"Keep Your Wits About You" by Vonetta M. Dotson is an indispensable guide to maintaining a vibrant and resilient brain. Dotson, a distinguished neuropsychologist and gerontologist, provides a comprehensive and scientifically-grounded roadmap for cultivating a brain-healthy lifestyle. Through a blend of accessible explanations and actionable advice, she unveils the compelling link between our behaviors and cognitive well-being.

I really enjoyed Dotson's pragmatic approach; she ingeniously conveys the scientific underpinnings behind each brain-boosting strategy, from tailored exercise routines to fostering social connections. Dotson systematically illustrates how activities as varied as mental engagement, physical fitness, and maintaining an enriching social life are pivotal to a robust cognitive future.

Overall, this book is a wonderful foundational guide for anyone interested in the science of brain health and longevity.

This book is a great start to preserving your health overall and gives practical tips to stay in shape no matter your age. It's written well and is easy to understand for all types of people. Give this book a go and I'll guarantee you will learn something out of it.

An interesting book for anyone interested in keeping their brain healthy. Well researched, but not too heavy on the detail that is becomes an academic tome - it's reasonably easy to read, and there are some good take aways for you to use.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for my honest review.

This book was very surprising.
It had a lot of great information and very useful tools and guides to the brain.
Not my usual read as it’s American for me but Highly recommend if you are into this

An informative book with lots of additional research available for the readers. This is a great resource for those interested in brain health.

KEEP YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU by Vonetta M. Dotson is a primer focused on "The Science of Brain Maintenance as You Age." Dotson, an Associate Professor affiliated with the University of Florida, begins by describing a healthy brain and moves on to suggests for activities (physical, mental, and social) to maintain that health. She also stresses the importance of nutrition (especially Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets) and sleep and says, "people who practice those behaviors tend to have not only sharper minds but also better moods, and they are less likely to develop cognitive impairment." Each chapter concludes with a summary of key points, resources and suggested readings, and selected references. While Dotson says that everyone can benefit from reading this book, she includes charts – like ones that describe numerous ideas for moderate and vigorous physical activity – that will be especially beneficial for those age 50 and older. Throughout, she encourages readers to brainstorm options for future (e.g., new hobbies or resuming old ones) and to note potential barriers and resources. She suggests investigating AARP Learning Academy, FutureLearn, and Coursera. And, Dotson keeps it simple – advocating even ten minutes of exercise or a investigating a novel activity to stimulate the brain. Listing six key pillars (Get Moving! Engage your Brain! Get Connected! Nourish your Brain! Sleep Well! And Be Well!), much of her information comes from The Global Council on Brain Health which parallels information available through AARP's Staying Sharp portal.

Some relevant links:
https://learn.aarp.org/
https://www.futurelearn.com/
https://www.coursera.org/
https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/

An approachable and engaging read, as someone who is new to the subject of brain health I found this really interesting and educating. It's easy to read and straightforward with actionable advice. A great read for those wanting to take hold of their health.

I have already read a few books on brain health and hence the new content for me was minimal. That said, if you are new to the topic this is an excellent book to start with – it is straightforward, practical, honest with proven advice which will work. Vonetta is a neuropsychologist, and this book does cover the distinction among various brain health disciplines.

Most of us know now about how maintaining brain health depends on physical activity, mental activity, diet, sleep & social connections. The impact of mood on brain health was something this book covered more than many others. While there may be rare genetic factors, brain health is largely in our hands. There are various options under each of the heads – structured physical activity can be aerobics, walking, running, yoga or even gardening or many other activities. The food advice includes limiting meat, sugar, fat, and veering to a Mediterranean style diet with plants, seeds, nuts. Thankfully, most foods good for the heart are also good for the brain. The neural pathways need simulation and that comes with learning & doing something new and not so easy. She warns that most games purporting to improve brain fitness are unproven – they are often too quick & easy to leave a lasting impact.

Overall, a good book, packed with a lot of sensible information.

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

I read half of this book and lost interest. It’s very redundant, the authors touches on exercise and cognitive exercises. But she goes on long rants that could have been said in a couple of pages.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

This book was very surprising. It had a lot of great information and very useful tools. Highly recommend

This was a very interesting and informative read, encouraging self care in various areas. It’s backed up by many references and suggestions for further reading.
Some of it was basic, like the need for nutrition but there’s probably benefit in reading it for everyone.

Thank you Netgalley for tis ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Wonderful book full of good info.