Brain Beat

Brain Beat: A Scientific and Evolutionary Perspective of Brain Healthexamines the origins of the pillars of brain health, expounding thecurrent scientific basis for recommending physical exercise, cognitiveexercises, sleep hygiene, socialization and brain-foods. However inaddition to the "how" question, the more important "why" question isaddressed from a neuro-archeological and evolutionary standpoint. Theclinical and laboratory brain sciences are replete with ever increasingnumbers of publications about brain plasticity and the powerful aspectsof preventative medicine. Once dismissed as non-existent, we now knowthat brain plasticity and "brain building" occurs on a daily basis. Whydid physical exercise evolve to produce new brain cells and connectionsand how and why did we become "born runners" and become "wired to run"?Why an important function of sleep is the pruning the brain''sconnections made during the day and why are diverse diets associatedwith good health in differing traditional human societies? Why issocialization protective against dementia and cardiovascular disease?New scientific, evolutionary and anthropological research is presentedon how these processes were ingrained into our brain circuitry andlinked to appropriate reward mechanisms, some of which have resulted in"mismatch diseases" today. Disparate disciplines such as geology,climatology and astrophysics give insights as to how our body, brain andmind were forged by "fire and ice". With a better understanding of howwe evolved, comes improved adherence and compliance to healthy livingproclivities. "In this clearly written book Dr. Michael Hoffman, anoutstanding behavioral neurologist, describes the evolution of the humanbrain. This knowledge of evolution allows the reader to betterunderstand the brain''s function, as well as the means by which we olderpeople can help preserve this penultimate gift of nature." Kenneth M.Heilman MD, FAAN The James E. Rooks Jr. Distinguished ProfessorDepartment of Neurology University of Florida College of MedicineGainesville, FL."This intriguing book by Dr. Michael Hoffmann is full ofinteresting points about the connections across our brain, behavior andthe world we inhabit. He combines evolutionary concepts with history,philosophy, science and medicine. Everything is connected and hisinnovative concepts can help us explain the intersection betweenenvironment and our brain, and motivate the reader to take bettercontrol of their own brain health." Ralph L. Sacco MD MS FAHA FAANProfessor and Olemberg Chair of Neurology Executive Director McKnightBrain Institute Chief of Neurology Jackson Memorial Hospital MillerSchool of Medicine University of Miami BRAIN BEAT is a scholarly andexceptionally lucid presentation of Neuroarcheology and brain health. Itis also a good read. What I find most useful is the gradual andfascinating exposition of how present-day individuals have evolved fromearliest origins to the point where we are changing ourselves throughwhat is now called cultural Neuroarcheology. The explanations ofbiological, neurological, and psychological specifics provide thebeginner with a solid scientific background, and the professional with anew way to think. Lucid, scholarly, and a fascinating read, BRAIN BEATwill provide you with both the basics and advanced aspects ofNeuroarcheology and how it relates to brain health. This integrative newfield brings the sciences and social sciences into a new theoretical andpractical integration. Dr. Hoffman makes Neuroarcheology understandableto the lay public, while simultaneously challenging us professionals to"think different." If you are serious about life, don''t miss thisimportant book. In short, this book is outstanding. Allen E. Ivey,Ed.D., ABPP Distinguished University Professor (Emeritus) University ofMassachusetts, Amherst