The Secret Life of the Brain

Description

From Library Journal This companion volume to an upcoming PBS series presents an engaging introduction to the development of the human brain. The author of numerous books about the brain (e.g., Mozart's Brain and the Fighter Pilot), neuropsychiatrist Restak (George Washington Univ. Sch. of Medicine) has already demonstrated his ability to describe complex neurological processes in fascinating and comprehensible language. Here he uses interviews, case studies, and clinical research to explore five stages of brain development: gestation/infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. With each stage, Restak focuses on sensitive periods of development, e.g., the acquisition of language. With later stages, Restak explores issues such as ADHD, drug and alcohol use, schizophrenia, stress, depression, and Alzheimer's. Plasticity is, according to Restak, the key to understanding the brain throughout its development. The brain can change and "retains the potential to establish new connections throughout our lives." This is good news for anyone who maintains a healthy lifestyle and engages in challenging mental activities. Recommended for undergraduate and public libraries. Laurie Bartolini, Illinois State Lib., Springfield Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. Read more Review "...[an] accessible, fascinating book" -- Chicago Tribune, December 2, 2001"...a masterful popular presentation of the science of the human brain." -- The PDF News, Fall 2002"...many excellent diagrams and photographs support the easy to read text." -- British Journal of Neurology, 2002"...this clearly written and richly illustrated volume demonstrates...his mastery of an incredibly complex topic.” -- Washington Times, December 9, 2001"[provides] thoughtful sketches that should fully engage the left hemisphere of the reader's brain." -- SCIENCE magazine, January 2002“...an exciting and most readable book which allows you to enjoy as you learn." -- Herbert Pardes, M.D., President and CEO of Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center Read more See all Editorial Reviews