Vonetta M. Dotson - Keep Your Wits About You

There is nothing I find more rewarding in my professional life than sharing my passion with the world. My passion is the brain. I am fascinated by how our brains shape, and are shaped by, the way we behave. I remember when I first fell in love with the brain. When I was in my junior year of college, I had my first experience learning about this incredible organ in a physiological psychology class. What captivated me the most was learning about the link between the brain and psychological conditions such as depression, which many people think of as being mental and not physical. This realization that the mind and body are inextricably intertwined sealed my fate: I knew I had to pursue a career that focuses on how the brain influences behavior, from remembering a song to moving across a room. This passion led me to become a neuropsychologist.

I am a scientistpractitioner, which means I have dual expertise in conducting neuropsychological research and in providing clinical services. It also means that my clinical services are grounded in the latest scientific evidence. I have taken the same science-based approach in writing this book. In fact, the science-based recommendations I have given my clients over the past 20 years inspired me to write this book. I found myself wishing I had a resource to give my clients that not only summarizes what science tells us about how lifestyle and behavior affects our brain but also gives practical guidance for how to incorporate healthy behaviors into daily life. I wanted the resource to be informative, comprehensive, engaging, and brief. Finding no options that fit my criteria, I decided to create the resource I wanted my clients to have. In doing so, it has been my pleasure to do what I find most fulfillingsharing my passion about brain health.

This book will give you knowledge and practical tools to set healthy habits that promote a healthy brain. Science tells us that when our brains are healthy, we are more likely to stay mentally sharp throughout our lives and less likely to develop conditions such as Alzheimers disease and depression. To be clear, there is no magic bullet when it comes to brain health. Developing and maintaining a healthy brain requires a commitment to long-term habits that give you the best shot at living well, aging well, and avoiding the memory loss, cognitive decline, and other complications that arise when the brain is not healthy. Beware the books, websites, or commercial products that claim to have a quick fix or guaranteed method for boosting your memory or preventing dementia.

If you are reading this book, you are already taking a big step toward living life to the fullest. This is important regardless of how old you are. Aging well requires living well throughout our lives, so we must nurture and protect our brain at every age. Because this journey to a healthier brain is a lifelong process, remember to take it one step at a time. Change doesnt happen overnight, and habits dont develop overnight. But the effort is worthwhile! I am thrilled that you have decided to include me in your journey. I hope this book motivates you and empowers you to live a brain-healthy life.