Book Club: Brain Rules by Dr. John Medina

“Brain Rules” is a fascinating book, which looks at the brain and explains how little we actually know about it. Dr. John Medina, who I interviewed in 2013, is a neuroscientist at the University of Washington. He offers great insights and shares his passion for the brain with a wonderful sense of humour. One of the things that I love most about Dr. Medina’s approach is that he speaks in plain English and brings this complex topic to life in a way that everyone can understand! Here is our interview, just in case you missed it.

This updated version of “Brain Rules” includes new research and a section on the importance of nostalgia and music for maintaining a healthy brain as we get older. He talks about how music can even help patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease regain vivid memories from their past.

In “Brain Rules,” Dr. Medina discusses many common myths about the brain. He answers questions about how we learn, the difference between forgetfulness and true memory diseases and whether men and women have different brains. He reveals 12 rules describing what scientists know for sure about how our brains work. It is an absolutely fascinating book, written in an understandable and entertaining way.

I chose this book for the Sixty and Me Book Club because it includes a lot of useful information about how to keep the aging brain stimulated and healthy. In our interview, Dr. Medina highlighted the 3 rules that are critical to keeping an aging brain healthy.

These are the need for exercise, the importance of avoiding stress and the value of improving memory with mental stimulation. These topics are covered in the book in more detail. He also discusses how memory loss and forgetfulness are a natural part of aging, but that they can be slowed down with physical and mental exercise.

Dr. Medina says all in in 5 words: “The brain is an amazing thing!” In my view, if you want to learn more about your brain and how important it is to keep it healthy as you get older, this is the book to read.

If you don’t already have a copy of “Brain Rules,” you can get it on Amazon or free with a 30-day trial on Audible.

To kick things off, here are a Brain Rules book club questions. Please add your thoughts in the comments:

Do you think that men and women’s’ brains are wired differently?

Dr. Medina suggests older women should exercise several times a week. Do you follow this guideline?

Have you experienced the power of music for bringing back memories?

Do you play any games that you feel stimulate your brain?

Dr. Medina says that good sleep and napping is good for a healthy brain. Do you agree?

What do you think for you is the most important brain rule?

Dr. Medina says the brain is not designed to multitask. Do you agree?

I hope that you enjoy this book! Please share your thoughts below.

Watch my interview with Dr. Medina about his book Brain Rules.