| "The
Brainwaves Center does something that most teachers and researchers working
in the neurosciences are glad to see happening, but usually cannot take
the time to do for themselves. The Center surveys published reports of
current and accepted research in the cognitive sciences, then translates
results that have some relevance in real world situations so the information
can be put to used appropriately by readers without technical backgrounds.
Most brain scientists want their research
results to be made known to the public in terms that relate to life outside
their laboratories and clinics. The danger is that the accuracy of what
has been learned so painstakingly must not become distorted by the translation
into popular language and applications.
From what I have seen of their work the
writers and editors at the Center have been respectful of scientific accuracy
while publishing current neuroscience on subjects of real concern to the
public.
In the Center's most recent book USE IT
OR LOSE IT!, which I reviewed in manuscript as their science consultant,
they have presented the simple basics of what [is now known] [was known
in the year 2000] about the effects of aging in the human brain and some
environmental factors that cause it to lose some of its skills. More important,
they have identified some factors that can retard the effects of dementia."
— Suzanne Corkin, Ph.D. Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department
of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“authors
Allen D. Bragdon and David Gamon, dispel the commonly held notion that
cognitive abilities must decrease with age in their well-researched book,
“Use It or Lose It!” —How to Keep Your Brain Fit as
it Ages” (Brainwaves Books, Oct. 2000 $9.95). Bragdon, an author
and editor of professional, academic and how-to books, is co-director
of the Brainwaves Center, of Cape Cod, Mass. Brainwaves Books is the publishing
arm of the center (www.brainwaves.com). Gamon is a researcher and writes
on cognitive science. The center’s mission is to distill applicable
facts from neuroscience research and make the information clear and appealing
to the public.
‘We should make a constant effort
to keep our brains active and challenged, in order to keep them as healthy
as a runner keeps his or her heart,’ Gamon says. Bragdon adds, ‘Within
this generation’s lifetime, medical intervention and gene therapy
may be abler to improve memory loss or even reverse (Alzheimer’s
disease).But until then, there are ways to help maintain mental powers
so that people can live a full, engaging life as the years roll by.’
Among the book’s topics are mental acuity tests, advice on mental
lapses, techniques for memorizing facts and retaining mental flexibility,
and exercises for specific brain functions threatened by aging.”—Shirley
Friedman, The Star Ledger, New Jersey (Newark) November 8, 2000
“Best
self-help book on memory I’ve seen in my 25 years in gerontology.”
“Based on the latest published research in the neurosciences, this
absolutely fascinating resource offers readers mind maintenance techniques,
exercises that build skills, and tests of mental acuity. A highly informative
useful and fun resource for keeping your brain fit as it ages.”—Dr.
David Demko, Editor Ageventure News Service (www.demko)
“In nontechnical language, the authors supply a gold mine of information
on how brain functions occur. Those with concerns they may be exhibiting
signs of dementia are given a wealth of tests and explanations to different
normal mental lapses from indications of disease. Also provided are numerous
exercises and nutrition tips to bolster those brain functions at risk
with aging. Extensive footnotes (unobtrusively packaged) and an index
finish off this expertly researched and highly readable guide.”
—Today’s Librarian, January, 2001
“Yes, you can prevent, forestall -- even reverse -- memory loss
and cognitive decline, say Allen Bragdon and David Gamon, authors of "Use
it or Lose It: How to Keep Your Brain Fit As It Ages" (Brainwave
Books). "The human brain
is not so much like the knees of a baseball player as like the heart of
a runner," says Gamon. "Using the heart strengthens it, lengthens
its life, and improves the overall quality of life of the body that houses
it. This is the way the brain works as well...we should make a constant
effort to keep our brains active and challenged." This easy-to-read
book includes mental
exercises, the latest practical and positive advice on how the aging population
can maintain and improve brain function. To order, check out the web site,
www.brainwaves.com.” — WomansAge Newsletter, December
2000 and website: www.womansage.com
“A stimulating hobby or good book helps keep your brain in shape,
says Roderigo Kuljis, MD, the Esther Lichtenstein Professor of Neurology
and Psychiatry at University of Miami School of Medicine. Brain teasers,
puzzles, things of that sort ... they all help," Kuljis tells WebMD....
books by Bragdon and co-author David Gamon, Ph.D. -- with titles like
Use It or Lose It!, Building Mental Muscle, Building Left-Brain Power,
and Exercises for the Whole Brain -- are full of games and puzzles, exercises,
and self-tests for honing intellectual and memory skills.”—Jeanie
Davis WebMD Medical News, Dec. 4, 2000
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