High-Octane Brain: 5 Science-Based Steps to Sharpen Your Memory and Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s

A “high-octane” brain is a one that is tuned to perform at the individual’s optimal level. Neuropsychologist Braun (Psychology Today) has devised a Brain Health Action Plan to help achieve this goal, along with reducing and delaying the development of Alzheimer’s. Her method focuses on five lifestyle modifications that can help with maintaining brain health, and each factor is thoroughly explained and explored throughout five chapters: Exercise, Consume Healthy Food, Engage and Learn, Lower Stress and Boost Well-Being, and Sleep. These chapters also feature Q&As with experts in the field. Libraries should be aware that the book is also meant as a workbook, so there are some blank pages of the action plan and tracker system, and readers are instructed to stop and consider tasks throughout the text and complete the relevant pages. For public library collections, this book is an essential addition as it describes a practical and evidence-based behavior modification program (as opposed to passive apps or rote memory games) that, through consistent practice, has the potential to have positive and lasting effects on an individual’s brain health.