Magnificent Mind at Any Age is the essential owner’s manual for the human being. In it, Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and brain imaging expert, explains how even subtle nuances of behavior are directly connected to brain health - or lack thereof.
Dr. Amen's groundbreaking research has shown that people can change and improve the structure and function of their brains and in doing so, improve overall health, happiness and success. The implications of this are enormous.
About Magnificent Mind at Any Age
After educating the reader about the functions of different parts of the brain and the behaviors which they control, Dr. Amen helps the reader, through quizzes and checklists, try to identify the type of brain he or she has. Pictures of various types of brains appear throughout the book.
Dr. Amen identifies the foods, habits, behaviors, and environmental toxins that pollute the brain, including MSG, excessive television watching, and lack of sleep. He then identifies natural supplements such as fish oil, specific foods, and daily habits which can actually improve the structure and function of the brain.
He specifically addresses treatment recommendations for Attention Deficit Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Memory Disorders, Insomnia and Pain.
Magnificent Mind at any Age is an Empowering Personal Development Book
After providing this foundation of understanding, Magnificent Mind at any Age shifts into more of a self development book. It identifies many of the thinking and behavioral changes people can make that are clinically proven to provide a healthy lifestyle, and improve functioning and satisfaction in life.
Amen provides specific suggestions and exercises that will help people increase resilience, success, passion, flexibility, sociability, maverick thinking and integrity; and enhance their ability to achieve dreams, exercise self-control and defeat negative, destructive thoughts.
Dr. Amen's Approach to Brain Health is Holistic
The healing effects on the body of things like
- exercise,
- social and emotional support,
- nutrition,
- spirituality,
- natural supplements, and
- psychological and behavioral remedies
are well documented, but most physicians do not take this kind of holistic approach to treating their patients. In fact, the opposite is true. The practice of medicine today has become more specialized and time-compressed leaving less room for any type of holistic approach.
Dr. Amen has rendered the growing trend of not treating the whole person, and of using prescription medicine as the first or only choice for mental and physical health, completely obsolete. Dr. Amen's new book offers one-stop shopping for those seeking the full spectrum of brain-healthy "food" for the body, mind and soul.
Dr. Daniel Amen Recommends Natural, Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Improve Brain Health
Magnificent Mind at any Age may motivate people more than most personal development books. No longer can people feel futile about self-help, or see self-help as isolated actions that are ends in themselves, separate from the body, and not providing lasting benefits. Amen's recommended healthy brain habits can make a lasting, physical impression on the brain for long-term positive results and a more healthy lifestyle.
Who is Dr. Daniel G. Amen?
A physician, psychiatrist, professor and Medical Director of Amen Clinics Inc., Dr. Amen is a highly credible author and speaker who is frequently seen on WPBS. His down-to-earth humanity, which comes through in his television appearances, is also evident in this book. His personal anecdotes about himself and his family help to fully engage the reader. The reader will get a sense that he or she is listening to someone who truly understands and cares about the plight of human beings and has valuable, helpful information to share.
One Criticism of Magnificent Mind at Any Age
Magnificent Mind at Any Age provides the reader with so many helpful things to do and strong motivation to do it. However, the reader will have to take it upon him or herself to find an organized and systematic way to implement the various tools in the book. People whose brains don't naturally work this way may have trouble doing it. A companion workbook would help to make the book more practical.
The book is Magnificent Mind at Any Age: Natural Ways to Unleash Your Brain's Maximum Potential, by Daniel G. Amen, MD. December 2, 2008, Harmony Books. ISBN: 978-0-307-33909-6
Related Reviews:
- Review of Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, by Dr. Daniel G. Amen
- Review of Excuses Begone!, by Dr. Wayne Dyer, also seen on WPBS.
Lisa C. DeLuca - Lisa C. DeLuca is a psychotherapist/social worker who works with families and teens. She also treats panic and anxiety disorders.
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