Brain: The Complete Mind: How It Develops, How It Works, and How to Keep It Sharp

by Michael S. Sweeney, Richard Restak (Foreword)

Did you know that listening to music tunes up your brain? Or that certain foods can help maintain mental fitness? Or that exercise can keep both body and mind in good shape? Delving into the science behind these strategies, Brain goes even deeper to reveal the brain’s inner workings.

Overseen by distinguished neuropsychiatrist Dr. Richard Restak, Brainis both a practical owner’s manual and a complete guide to the brain’s development and function. Its pages explore not only the brain’s physical form—its 100 billion nerve cells and near-infinite network of synapses—but also its interactions that regulate every thought and action. Brainfeatures the latest discoveries about improving and optimizing mental acuity right alongside sidebars on breakthrough moments in neuroscience. Explained here also are the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of the brain, addressed in accessible, engaging language.

Combining the latest advances in our understanding of the mind-body connection and ongoing research into such diseases as dementia, depression, and PTSD, Brainis an indispensable guide to mens sana in corpore sano—at every stage of life.

Genres: Science, Psychology, Neuroscience, Nonfiction, Brain, Reference, Biology

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 17, 2009

Reviews

[Kendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books like this one, a lot of great information for anyone who loves being about the brain and science.

[Karen & Gerard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this two years ago in 2014 and finally finished it! It is a very in-depth book so I felt like I was reading a text book. The other reason it took so long for me to read it was because of it being so big and heavy. I do most of my reading on the bus and on breaks at work, but with this book, I just read it in short spurts at a time at home. The photographs and art work is interesting! It has high quality glossy paper and a super layout with several features I especially enjoyed: the glossaries at the end of every chapter, the side notes on how to keep your mind sharp, and "Fast Facts." The only thing I didn't like was often there are sentences that are incomplete. They just break off mid-sentence! Other than that, it is a very interesting science book. I would recommend it for anyone who is interested in the brain. This is a beautiful book! (Karen's review)

[Omer Mehmood · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very complex topic but so simply stated that it leaves your MIND boggled. Excellent reading choice if you want to know how and why brain works and develops.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brain: The Complete Mind immerses neuroscientifically interested readers into the byzantine, perennially-intriguing world of the study of the nervous system. Sweeney consummately surveys the multitudinous facets of neuroscience that deeply interest contemporary scientists, from the enigmatic nature of REM sleep to the appalling and devastating repercussions of irrevocable cerebral damage to the unnerving progression of debilitating neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Overall, this compendious tome provides an eloquent, profoundly informed look at the invigorating developments in modern neuroscience (at least, late 20th century neuroscience!).

[Marie Anne T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - super entertaining!

[Sebastian Piedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational and interesting. Loaded with easy to grasp information

[Pastor Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanation of the neurological system and complex functions of the brain. The material is presented in an easy to understand format, yet comprehensively addresses the many behavioral aspects of the human experience.