Brain Beat

Brain Beat: A Scientific and Evolutionary Perspective of Brain Health
examines the origins of the pillars of brain health, expounding the
current scientific basis for recommending physical exercise, cognitive
exercises, sleep hygiene, socialization and brain-foods. However in
addition to the "how" question, the more important "why" question is
addressed from a neuro-archeological and evolutionary standpoint. The
clinical and laboratory brain sciences are replete with ever increasing
numbers of publications about brain plasticity and the powerful aspects
of preventative medicine. Once dismissed as non-existent, we now know
that brain plasticity and "brain building" occurs on a daily basis. Why
did physical exercise evolve to produce new brain cells and connections
and how and why did we become "born runners" and become "wired to run"?
Why an important function of sleep is the pruning the brain's
connections made during the day and why are diverse diets associated
with good health in differing traditional human societies? Why is
socialization protective against dementia and cardiovascular disease?
New scientific, evolutionary and anthropological research is presented
on how these processes were ingrained into our brain circuitry and
linked 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 and
mind were forged by "fire and ice". With a better understanding of how
we evolved, comes improved adherence and compliance to healthy living
proclivities. "In this clearly written book Dr. Michael Hoffman, an
outstanding behavioral neurologist, describes the evolution of the human
brain. This knowledge of evolution allows the reader to better
understand the brain's function, as well as the means by which we older
people can help preserve this penultimate gift of nature." Kenneth M.
Heilman MD, FAAN The James E. Rooks Jr. Distinguished Professor
Department of Neurology University of Florida College of Medicine
Gainesville, FL."This intriguing book by Dr. Michael Hoffmann is full of
interesting points about the connections across our brain, behavior and
the world we inhabit. He combines evolutionary concepts with history,
philosophy, science and medicine. Everything is connected and his
innovative concepts can help us explain the intersection between
environment and our brain, and motivate the reader to take better
control of their own brain health." Ralph L. Sacco MD MS FAHA FAAN
Professor and Olemberg Chair of Neurology Executive Director McKnight
Brain Institute Chief of Neurology Jackson Memorial Hospital Miller
School of Medicine University of Miami BRAIN BEAT is a scholarly and
exceptionally lucid presentation of Neuroarcheology and brain health. It
is also a good read. What I find most useful is the gradual and
fascinating exposition of how present-day individuals have evolved from
earliest origins to the point where we are changing ourselves through
what is now called cultural Neuroarcheology. The explanations of
biological, neurological, and psychological specifics provide the
beginner with a solid scientific background, and the professional with a
new way to think. Lucid, scholarly, and a fascinating read, BRAIN BEAT
will provide you with both the basics and advanced aspects of
Neuroarcheology and how it rela