Better Brains By Design: The Quest for Qualongevity

A wealth of research now makes it clear that cognitive decline and dementia can be prevented or slowed. We no longer have to accept with resignation the idea that our brains will inevitably get weaker with each passing year. In fact, because of the incredibly plasticity of our brains, we all have a great deal more control over the structure and function of our brains than previously imagined. Better Brains By Design explains how you can design a stronger and more resilient brain for yourself.

Do nothing and general wear-and-tear of the passing years will erode the capacity of your brain. But, take action to avoid damage, promote repair and stimulate continual growth, and you can keep your brain healthy and your mind sharp no matter your age.

Our mission is to promote long lives worth living. We have coined the term “Qualongevity” to capture the idea that it is not enough to simply live longer. We also want to live well. We assume that, like us, you want whatever extra years you get to be quality years, not additional years of decline, chronic illness and suffering. Better Brains By Design will show you not only how to improve your brain health, but also how to strengthen you mental capacity and your ability to flourish.

Brain health is simply in concept, difficult in execution. To design a better brain for yourself you need to eliminate conditions that damage your brain and replace them with behaviors that challenge and strengthen it. Minimize risks, maximize growth! Simple!

There are, however, two daunting obstacles to this simple strategy. First, knowing exactly what to do; second, doing it! Better Brains by Design provides a roadmap to brain health that helps you overcome both obstacles and gets you started on the process of building a stronger, healthier, more creative brain.

The opening section, A Quick Guide, offers you a condensed summary of the entire BBBD approach, including instructions on how to design a series of customized strategies that spell out the specific changes you have decided to make and how you are going to do them.

The rest of the book goes into greater detail. Section Two explores the scientific behind the approach and establishes the theoretical foundation for the quest for Qualongevity. Section Three provides a discussion of risk and protective factors build around the six CogWheels of Brain Health: Physical Exercise & Movement, Mental Stimulation, Social Engagement, Stress Management, Nutrition and Sleep & Mental Rest.

In Section Four you will explore the concept of flourishing. The new field of positive psychology argues that to thrive and flourish we not only need to stop struggling and suffering, we also need to learn how to cultivate happiness and positivity. You will learn how to integrate the core elements of flourishing into your Qualongevity Action Plans. Section Five explores the fascinating power of mindsets. You will learn how mental attitudes can alter you ability to change your life for better or for worse and will learn how to perform Mindset Resets around four Qualongevity Mindsets (Growth, Asset-Based Aging, Mindfulness and Positivity).

The final section, Section Six, reviews four important skill-sets that will help you stick with your brain health plan. You will learn how to strengthen your motivation, your willpower and your grit. You will learn how the planning and implementation of your quest for Qualongevity follows an orderly creative process. Learn the process and enhance the creative efficiency of your efforts. Finally, you will lean about the process of mastery and the importance of constant improvement. We are all beginners when it comes to the science and practice of brain health. But with practice and dedication you will develop proficiency and even expertise in a variety of new personal skills and practices. You will master the art of Qualongevity.