As the old adage goes, we are what we eat, and that is the presiding principle of this book. It asserts that what you eat, directly affects your brain function so that healthy eating can immediately make you feel better, both mentally and physically – especially as we age. It doesn’t claim to have all the answers to preventing dementia or cognitive decline or suggest that the recipes will guarantee that, but what you do get is a discussion, in everyday language, of the things – including foods –  that can help reduce the risk of dementia along with enticing and achievable recipes based on that principle.

The book is divided in to two parts – it is not just a recipe book. The first half is written by the International expert on nutrition for older people, Ngaire Hobbins. She delivers a very sensible and informative argument for how the brain and the food we eat, are intertwined. There is nothing to alarm the reader, in fact, she states in the foreword that we mustn’t live in fear of dementia – and recommends not falling for the latest ‘quick fix’ or supplement and suggests thoroughly researching any new lifestyle ‘advice’. I found her a very sensible authority and it was very easy to read and understand.

The second part of the book are recipes by Michelle Crawford. As with all recipe books, the pictures of the food are amazing and make one feel immediately hungry! Luckily, there is a ‘quick power meal’ and ‘fast salads’ section which, as the names suggest, were easy and quick to make – the dukkah-crusted salmon with quick couscous was definitely a favourite. The recipes were mostly easy to follow and gave helpful alternatives if you didn’t have the exact ingredients. I did find the pantry essentials list useful for pre-planning and shopping purposes.

Overall, a useful and easy to use guide and recipe book

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Better-Brain-Food-dementia-cognitive/dp/1760527548/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=better+brain+food&qid=1552473462&s=gateway&sr=8-1