In the years since, as the population of older adults has become the largest in history (and is projected to double by 2050 in tandem with a tripling of Alzheimer’s), brain health has become a top-line priority for an increasing number of people who realize it is the very foundation of what is most dear to us: our relationships, our engagement in treasured activities, our work, and our daily and hourly functioning, now and in the future.

National surveys have shown that about 75% of older adults are fearful that their brain health will decline, and most importantly, that they want to do something about it. Surveys also show that people fear Alzheimer’s more than any other disease, including cancer. And older adults aren’t the only people concerned about brain health. For the first time ever, the 2023 census recorded a record number of American adults ages 18-64 reporting “cognitive fog.” Indeed, the number of younger adults seeking neuropsychological assessments and who are passionate about enhancing cognitive wellness has increased exponentially in the past few years.

Although brain health and Alzheimer’s risk reduction is top of mind for adults of all ages, unfortunately our media is saturated with so many “recommended” strategies that people are often confused about what to prioritize, and report feeling immobilized by more contradictory information than ever.

In order to help combat the pseudoscience about brain health, which has now grown to include unproven computer programs (many, but not all of which don’t translate to real-world memory benefits) and books that recommend ineffective strategies (such as eliminating whole food groups or obtaining expensive brain scans or personalized nutrient blends), I wanted to help set the record straight about the incredible science of brain health. By pairing my knowledge of brain health as a neuropsychologist, researcher, and leader in the field along with the recommendations and thought leadership from eight brain health experts and nine High-Octane Brain role models ages 44 to 103, I developed a science-backed program that includes prioritized steps (in order of their research support) to enable individuals to achieve a “High-Octane Brain” (i.e., one’s “personal best” level of brain health). One of the neatest parts about the program is that you can experience immediate brain-boosting benefits (for example, attention and memory improve even after a 10-minute cardiovascular session, or “exercise snack”), you can learn immediate work-arounds for common “brain blips” (e.g., forgetting why you walked into a room or where you put your glasses), AND you can improve your quality of life and lower your future risk of Alzheimer’s. Quite simply, a High-Octane Brain is a holistic, self-perpetuating system that consistently maximizes our level of functioning and well-being as we age.

I’m thrilled that High-Octane Brain has become an Amazon bestseller, and has been used by hundreds of individuals in brain health programs at universities, hospitals, and fitness centers around the world. I hope the news of science-backed strategies (and the importance of personalizing those strategies) continues to spread, and motivates people to effectively and joyfully engage in practices that will truly help maximize brain functioning immediately and in years to come.

If lifestyle factors are used to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by just one year (which is definitely achievable with the science we have), we would have 9 million fewer cases of Alzheimer’s by 2050 than are currently projected! Just think…you could be part of that achievement by sharing science-backed information with your loved ones and those you know! 

I invite you to download the Introduction to the book (please add hyperlink within the word “Introduction”), where you will learn about the incredible potential of your healthier “future brain,” and see a preview of the importance of developing a High-Octane Brain. See if the information speaks to you and your goals for brain health. If so, please consider either checking the book out from your library or purchasing it for yourself or a loved one, and spreading the word about it. I’d also love to read your feedback and incorporate it into my upcoming offerings! (note: please add hyperlink for HOB reader feedback within the word “feedback”). Thank you for being a part of the High-Octane Brain family, and for sharing the inspiring science of brain health with others!