The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain

I first heard about this book by NYT science editor Barbara Strauch, after hearing Terry Gross interview her on NPR a few years ago. (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126115275) I made a mental note about it and moved on. Lately, however, I have been finding myself lately forgetting people's names, despite the strong inkling that the name I've forgotten is sitting there right at the tip of my tongue. Or, I've found myself walking into a room only to realize I've completely forgotten what I needed to fetch.

Of course, my first thoughts were, “Oh no! Is this the beginning of the end? Is this a sign of old age, or worse yet, early signs of dementia?” (Yes, as much as I am a proponent for positive thinking, I fall victim to catastrophic thinking all the time!)

Then, my second thought was remember this book. I ordered and and read it with great interest.

It did not disappoint. It's a good review of recent research that has only been made possible recently with the advances in scanning technology. It dispels misconceived notions that people and those in the media currently have and what scientists used to have.

It made me hopeful of my own future. It also motivates me to exercise more consistently!

There were many practical “take-aways” that I share on my blog. (Each month I write Book Notes on what I believe are useful to talented and caring women and parents and summarize insights that would be relevant to them.) To read my Book Notes on this book, please visit: http://www.lifejunctions.com/grown-up-brain/