4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Did you know that Alzheimer's is a relatively new disease in the world? Did you know that there is not just one, but multiple scientifically-linked causes to Alzeimer's? The SEEDS Plan: Prevent and Reverse Alzheimer's Disease by Jennie Ann Freiman, MD addresses these questions and many more. Before reading this book, I basically knew that Alzheimer's is a disease whereby one's mental facility goes into rapid decline. I did not know there was any significant difference between Alzheimer's and dementia. The SEEDS plan addresses Alzheimer's, but not dementia.
Well-researched, this book notates alarming information about the current world in which Alzheimer's seems nearly inevitable. It turns out that our brains are being attacked on multiple fronts. From what and how we eat, to the air we breathe, toxicity surrounds us. According to the theories proposed by Dr. Freiman, it is not only possible to prevent Alzheimer's, but to even reverse it, at least to some degree.
After briefing the reader on definitions of Alzheimer's from a medical and historical standpoint and detailing cases of Alzheimer's around the world—where it is prominent and where it is not—Dr. Freiman meticulously covers each of the five areas she believes responsible for mental decline. First, she takes the reader on a tour of proof. Each area is first examined with scientific research and backing in an effort to show not only correlations, but presumably causation. "SEEDS" stands for the multi-pronged approach needed to conquer this debilitating disease. Sleeping, eating, exercising, caring for your domain (environment), and purposefully addressing a social life are all key to combating Alzheimer's. Next, she shows practical ways to apply that knowledge to everyday life.
I have several takeaways. First, as one who believes in a Creator God, I respectfully disagree with the conclusions that link Alzheimer's prevention to the evolution of grandmothers. However, as the weight of the book's content revolves around scientific proofs to the five different elements that affect brain health, I feel that this book has much wisdom to offer. It is also interesting to me that this information defying all current scientific thought on the matter is coming from someone trained in medical science. If you are familiar with the X-Files, Dr. Freiman to some degree reminds me of Scully, taking her scientific background and proving the paranormal, or in Dr. Freiman's case, proving that a more natural lifestyle rather than medical intervention really is key. I applaud her for digging out so many truths and for putting it together in a way that not only makes sense, but is provable.
This is not light reading, nor should it be. This is a topic that we should all take seriously and strive to incorporate as many of the recommendations as possible. Dr. Freiman packed so much information into this book, that it cannot be read in a single sitting. Rather, it is meant to be digested somewhat slowly with the eye of making personal changes as possible. Since this is such an exhaustive manual, and the editing is so clean, I am glad to rate it 4 out of 4 stars.
******
The SEEDS Plan
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like greenstripedgiraffe's review? Post a comment saying so!