Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction: It's personal
Part 1: History and aging. The problem with aging: we all do it ; Developing a healthy brain: it needs a healthy body ; Epigenetics and aging: the impact from our ancestors ; Our genes and aging: decay over time
Part 2: Oxidative stress and aging. Obesity and aging: the link is unmistakable ; Sugar, oxidation, and aging: we are what we eat ; Tobacco, illegal substances, alcohol, and aging: it you abuse it, you lose it
Part 3: Lifestyle and aging. Exercise and your brain: if you don't use it, you lose it ; Sleep and your brain: a requirement for life ; A vacation in time: rest for the mind = health for the brain ; Our beliefs and aging: the healthiest worldview ; Mental stress and aging: calm the mind
slow the decline ; Love and death: resolving one's mortality
Part 4: Pathological aging. Pathological aging: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) ; Vitamins and supplements that prevent dementia ; Risk factors for dementia and how to reduce the risk ; Caring for a loved one with dementia
Addendum: Dr. Jenning's smoking-cessation strategy

While growing older is inevitable, many of the troubles we associate with aging--including dementia, disability, and an increased dependence on others--are not. The choices we make now can help us to maintain a sharp mind, our vitality, and our independence as we age. Filled with simple, everyday actions we can take to avoid disease, promote vitality, and prevent dementia and late onset Alzheimer's, The Aging Brain is an easy-to-use guide to maintaining brain and body health throughout our lives. Based on solid, up-to-date scientific research, the interventions explained in this book not only prevent progression toward dementia even in those who have already shown mild cognitive impairment, they also reduce disability and depression and keep people living independently longer than those who do not practice these methods. If you want to slow the aging process, this book offers a hopeful, healthy way forward.