Dr. Amen’s breakthrough, easy-to-follow antiaging program shows you how
• Boost your memory, mood, attention,
and energy
• Decrease your risk for Alzheimer’s and
other forms of dementia
• Eat to live longer
• Reduce the outward signs of aging and
make your skin more beautiful
• Promote the healing of brain damage due
to injury, strokes, substance abuse, and
toxic exposure
• Dramatically increase your chances of
living longer and looking younger
••And much more.
By adopting the brain healthy strategies detailed in Use Your Brain to Change Your Age , you can outsmart your genes, put the brakes on aging, and even reverse the aging process. If you change your brain, you can change your life—and your age.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
267 people are currently reading
1615 people want to read
About the author
Daniel G. Amen
188 books1,418 followersThe Washington Post called Dr. Daniel Amen the most popular psychiatrist in America and Sharecare.com named him the web's most influential expert and advocate on mental health.
Daniel Amen is a life-long Christian and graduate of Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. He is a double board-certified psychiatrist and multiple NY Times bestselling author, with such blockbuster books as Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, and The Daniel Plan, co-authored by Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman. In November 2016, he and his wife Tana published The Brain Warrior's Way.
Dr. Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics, which has 6 locations across the United States. Amen Clinics has the world's largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 125,000 SPECT scans on patients from 111 countries.
Dr. Amen's research team has published more than 70 scientific articles on a wide variety of topics related to brain health. He is the lead researcher on the largest brain imaging study on active and retired NFL players and was a consultant on the movie Concussion starring Will Smith. In 2016, Discover Magazine named his brain imaging work for psychiatric diagnoses as one of the top 100 stories in all of science.
Dr. Amen has also hosted 11 national public television shows about the brain, which have aired more than 80,000 times across North America and raised more than 75 million dollars for stations.
You can connect with Dr. Amen on Facebook and Twitter
Daniel Amen is a life-long Christian and graduate of Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. He is a double board-certified psychiatrist and multiple NY Times bestselling author, with such blockbuster books as Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, and The Daniel Plan, co-authored by Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman. In November 2016, he and his wife Tana published The Brain Warrior's Way.
Dr. Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics, which has 6 locations across the United States. Amen Clinics has the world's largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 125,000 SPECT scans on patients from 111 countries.
Dr. Amen's research team has published more than 70 scientific articles on a wide variety of topics related to brain health. He is the lead researcher on the largest brain imaging study on active and retired NFL players and was a consultant on the movie Concussion starring Will Smith. In 2016, Discover Magazine named his brain imaging work for psychiatric diagnoses as one of the top 100 stories in all of science.
Dr. Amen has also hosted 11 national public television shows about the brain, which have aired more than 80,000 times across North America and raised more than 75 million dollars for stations.
You can connect with Dr. Amen on Facebook and Twitter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 14, 2013
Here's the message (not a spoiler, though): the more you know about something, the more you can't avoid acting on it.
Use Your Brain etc. is another book that touts the effects of a diet high in anti-oxidants, low in bad carbs and saturated fat, with specific supplements, exercise, and mental work, as a way of reversing certain problems associated with aging. It has a lot of good information, tied together in the context of "before" and "after" SPECT scans. There's also a bit of shilling the author's line of supplements, but it's not too distracting.
This is a good book to read for the knowledge, to add to your reference shelf for the data and relationships in it, and to use for your health and longevity.
Use Your Brain etc. is another book that touts the effects of a diet high in anti-oxidants, low in bad carbs and saturated fat, with specific supplements, exercise, and mental work, as a way of reversing certain problems associated with aging. It has a lot of good information, tied together in the context of "before" and "after" SPECT scans. There's also a bit of shilling the author's line of supplements, but it's not too distracting.
This is a good book to read for the knowledge, to add to your reference shelf for the data and relationships in it, and to use for your health and longevity.
May 4, 2012
Diet and exercise will change your brain age. As always, a good diet and a positive outlook on life will erase years off the interior and exterior of your body.
His book offers some impressive brain before and after pictures and the usual dramatic life changing stories.
Dr. Amen often mentions his website that offers his books, supplements, and self-help products for sale. He's in it for the additional sales he will make off his products.
His book offers some impressive brain before and after pictures and the usual dramatic life changing stories.
Dr. Amen often mentions his website that offers his books, supplements, and self-help products for sale. He's in it for the additional sales he will make off his products.
August 26, 2012
According to what I read in this book if you want to look younger, feel more vibrant and avoid memory problems and decrease your risk for Alzheimers, you better work at keeping your brain healthy. According to Dr. Amen, a clinical neuroscientist who has performed over 70,000 brain scans on individuals from 90 countries over the last 20 years at his Amen Clinics helping individuals to slow and even reverse the aging process. Sounds a little too good to be true doesn't it?
Through interesting case studies the author reports how our brain and decision making is affected when people neglect their diet and become sedentary, and going on to further state that images of patient's brains have shown that memory problems, depression are more of an issue as we age for individuals who do not eat well, do not sleep enough and don't engage in regular physical activity.
He discusses his anti-aging plan as it relates to: eating better for a longer life, ways to boost energy and improve memory, supplements that we all should take, how positive relationships help to slow the aging process, the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol and their effects on the brain, how to promote healing even if a brain has had a head injury or was damaged by a stroke, and how to out smart your genes (not so sure about this one and halt aging in the process.
I found a lot of what the author says about diet and exercise to have been things that I've read previously in other articles from various health publications I read, but I did find many of the case studies pretty fascinating. The narrator, Marc Cashman made the studies interesting so the audio book was enjoyable.
What I didn't care for was what I would describe as a lot of self promotion of the "Amen Clinics" along with the products he promotes there.
3.5/5 stars
Through interesting case studies the author reports how our brain and decision making is affected when people neglect their diet and become sedentary, and going on to further state that images of patient's brains have shown that memory problems, depression are more of an issue as we age for individuals who do not eat well, do not sleep enough and don't engage in regular physical activity.
He discusses his anti-aging plan as it relates to: eating better for a longer life, ways to boost energy and improve memory, supplements that we all should take, how positive relationships help to slow the aging process, the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol and their effects on the brain, how to promote healing even if a brain has had a head injury or was damaged by a stroke, and how to out smart your genes (not so sure about this one and halt aging in the process.
I found a lot of what the author says about diet and exercise to have been things that I've read previously in other articles from various health publications I read, but I did find many of the case studies pretty fascinating. The narrator, Marc Cashman made the studies interesting so the audio book was enjoyable.
What I didn't care for was what I would describe as a lot of self promotion of the "Amen Clinics" along with the products he promotes there.
3.5/5 stars
December 20, 2018
If I put half the effort into creating my own diet/exercise miracle plan as I do hate-reading shit like this book, I, too, would be a phony guru and flying around in my own jet, but then I remembered that I really don’t like to fly.
He lost me with his resume filler of “life-long Christian.” Sorry, but the superstition you were born with and not intelligent enough to talk yourself out of doesn’t qualify you in any aspect of medicine.
Yet another book that could easily be reduced to a few notes on a 3X5 index card. Instead, he adds lots of anecdotes of people just like you and me who were once tubs of guts and now they run marathons, or whatever. Dude is a couple years older than I am and could pass for my dad.
Common sense that most mildly well-informed adults already know. Eat decent food, exercise, and use your brain.
This guy obviously seems much more interested in creating a health industry empire than helping people.
He uses examples of a few slobs who have somehow walked out of slob-dom and on to brilliant, healthy lives. There are countless books exactly, and I mean fucking exactly like this book out there on the market, yet people are still fat and way out of shape. Obviously, these methods don’t work.
I live in a society (Spain) in which most people eat pretty well, what the diet gurus call the Mediterranean Diet. There is no magic going on, it’s just people taking the time to cook their own food, mostly. People also walk a lot here because they live in cities, mostly.
He lost me with his resume filler of “life-long Christian.” Sorry, but the superstition you were born with and not intelligent enough to talk yourself out of doesn’t qualify you in any aspect of medicine.
Yet another book that could easily be reduced to a few notes on a 3X5 index card. Instead, he adds lots of anecdotes of people just like you and me who were once tubs of guts and now they run marathons, or whatever. Dude is a couple years older than I am and could pass for my dad.
Common sense that most mildly well-informed adults already know. Eat decent food, exercise, and use your brain.
This guy obviously seems much more interested in creating a health industry empire than helping people.
He uses examples of a few slobs who have somehow walked out of slob-dom and on to brilliant, healthy lives. There are countless books exactly, and I mean fucking exactly like this book out there on the market, yet people are still fat and way out of shape. Obviously, these methods don’t work.
I live in a society (Spain) in which most people eat pretty well, what the diet gurus call the Mediterranean Diet. There is no magic going on, it’s just people taking the time to cook their own food, mostly. People also walk a lot here because they live in cities, mostly.
August 18, 2018
Excellent book about nutrition and exercises for your brain.
January 24, 2013
Every now and then I come across a good health, diet, exercise or food book. This one was a random pic at the library and I'm glad it was chosen as I could relate to the topics. As the book started, I wasn't sure where it was going and that it was just a book to kick your butt to start you on an exercise and diet program.
However about 1/2 way in and relating many of the topics (i.e. diet, exercise and vitamins), I really started to listen. It took about 1 more week to finish off the books as each CD was ~80 minutes and in that time, i've been sold on trying out some of the processes.
First change so far has been to start making my gallon of day ice tea (w/ 4 teabags) using Stevia (2 bags per gallon). The change has been to remove 2 sweet n low and 1 equal packet per gallon. Little strange getting used to the new taste as 1 packet is not enough and 2 are pretty darn sweet. I'm hoping to keep with this. I've also for the last couple of days tried not to have my 2 cans of diet pepsi per day. The diet pepsi might be harder to keep away from, but I'm trying.
Second change was to try to get back into the kick of having a multi vitamin per day. I heard a study a couple of years back that zinc was bad for memory as you got older and that it might cause pre-alzheimers. Having someone going through that in family, I quit it immediately. Zinc is still in my caplet, but I'm going to try to start taking it again.
Next change that just occurred tonight is the purchase of a fish oil supplement. It was a 650/250 EPH/BPA (not sure of acronmys) mix from the vitamin store. 180 caplets for $45. Not sure the price is reasonable or not, but wanted to give it a try. My wife is not sure why I'm taking a large dose.
I'm hoping with the 3 changes, I can knock a couple lbs off the belly that have persistently stayed for the last several years, even after dropping 25 lbs several years ago to the 175 range.
Let's see how it goes. Good book for the detail provided. I'm going to look up some more info on the amen clinic site to see the recommendations.
Would like to rate a 4.5 vs 4 or 5 but chose 4 for my rank.
However about 1/2 way in and relating many of the topics (i.e. diet, exercise and vitamins), I really started to listen. It took about 1 more week to finish off the books as each CD was ~80 minutes and in that time, i've been sold on trying out some of the processes.
First change so far has been to start making my gallon of day ice tea (w/ 4 teabags) using Stevia (2 bags per gallon). The change has been to remove 2 sweet n low and 1 equal packet per gallon. Little strange getting used to the new taste as 1 packet is not enough and 2 are pretty darn sweet. I'm hoping to keep with this. I've also for the last couple of days tried not to have my 2 cans of diet pepsi per day. The diet pepsi might be harder to keep away from, but I'm trying.
Second change was to try to get back into the kick of having a multi vitamin per day. I heard a study a couple of years back that zinc was bad for memory as you got older and that it might cause pre-alzheimers. Having someone going through that in family, I quit it immediately. Zinc is still in my caplet, but I'm going to try to start taking it again.
Next change that just occurred tonight is the purchase of a fish oil supplement. It was a 650/250 EPH/BPA (not sure of acronmys) mix from the vitamin store. 180 caplets for $45. Not sure the price is reasonable or not, but wanted to give it a try. My wife is not sure why I'm taking a large dose.
I'm hoping with the 3 changes, I can knock a couple lbs off the belly that have persistently stayed for the last several years, even after dropping 25 lbs several years ago to the 175 range.
Let's see how it goes. Good book for the detail provided. I'm going to look up some more info on the amen clinic site to see the recommendations.
Would like to rate a 4.5 vs 4 or 5 but chose 4 for my rank.
November 7, 2023
A transformative book that opens doors to endless possibilities as we age gracefully and intelligently.
Recent research revealed that the brain possesses an extraordinary capacity for adaptation and renewal throughout our lives. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganise and form new neural connections in response to learning, experience, and environmental factors. Neuroplasticity challenges the traditional notion that the brain’s decline is irreversible, opening up a world of possibilities for optimising brain health and cognitive function as we age.
The concept of neuroplasticity suggests that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, staying socially connected, leading a physically active lifestyle, and maintaining a balanced diet can positively influence brain health and cognitive resilience. Regular exercise, for instance, has been shown to promote neurogenesis – the birth of new brain cells – particularly in regions associated with memory and learning. Moreover, nurturing our emotional well-being can also play a vital role in maintaining brain health.
In ‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age: Secrets to Look, Feel, and Think Younger Every Day’ Dr. Daniel G. Amen, a renowned brain expert and bestselling author, reveals the key to a vibrant and prolonged life: a healthy brain. Drawing from over 70,000 brain scans conducted at Amen Clinics, he shares ten simple steps to boost your brain’s health, leading to a longer life, a more youthful appearance, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Author’s background
Dr. Daniel G. Amen is a renowned physician, psychiatrist, teacher, and four-time New York Times bestselling author.
He’s an expert in applying brain imaging science to clinical psychiatric practice. He is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, the medical director of Amen Clinics with the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to behavior.
Dr. Amen is also an assistant clinical professor at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine and a lead researcher in a large brain imaging/brain rehabilitation study on professional football players. Dr. Amen has authored 28 books, appeared in popular shows about the brain, and delivered speeches for various prestigious organizations.
What is the book about?
The book explores the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life. Dr. Amen emphasises that by making specific lifestyle changes and adopting brain-healthy habits, individuals can enhance their brain function, improve memory, and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
In the book, Dr. Amen provides practical strategies and insights on how to maintain a youthful and healthy brain as you age. He discusses the impact of various factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and social engagement on brain health. The book also incorporates case studies and examples from his extensive experience as a psychiatrist and brain health expert.
Key takeaways from ‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age’
1. Your brainwork affects everything in your life
The book discusses the importance of the brain in every aspect of a person’s life and how it affects decision-making, emotions, behavior, and overall health. It emphasises that a healthy brain leads to a happier, healthier, and more successful life, while a troubled brain can lead to various issues such as mental illnesses, addiction, and learning problems.
The brain is a complex and vulnerable organ, and brain injuries can have severe consequences. The author stresses the significance of brain health and the impact of behavior on brain ageing.
2. You can improve the brain’s health through targeted lifestyle changes
• Brain-healthy diet and hydration. One of the key messages in ‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age’ is a call to adopt a brain-healthy diet. This typically includes consuming foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that support brain function. Reducing processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats is also usually encouraged.
• Physical exercise. Regular physical exercise is essential for brain health. The book may recommend incorporating aerobic exercises, strength training, and activities that challenge the brain’s coordination and motor skills.
• Mental stimulation and brain-training exercises. Keeping the brain engaged through mental stimulation is important. Activities like reading, puzzles, learning new skills, and engaging in intellectually stimulating hobbies are often suggested. Some books might introduce specific brain-training exercises or computer programs designed to improve cognitive abilities.
• Sleep optimisation and stress reduction. Quality sleep is crucial for brain health and cognitive function. Implementing healthy sleep habits and addressing any sleep-related issues are encouraged. Chronic stress can negatively impact the brain. The book might advise on stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or other relaxation practices.
• Social connection. Maintain social connections and engaging in meaningful relationships can positively influence brain health and overall well-being.
• Avoiding toxins. Minimise exposure to environmental toxins and substances, like tobacco and alcohol, that can harm the brain may also be mentioned.
3. You should know your numbers to maintain a healthy mind
To maintain a healthy mind and body, understanding and optimising certain health parameters is essential. The author provides a list of numbers that play a crucial role in promoting longevity and youthful appearance. These include: BMI, Waist-to-Height ratio, blood pressure, average hours of sleep per night, vitamin D level, calories needed vs. calories expended, and many other parameters.
Knowing and regularly monitoring these numbers can empower you to take control of your health and make informed decisions to improve your overall well-being. Remember, you cannot change what you do not measure, so stay proactive and aware of these essential markers for a healthier, happier life.
4. Try doing regular brain checkups
The book might advocate for regular brain health assessments and checkups to monitor cognitive function and identify any potential issues early on.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Motivational: Some readers found the book to be motivating, especially in terms of starting or maintaining an exercise routine and improving eating habits.
• Comprehensive approach: The book covers various aspects of brain health, including diet, sleep, weight loss, brain exercises, and mental states like depression.
• Real-Life examples: The inclusion of real people’s experiences and SPECT scans demonstrating improvement adds credibility to the strategies suggested in the book.
• Highlighting the impact of obesity: The book sheds light on the significant effect of obesity on brain function, memory, and cognition, which might be an eye-opener for some readers.
Weaknesses:
• Lack of novelty: Some readers felt that the book didn’t offer much new information, and its content was largely a rehash of common knowledge.
• Repetitive writing: The book’s content was repetitive, which might have made it less engaging for some readers.
• Contains self-promotion: The book was criticised for including advertising for the author’s products, services, and success stories, which could be off-putting to some readers.
Best quotes from ‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age’
“I used to love Rocky Road ice cream until I learned that not only is it filled with sugar and calories, which promote obesity, inflammation, and erratic brain cell firing, it also has a type of fat, palmitic acid, that fools the brain into thinking it has not eaten anything at all. No wonder that halfway through the first bowl of ice cream, I was thinking about the second bowl. This does not happen with nonfat yogurt and blueberries, which I also love.”
“Eat more vegetables than fruits and try to get that number to between five and ten servings to enhance your brain and lower your risk for cancer.”
“Losing your memory or developing brain fog in your forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, or even eighties is not normal. It is a sign of trouble. Be smart and stop waiting for a problem to hit you in the head before you decide you have to get healthy.”
Final takeaway
‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age: Secrets to Look, Feel, and Think Younger Every Day’ by Dr. Daniel G. Amen offers a simple, brain-smart program to boost brain health and longevity. Drawing from extensive brain imaging work, the book provides practical steps to improve memory, focus, energy, and reduce aging signs. While the book presents valuable insights, some readers found it repetitive and containing excessive self-promotion for the author’s products and services.
Recent research revealed that the brain possesses an extraordinary capacity for adaptation and renewal throughout our lives. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganise and form new neural connections in response to learning, experience, and environmental factors. Neuroplasticity challenges the traditional notion that the brain’s decline is irreversible, opening up a world of possibilities for optimising brain health and cognitive function as we age.
The concept of neuroplasticity suggests that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, staying socially connected, leading a physically active lifestyle, and maintaining a balanced diet can positively influence brain health and cognitive resilience. Regular exercise, for instance, has been shown to promote neurogenesis – the birth of new brain cells – particularly in regions associated with memory and learning. Moreover, nurturing our emotional well-being can also play a vital role in maintaining brain health.
In ‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age: Secrets to Look, Feel, and Think Younger Every Day’ Dr. Daniel G. Amen, a renowned brain expert and bestselling author, reveals the key to a vibrant and prolonged life: a healthy brain. Drawing from over 70,000 brain scans conducted at Amen Clinics, he shares ten simple steps to boost your brain’s health, leading to a longer life, a more youthful appearance, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Author’s background
Dr. Daniel G. Amen is a renowned physician, psychiatrist, teacher, and four-time New York Times bestselling author.
He’s an expert in applying brain imaging science to clinical psychiatric practice. He is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, the medical director of Amen Clinics with the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to behavior.
Dr. Amen is also an assistant clinical professor at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine and a lead researcher in a large brain imaging/brain rehabilitation study on professional football players. Dr. Amen has authored 28 books, appeared in popular shows about the brain, and delivered speeches for various prestigious organizations.
What is the book about?
The book explores the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life. Dr. Amen emphasises that by making specific lifestyle changes and adopting brain-healthy habits, individuals can enhance their brain function, improve memory, and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
In the book, Dr. Amen provides practical strategies and insights on how to maintain a youthful and healthy brain as you age. He discusses the impact of various factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and social engagement on brain health. The book also incorporates case studies and examples from his extensive experience as a psychiatrist and brain health expert.
Key takeaways from ‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age’
1. Your brainwork affects everything in your life
The book discusses the importance of the brain in every aspect of a person’s life and how it affects decision-making, emotions, behavior, and overall health. It emphasises that a healthy brain leads to a happier, healthier, and more successful life, while a troubled brain can lead to various issues such as mental illnesses, addiction, and learning problems.
The brain is a complex and vulnerable organ, and brain injuries can have severe consequences. The author stresses the significance of brain health and the impact of behavior on brain ageing.
2. You can improve the brain’s health through targeted lifestyle changes
• Brain-healthy diet and hydration. One of the key messages in ‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age’ is a call to adopt a brain-healthy diet. This typically includes consuming foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that support brain function. Reducing processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats is also usually encouraged.
• Physical exercise. Regular physical exercise is essential for brain health. The book may recommend incorporating aerobic exercises, strength training, and activities that challenge the brain’s coordination and motor skills.
• Mental stimulation and brain-training exercises. Keeping the brain engaged through mental stimulation is important. Activities like reading, puzzles, learning new skills, and engaging in intellectually stimulating hobbies are often suggested. Some books might introduce specific brain-training exercises or computer programs designed to improve cognitive abilities.
• Sleep optimisation and stress reduction. Quality sleep is crucial for brain health and cognitive function. Implementing healthy sleep habits and addressing any sleep-related issues are encouraged. Chronic stress can negatively impact the brain. The book might advise on stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or other relaxation practices.
• Social connection. Maintain social connections and engaging in meaningful relationships can positively influence brain health and overall well-being.
• Avoiding toxins. Minimise exposure to environmental toxins and substances, like tobacco and alcohol, that can harm the brain may also be mentioned.
3. You should know your numbers to maintain a healthy mind
To maintain a healthy mind and body, understanding and optimising certain health parameters is essential. The author provides a list of numbers that play a crucial role in promoting longevity and youthful appearance. These include: BMI, Waist-to-Height ratio, blood pressure, average hours of sleep per night, vitamin D level, calories needed vs. calories expended, and many other parameters.
Knowing and regularly monitoring these numbers can empower you to take control of your health and make informed decisions to improve your overall well-being. Remember, you cannot change what you do not measure, so stay proactive and aware of these essential markers for a healthier, happier life.
4. Try doing regular brain checkups
The book might advocate for regular brain health assessments and checkups to monitor cognitive function and identify any potential issues early on.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Motivational: Some readers found the book to be motivating, especially in terms of starting or maintaining an exercise routine and improving eating habits.
• Comprehensive approach: The book covers various aspects of brain health, including diet, sleep, weight loss, brain exercises, and mental states like depression.
• Real-Life examples: The inclusion of real people’s experiences and SPECT scans demonstrating improvement adds credibility to the strategies suggested in the book.
• Highlighting the impact of obesity: The book sheds light on the significant effect of obesity on brain function, memory, and cognition, which might be an eye-opener for some readers.
Weaknesses:
• Lack of novelty: Some readers felt that the book didn’t offer much new information, and its content was largely a rehash of common knowledge.
• Repetitive writing: The book’s content was repetitive, which might have made it less engaging for some readers.
• Contains self-promotion: The book was criticised for including advertising for the author’s products, services, and success stories, which could be off-putting to some readers.
Best quotes from ‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age’
“I used to love Rocky Road ice cream until I learned that not only is it filled with sugar and calories, which promote obesity, inflammation, and erratic brain cell firing, it also has a type of fat, palmitic acid, that fools the brain into thinking it has not eaten anything at all. No wonder that halfway through the first bowl of ice cream, I was thinking about the second bowl. This does not happen with nonfat yogurt and blueberries, which I also love.”
“Eat more vegetables than fruits and try to get that number to between five and ten servings to enhance your brain and lower your risk for cancer.”
“Losing your memory or developing brain fog in your forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, or even eighties is not normal. It is a sign of trouble. Be smart and stop waiting for a problem to hit you in the head before you decide you have to get healthy.”
Final takeaway
‘Use Your Brain to Change Your Age: Secrets to Look, Feel, and Think Younger Every Day’ by Dr. Daniel G. Amen offers a simple, brain-smart program to boost brain health and longevity. Drawing from extensive brain imaging work, the book provides practical steps to improve memory, focus, energy, and reduce aging signs. While the book presents valuable insights, some readers found it repetitive and containing excessive self-promotion for the author’s products and services.
February 26, 2013
The subtitle of the books is "secrets to look, feel, and think younger everyday." Don't take that too seriously as far as the outward cosmetics of your appearance. The thrust of the first half of the book is combating Alzheimer's disease. That is not a bad thing, mind you, but the title might be misleading to some readers. The second half deals to a small degree with appearance and mental states, such as depression. Amen has written something of a cheerleader's book: "Eat the rainbow! Yay! Life-long learning! Yay! Exercise! Yay! Defeat Alzheimer's!" There is little that a reader who had kept up with current research in popular magazines will find new, though the reading might inspire action rather than passive understanding. I enjoyed it because the topic is of particular interest to me, and the information was very practical. However, I find fault in two ways. First, Amen doesn't hesitate to frequently mention his own paid online services, his clinics, supplements, and his wife's cookbooks. At times, the book sounds like little more than an infomercial. Once is enough for the fans, doc. After that you sound like a money-grubbing nag. Second, I listened to it in audio. This is a terrible book for that format. There are so many lists: organic foods to eat, non-organics to avoid, best fish, Glycemic Index ratings for food, etc. All these lists make this book nearly impossible in audio form. If you want the lists, anecdotes, and advertisements, choose the paper or electronic version so you can refer back easily.
April 22, 2012
I'm really giving the five stars to Dr. Amen himself, because this book covers a lot of the same stuff as his other books. However, it's a terrific wake-up call to what most of us are doing to our brains, namely NOT helping them stay as young as they could. His recommendations are pretty simple. Get daily exercise. Don't do alcohol, drugs or tobacco. Lose the extra pounds. Get off sugar, white flour and salt. Take multi-vitamins and vitamin D. Keep learning, no matter what your age. But which of us is doing ALL these things? He sure gave me a good kick in the butt to go for an even healthier lifestyle. (ANYTHING to avoid Alzheimer's!)
March 17, 2016
Is an interesting book with a plenty of tomography SPECT pictures which makes you feel curious and wants to know more about how your brain can change if you're doing the right choices regarding the food what you're eating every single day and also if you will start to supply at list with Omega 3 Fish Oil, multivitamin and Vitamin D(suggested frequently in the book) also I will like to add Vitamin C which I feel it's so important for your immunity system. I recommend this book for everyone who wants to know more about specific tips of brain and a healthy lifestyle.
June 6, 2012
Good information--know your numbers, good nutrition, journal, water, exercise, boost memory, mental health/stop addictions/sleep, SPECT imaging to measure and diagnose, blood flow, supplements (multivitamin/omega 3/Vit D/alpha lipoic/L-phenylalnine (endorphins)/serotonin to calm (5HTP/exercise/meditation/hypnosis/B6/Magnesium/GABA) dopamine to energize (Sam-e/green tea/fish oil/Vit D) moody (sleep/blood sugar), support system, amenclinics.com--but nothing new.
March 20, 2012
This book has sound information, though I didn't really learn anything new. His special angle is using brain scans in order to prove that one should eat better, exercise more, and think good happy thoughts. I get... got it before I read the book.... but if you didn't, it is a pretty good book.
March 29, 2012
Went with three stars because I don't think I'll read it again, however the book did have a lot of interesting information and I feel more motivated to start exercising again and to start eating better.
May 18, 2012
Saw Dr. Amen at a special event at ASTD Monday night (5/10). Very impressed with his approach to health and the brain. Can't wait to start reading my autographed copy!
5/17/2012 - finished! Great book, lots of documented advice on health and longevity.
5/17/2012 - finished! Great book, lots of documented advice on health and longevity.
October 9, 2012
This was an interesting book. Many of the people interviewed lost a lot of weight and became healthier. I hope to try and eat more fruits and vegetables. It really makes a difference in brain function.
April 23, 2014
Read book after seeing author's PBS program. Some very good food for thought, but too much was a rehash of practical information. Way too much advertising for his products, services and success stories. All products and services come at an extra cost.
July 9, 2012
good info, but mostly common sense. extremely repetitive.....
June 16, 2017
*** Possible Spoilers ***
This isn't a bad book but it's a bit of overkill. Basically, brain health boils down to the obvious.
Eat well-balanced nutritious means. Stay away from sugar and cut back on the fats. Get plenty of protein through lean red meats, fish and chicken.
Drink lots of water.
Get a good night's sleep.
Stay away from alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Get plenty of exercise. If some of it can be aerobic so much the better.
Stimulate your brain through continuous learning. Avoid too much routine. Be curious and try mental challenges.
As much as possible eliminate elements of stress from your life and deal with what can't be eliminated by deep breathing, self hypnosis, or meditation.
Avoid being trapped by negative thoughts and emotions. Turn them around. Focus on the positive.
That's pretty much the entire book. You don't actually need to read this book. You can skim it quite effectively. Keep in mind however that this author has an agenda. He wants you to have brain imaging and one may surmise he makes a wee profit when people do. He wants you to go to his website and probably pay a suitable fee for suggestions and games that you could almost certainly find on the web without paying. He wants you to have extensive blood work so that you will know precisely where you stand on any number of variables. Presumably this work will also come at a cost to you and a profit for him.
This author has been criticized by the medical community. Nevertheless, his basic mantra of diet, exercise, sleep, etc. is sound. However if you just go to his first set of bullet points you've pretty much got everything of value. And if you miss them at first he tends to repeat much the same things over and over and over. I believe that he could have reduced the entire book to about ten pages but then his publisher would have most certainly reacted poorly.
In summary, much of what this author says makes sense. It is not necessary to read the book word for word to obtain value and skimming is more than adequate. He has an agenda and he includes things that are overkill but it's easy to ignore them.
This isn't a bad book but it's a bit of overkill. Basically, brain health boils down to the obvious.
Eat well-balanced nutritious means. Stay away from sugar and cut back on the fats. Get plenty of protein through lean red meats, fish and chicken.
Drink lots of water.
Get a good night's sleep.
Stay away from alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Get plenty of exercise. If some of it can be aerobic so much the better.
Stimulate your brain through continuous learning. Avoid too much routine. Be curious and try mental challenges.
As much as possible eliminate elements of stress from your life and deal with what can't be eliminated by deep breathing, self hypnosis, or meditation.
Avoid being trapped by negative thoughts and emotions. Turn them around. Focus on the positive.
That's pretty much the entire book. You don't actually need to read this book. You can skim it quite effectively. Keep in mind however that this author has an agenda. He wants you to have brain imaging and one may surmise he makes a wee profit when people do. He wants you to go to his website and probably pay a suitable fee for suggestions and games that you could almost certainly find on the web without paying. He wants you to have extensive blood work so that you will know precisely where you stand on any number of variables. Presumably this work will also come at a cost to you and a profit for him.
This author has been criticized by the medical community. Nevertheless, his basic mantra of diet, exercise, sleep, etc. is sound. However if you just go to his first set of bullet points you've pretty much got everything of value. And if you miss them at first he tends to repeat much the same things over and over and over. I believe that he could have reduced the entire book to about ten pages but then his publisher would have most certainly reacted poorly.
In summary, much of what this author says makes sense. It is not necessary to read the book word for word to obtain value and skimming is more than adequate. He has an agenda and he includes things that are overkill but it's easy to ignore them.
November 28, 2018
Took me awhile to get through this audiobook; I needed periodic breaks and was very dubious about some of Dr Amen's claims. However, for me there were also some great nuggets. There was an awful lot of material that felt like blatant self promotion and/or sales material for other products and services. During one of my early breaks from the book I searched for the broader medical community's view on SPECT scans and Dr Ahmen's approaches and found a lot of dissent and skepticism. It appears Dr Amen has developed his own successful mechanism or "art" for using SPECT to diagnose a host of disorders where others cannot duplicate or scientifically validate these approaches. All that said, many of the things he recommends make total sense to me - eat well & eat right, stay away from bad stuff, exercise regularly and well, take appropriate supplements, get sufficient restful sleep, be mindful & grateful, take care of your skin, have meaningful & supportive personal networks & relationships, etc. These are the areas I plan to focus on because I think some of the things he said about them can truly help me. I thought there was excessive focus on supplements including his own specific blends and brands.
November 1, 2019
Based on the title, I expected a discussion on cognitive practices that exercise the brain. I does have that, but it's only one single chapter. So jump to chapter 5 if that's what you want, that chapter deserves 5 stars.
But the rest of the book is very generic health advice you've heard so many times before, working from the presupposition that you need a healthy body based on good nutrition and habits if you wanna have a good brain. Sure, I don't contest that, but change the title of the book and say "Use my health coaching program to lose weight and feel better about yourself". I'm sure his program works, as most health coaching programs do. But not because they have access to some new and exclusive science one needs to get informed about in a book, but because it's based on encouragement, accountability, and a sense of a worthy investment into one's future.
But the rest of the book is very generic health advice you've heard so many times before, working from the presupposition that you need a healthy body based on good nutrition and habits if you wanna have a good brain. Sure, I don't contest that, but change the title of the book and say "Use my health coaching program to lose weight and feel better about yourself". I'm sure his program works, as most health coaching programs do. But not because they have access to some new and exclusive science one needs to get informed about in a book, but because it's based on encouragement, accountability, and a sense of a worthy investment into one's future.
November 2, 2019
Sometimes when you read a health book it is with a little skepticism This book gives you information, tells stories and touts the effects of a diet high in anti-oxidants, low in bad carbs and saturated fat, with specific supplements, exercise, and mental work, as a way of reversing certain problems associated with aging. The reason for the three stars is it is also a commercial for his clinics and in every chapter, Dr. Amen says there is more information on his website. With his recommendations for vitamins, I started to explore whether other medical people agreed with what he was doing in his practice. In this I would say buyer beware, there were negative reviews with concerns that he is widely seen on PBS. So many of his suggestions are common sense, the scans and his brand of vitamins you can make your own judgment on.
January 24, 2024
I hve seen Daniel Amen a few times on PBS (usually during their fundraising drives), and I have been intrigued by his brain studies and links to exercise and nutrition. I spotted this book on display at the library and picked it up. I have to say there were no real surprises. He did lay out facts, studies and personal stories supporting links between nutrition, exercise and brain health. I did like this book. It was easy to understand. It was thought provoking and it was motivating for making changes in lifestyle. I do want to point out he has made brain health into a business and there is some marketing for his website and supplements throughout the book. It is not too heavy handed though and for anyone concerned about their own brain health (dementia, forgetfullness, etc.), I would recommend it.
July 27, 2017
Very good info on brain health and how you can improve it. It includes many lists of beneficial foods and other factors that affect your brain. There are many strategies for improving brain health including diet, sleep, weight loss, reading, brain work, and exercising. Many things are the usual suspects but this book gives good details and includes many examples of real people including SPECT scans demonstrating definite improvement. The biggest aha for me is that obesity has a great effect on brain function, including memory loss and cognition. Though Doctor Amen touts his program and supplements, there is a lot of useful info and the book gives me more incentive to exercise and lose weight.
November 3, 2020
I found the most clarity in the section focused on how to eliminate ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts). I have a teenager whose predilection heads toward the negative side rather than the successes or optimistic aspect of a situation. I shared this passage with him, and I hope to apply it frequently...if only the teenager would listen for more than 30 seconds. What I do not appreciate is the encouragement of the book to go to the Amen website and find "Brain Games." The book did not mention that there is a fee...well, nothing is free rings true here. Also, SPECT imaging is largely controversial after some initial research. Amen Clinics are not local; you have to find the location closest to your residence.
September 9, 2017
A self-help book on eating well and properly exercising your Brain. The writing is a bit repetitive and full of self-promotion. A few of the sections discuss specific vitamins that were new concepts for me. The first half of the book focuses on combating Alzheimer's disease. The second half focuses on mental states like depression.
I do not recommend the audiobook, this book is meant to be skimmed.
I do not recommend the audiobook, this book is meant to be skimmed.
September 7, 2021
very influential book
I really like this book. I am not sure how helpful will be in the long run, but I am inspired by it to eat better, exercise more, and take supplements. I have already made changes and will continue to do so. Readers should know that there are some disagreements among the professionals, but I am more than willing to adopt Dr. Amen’s recommendations. Time will tell.
I really like this book. I am not sure how helpful will be in the long run, but I am inspired by it to eat better, exercise more, and take supplements. I have already made changes and will continue to do so. Readers should know that there are some disagreements among the professionals, but I am more than willing to adopt Dr. Amen’s recommendations. Time will tell.
June 12, 2018
The e-book is very informative but extremely boring. There are great insights about the relationship between bad diet, stress and poor sleeping with brain damage and how reversible is this. The boring side that a lot of stuff is repeated allover the book plus the long pages of chemicals names and percentages.
July 4, 2020
Usa tu cerebro para rejuvenecer
Me gusto por ameno y fácil de entender. Tiene pruebas científicas convincentes .. las pruebas SPECT son claras y muestran la circulación de la sangre en el cerebro y las partes que no tienen irrigación. .lo bueno es que el daño cerebral es reversible. Es muy recomendable su lectura
Me gusto por ameno y fácil de entender. Tiene pruebas científicas convincentes .. las pruebas SPECT son claras y muestran la circulación de la sangre en el cerebro y las partes que no tienen irrigación. .lo bueno es que el daño cerebral es reversible. Es muy recomendable su lectura
September 2, 2025
The book offers common sense advice that most people already know (eat a nutritious diet, exercise, do not smoke, hydrate…), and information already available on the internet.
The book just put everything together for convenience and adds some testimonials.
The author is extremely repetitive on his recommendations and makes for a frustrating read.
The book just put everything together for convenience and adds some testimonials.
The author is extremely repetitive on his recommendations and makes for a frustrating read.
May 15, 2019
Anyone with a history of dementia and Alzheimer's in the family should read this book. Personally, I found it to be a wake up call and relieved to read that if you are beginning to experience mental fog or forgetfulness, you are able to do something about it and change your brain.
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