The Aging Brain

By: Thad A. Polk, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Thad A. Polk

We're all getting older every day, and scientific research has shown that starting in our 20s, some brain functions begin a linear decline. But is old age all doom and gloom?

Not at all! While it's true that some functions in the aging brain decline, neuroscientists have discovered that many other brain functions remain stable - or even improve - as we age. Furthermore, nurture plays as significant a role as nature, and there are a number of strategies you can implement to stave off declining brain function, including:

• Incorporating physical activity into your routine
• Eating a healthy diet
• Maintaining a vibrant social life
• Reducing your stress

The science behind the aging brain tells a fascinating - and often counterintuitive - story. Is "aging" a disease or merely a natural occurrence that produces disease-like symptoms? If humans are biologically programmed to survive and thrive, why do we age at all? Is it possible (or even desirable) to "cure" aging altogether?

Delve into these questions and more in The Aging Brain. Taught by a neuroscientist and award-winning professor at the University of Michigan, these 12 eye-opening lectures will give you a wealth of new insights into what happens to the brain over time - as well as strategies to mitigate the effects of aging and enhance your quality of life into old age.

With a mix of scientific research and practical applications, Professor Polk brings cutting-edge science to life. He takes you down to the cellular and even molecular levels of the brain to show you why certain functions decline, how some aspects of brain aging are under genetic control, and what you can do to prolong your health and keep your mind sharp. Aging affects us all, but you have some control over how it affects you.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2016 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2016 The Great Courses

Very good overview of subject

Having had a longstanding interest on all things 'the brain', I found this course very good in summarizing current knowledge on our master organ. This course would be of greater benefit for individuals who do not know much about the brain, specifically the aging brain. Professor Polk presents the material very well in an easy to understand manner. The lectures were well organized and sequenced. As I mention above, I recommend this course if a person's interest is high and knowledge low on this topic.

Outstanding Overview of the Aging Brain

Easily understood Concepts and references. Wonderful hope at the end. It is enough to spur me on to greater study in the medical literature that we can easily receive out on the Internet.

Very interesting

Great content and performance.

Surprising results of studies and supporting conclusions. Eat you fruits and vegetables and get plenty of exercise.

Now I want to research things more in-depth..

...and that is always a good thing.

Clear presentation; chapter titles were good indicators of the topics.

Always, accounts of brain research intrigue me. Coincidentally, this morning I read a newspaper article explaining research findings of the effects of menopause (pre-, peri-, post) on the female brain which was not addressed in this course (not a criticism, merely an observation) but findings connected to points addressed in this course. I mention this to emphasize that some lectures in this course could be updated quite often due to ongoing research. Fascinating topic.

power of knowledge

The program gives hope for a healthly, lucent life to a very old age, and tells what sciece knows today. We must learn to use the benefits of modern technology to support, not thwart life.

informative

Worth the read. I learned many new facets of memory and brain functions. science progresses.

Excellent

Well organized and presented. l thought it was interesting, informative, and potentially quite useful. Prof Polk is also always careful to cite his scientific sources.

Lo mínimo que hay considerar al envejecer

Este curso me gustó mucho, revisa temas que son relevantes conforme envejecemos, temas que es importante tener en mente y tomarlos en cuenta en nuestras actividades diarias, y mas conforme pasan los años, para ser proactivos, desde hoy mismo, y para evitar llevar sorpresas inesperadas.

Not a medical substitute

But oh my goodness it was very informative for non doctors or medical students like myself and anyone interested in growing their knowledge on the subject of the aging brain and blood flow (my case heart attack at a young age , before 50).

Great Info and Not Just For The Old Folks!

This course is short, concise yet full of information on how aging affects the brain and what we can do to increase our health and live longer and happier lives. Don't think you should put off reading this until you reach old age. Some of our brain functions start their decline from the young age of 20. You are not what you used to be, even at the age of 30! Who knew?

What I came away with is that we can attempt to increase our lifespan and our quality of life by learning from some of the longest lived societies in the world. They all seem to share some commonalities that may be responsible for their health and longevity. Some of these repeating life style patterns are increased physical activity, decreased stress, having an active social life, a propensity to eat less (than us Americans, with our seconds and thirds), and eating a Mediterranean diet.

Knowing this, you can start with little changes, which is what I am attempting. I did not go into this listen thinking it was a self-help book. I shy away from those. But this Great Course is so much more than that. I highly encourage everyone to listen to Professor Polk. He is a great lecturer who seems to really know his stuff.

Go for it!