Keep Sharp
The book by Dr Sanjay Gupta explores how to achieve the best out of our brain
CNN Profiles
In “Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age” Dr Sanjay Gupta, the chief medical correspondent at CNN, and a practicing neurosurgeon in Atlanta, delves into a scientific exploration of the nature of the human brain.
In the book Dr Gupta explains that the human brain contains an estimated 100 billion brain cells and billions of nerve fibres. These neurons are linked by trillions of connections called synapses.
Memory is the cornerstone of all our learning, as it is where we store and process knowledge. Our memory decides what information is worth keeping and where it fits in relation to previous knowledge that we have already stored. What we store in our memories helps us process new situations.
The book goes on to explaining short term versus long term memory — clarifying that us human beings are only able to hold seven items of information in short term memory at any given time. Long term memory includes all the information that you really know and can recall. As information becomes part of our long term memory we, of course, have access to it for a longer time.
“During sleep our body consolidates and transfers our short term memories into long term memories,” says Dr Gupta.
Remembering names and events is all about the encoding, and the retrieval system in our brain, which can be sharpened with better attention at the time of encoding.
Dr Gupta's book also explains that decreased blood flow to the brain, or hypoperfusion, has long been associated as a precursor to the build up of plaques and tangles, that leads to diseases like Alzheimer’s — there is also correlation between diabetes and risk for Alzheimer’s disease, especially when the diabetes is not controlled and a person suffers from chronic high blood sugar.
The book counters some of the myths that we have come to believe; like older people not being able to learn new things, that we use only 10 percent of our brains, male and female brains being different in learning abilities and intelligence, and that we are dominated by either the right or left brain.
The text also explains, in detail, various preventive measures we can take to avoid brain decline, with a whole chapter dedicated to each measure. Dr Gupta emphasises the importance of physical movement and regular exercise; saying “exercise is the only behavioral activity scientifically proven to trigger biological effects that can help the brain." It makes an excellent case for why, in addition to regular cardio exercise, muscle mass is important for quality of life — going on to recommend, irrespective of age, some amount of regular strength and resistance training.
There is new insight on the subject of sleep, and Dr. Gupta emphasises getting at least a minimum number of hours of sleep every night. As he puts it, "the older you get, the earlier your bedtime will become and earlier you will naturally wake up, but your overall sleeping hours should not change."
Other recommendations for a healthy brain includes better eating habits, with a recommended list of foods to consume regularly and ones to limit or avoid.
Finally, there is an insightful chapter on the importance of connecting with people, with tips on staying socially engaged.
Dr Gupta offers a 12 week program for anyone looking to develop a healthy brain.
