THE importance of keeping the body in shape has long been known, but scientists today know that keeping the brain sharp is just as important.
In Keep Sharp - Build a Better Brain At Any Age, neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta provides a comprehensive look at how to keep the brain in shape and what can be done to prevent its decline.
Dr Gupta - who is CNN's chief medical correspondent, presents a thoroughly readable book about the workings of the human brain that is both scientifically rigorous and easy to read.
The book draws on cutting edge research from scientists around the world in order to attempt to unlock the secrets to cognitive longevity.
Along the way, it attacks some common misconceptions, such as the belief that older people are "doomed" to forget things.
The book maintains that while some cognitive skills such as learning languages and memorising random lists decline with age, others such as social communication and conflict resolution skills increase.
The book also provides a range of useful and workable suggestions on how to keep the brain sharp, including a comprehensive twelve week brain training program.
It maintains taking a class may be more beneficial than typical brain training exercises, because class learning incorporates a wider range of skills which help to build cognitive reserves.
The final part of the book looks at some conditions which can mimic symptoms of dementia and then looks at the future outlook for people diagnosed with it and for treatment of the condition as a whole.
It talks about the importance of early detection, ways in which progression can potentially be delayed and explores how improved detection processes may improve outcomes in the future.
Keep Sharp - Build a Better Brain At Any Age, by Dr Sanjay Gupta (Hachette), RRP $32.99
All you need to know about dementia
AS a specialist in memory loss and dementia with over ten years experience in the field of old-age psychiatry, Kailas Roberts has a lot to offer on the subject of dementia.
In Mind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, Dr Roberts looks at ways to lessen the chances of developing dementia and interventions and treatments which are now available to treat it.
The book was inspired by Dr Roberts' interactions with people living with dementia and their carers.
The book starts by looking at the healthy brain, exploring how it functions, normal ageing and cognition processes, ways to prevent cognitive decline and supplements and vitamins which can help maintain cognition.
It then goes on to take a comprehensive look at what dementia is.
It comprehensively explores the subject of living with dementia, from how it is assessed, to coping with the news, managing cognitive loss and much more.
In its final section, the book explores the subject of providing caring and support, discussing communication techniques, ways to help maintain happiness and a sense of meaning and end of life care.
"...something that has become increasingly apparent to me over the years is that the capacity for positive emotions - from gentle contentment to effusive happiness or even awe - is not inevitably lost with dementia," Dr Roberts writes.
"It is quite possible to have substantial impairment of memory or other cognitive problems and yet to feel happy."
Mind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, by Kailas Roberts (UQP), RRP $34.99