 | |  | | | The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind | | | | | | | |
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| | Features | ISBN13: 9780670020713Condition: NewNotes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
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| | Description | A leading science writer examines how the brain's capacity reaches its peak in middle age
For many years, scientists thought that the human brain simply decayed over time and its dying cells led to memory slips, fuzzy logic, negative thinking, and even depression. But new research from neuroscientists and psychologists suggests that, in fact, the brain reorganizes, improves in important functions, and even helps us adopt a more optimistic outlook in middle age. Growth of white matter and brain connectors allow us to recognize patterns faster, make better judgments, and find unique solutions to problems. Scientists call these traits cognitive expertise and they reach their highest levels in middle age.
In her impeccably researched book, science writer Barbara Strauch explores the latest findings that demonstrate, through the use of technology such as brain scans, that the middle-aged brain is more flexible and more capable than previously thought. For the first time, long-term studies show that our view of middle age has been misleading and incomplete. By detailing exactly the normal, healthy brain functions over time, Strauch also explains how its optimal processes can be maintained. Part scientific survey, part how-to guide, The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain is a fascinating glimpse at our surprisingly talented middle-aged minds. | |
| | Product Details | | Author: | Barbara Strauch | | Hardcover: | 256 pages | | Publisher: | Viking Adult | | Publication Date: | April 15, 2010 | | Language: | English | | ISBN: | 0670020710 | | Package Length: | 8.6 inches | | Package Width: | 5.7 inches | | Package Height: | 0.8 inches | | Package Weight: | 0.25 pounds | | Average Customer Rating: |  based on 21 reviews |
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| | Customer Reviews | Average Customer Review:
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 There is hope after all! Sep 05, 2010
After reading this concise, easy to read book on the aging brain I have gained renewed optimism and admiration for our little, grey machine. The book provides some scientific research to back up author's claims and herein lies it's weakness. I feel it should have more but then I suppose it would become a "heavier" read. The author does a great job in demystifying processes and ideas. You'll close the book feeling much better about being middle- aged.
We always hear about the negative things that happen to our brains when we age--but what's the upside?? Sep 01, 2010
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"By middle age [40 to 68], the brain has developed powerful systems that can cut through the intricacies of complex problems to find...concrete answers. It more calmly manages emotions and information. It is more nimble, more flexible, even cheerier."
The above comes from this interesting book by Barbara Strauch. She is the deputy science editor and health & science editor at the "New York Times."
This book is filled with true stories, research studies, comments from scientists, conclusions, etc. that indicate that the past beliefs held with regard to the middle age brain has been incomplete, even downright misleading. Yes, there are noticeable problems sometimes (example: "I've forgotten where I put my keys--again") but the good news is that these bad things are outweighed by the good.
Popular predictions with regard to middle age are also examined. For example, take the concept of midlife crisis. Does such a crisis actually occur? As one Stanford psychologist explains:
"There is no, absolutely no, empirical evidence for a midlife crisis."
The last three chapters are about creating healthier brains, that is, keeping yourself sharp through middle age. These chapters are well-written and "evidence-based."
Finally, I only have one complaint and its got to do with the cartoon illustration on the book's cover. It's like it was designed for grade-schoolers!! Having a cover illustration like this gives the impression that the contents of this book is simplistic. In reality, its just the opposite.
This book explores the latest findings that demonstrates, through the use of technology such as brain scans, that the middle-aged brain is more flexible and more capable than previously thought. This is hardly simplistic.
In conclusion, this is a comforting book if you're middle-aged or approaching middle age. Rather than treating the middle-aged brain as "diminished, declining, and depressed," we should embrace it for what it is, "ripe, ready, and whole!!!"
(first published 2010; introduction; 3 parts or 11 chapters; epilogue; main narrative 200 pages; acknowledgments; sources; index)
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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-aged Mind Jul 28, 2010
Very enligtening, highly informative. Loaded with lots of new information about the middle age brain. After reading, and at age 53, I understand myself a lot better, and am ready to take-on the world again - moveover gen x, y, z and (?). This is a must-read for all middle-agers. I am eating better, exercising everyday, and optimisim is at an all-time high. Thank you Barbara Strauch, thank you.
 Relieved to discover 52 is middle-aged Jul 03, 2010
As a mother of teenagers and a high school teacher Primal Teen gave me a foundation for what I believed was true about normal teenage development. The grown-up brain helped me understand why some of the things my brain was doing were improvements over a younger brain. Yeah! I would have like a less breezy style but it was a quick,informative read. This would be a good book to get out of the library. It isn't weighty enough to need to add it to your library.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Fascinating book Jul 02, 2010
This book is great! It is well-written and provides tons of interesting information about the middle-aged brain - and lots of hope!
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