While most brain exercise books are focused on preventing and treating memory loss due to aging and disease, this book addresses the steps for increasing mental speed, visual acuity, language acquisition, sensory growth, and motor skills. The author deals with the recovery of brain function along with a prevention program including neurological disease. The Complete Brain Exercise Book features 100 entertaining and engaging brain exercises and puzzles. There are also interactive questionnaires that enable the reader to assess brain health followed by expert counsel on growth and ultimately, positive progress working through the book. Because the relationship between brain health and diet is absolutely integral, diet and nutrition are front and center, with extensive brain food lists, recipes and menu plans. The book features four parts: More Than Memory -- Aging Naturally; Normal Brain Function; Impaired Brain Function; Aging Prematurely; Neuroplasticity; Multiple Intelligences; Quick Learning - Brain Strength Training Exercises -- Mental speed warm-up exercises; Visual-spatial intelligence exercises; Language growth exercises; Sensory processing exercises; Motor learning exercises - Brain Hygiene -- Sleep and Exercise; Sports and recreation exercises; Social support and emotional health exercises; Learning a new language exercises - Brain Food -- Keeping a food diary; Eliminating and substituting "bad" brain foods; Shopping for the top 20 preventive foods; recipes and meal plans. Naturopathic doctor Smith opens this useful book with a concise overview of how each part of the brain functions, possible causes of impaired brain function, and ways to "rebuild" the brain. The book features more than 150 brain exercises and puzzles, promising that "this rigorous but easy-to-follow program will help your brain stay sharp." The exercises concentrate on building and maintaining visual and spatial, language, sensory processing, and motor learning skills. Smith also suggests sports and recreational exercises. About half of the book includes background information about "brain-friendly" foods, a health and diet plan, and 125 recipes. Useful health tips discuss the positive effects of specific foods, such as ginger, which Smith says contains compounds that are anti-inflammatory and improve digestion and stomach health. He also includes a list of resources--websites, apps, and video games--and references. This easy-to-understand book should be of interest both to people who are experiencing memory loss and to those who wish to prevent it. ― Publishers Weekly Published On: 2015-12-18 Dr. Fraser Smith, BA, MATD, ND, is an assistant dean and teacher of Naturopathic Medicine at the National University of Health Science's College of Professional Studies. He is also an editorial board member of Natural Medicine Journal .