This book takes a really interesting and thoughtful look at how things like meditation, yoga, and creativity might help support brain health and possibly lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. Dr. Sen blends science with holistic practices in a way that’s approachable and easy to follow, even if you’re not super into medical stuff.

I liked how he connected these ancient practices with modern research—it made me think more deeply about how powerful our daily habits and mindset really are. Some parts are a little science-heavy, but overall it’s written in a way that feels personal and inspiring.

If you're into holistic health or just curious about how mindfulness and movement can impact your brain over time, this is a great read to explore those connections.

A really interesting and inspiring read. I read this awhile ago but forgot to review it and it definitely still stuck with me.

3.25/5. Read this back in 2018 and did not review it back then. I don't remember enough about it to give it proper feedback.

Why Buddha Never Had Alzheimer's is very good book! Lot's of useful information about yoga and meditation! Enjoyed it!

I appreciate all the different backgrounds of the author of this interesting book -- he's a doctor from India who has a background in Christianity, Buddhism, meditation and in work with many Alzheimer's patients. These combine to give a really complex picture of what can help prevent or slow the disease that's not just from one viewpoint. Sen uses lots of research studies and personal experiences to show the many ways non-traditional therapies can help, especially stress relief through practices like transcendental meditation (repeating a mantra again and again, instead of just trying to quiet your mind). He recommends yoga combined with a spiritual element (studies show that this has the best results), touch (massage and even hand holding), music (especially with an interactive element -- such as playing along, singing, dancing or clapping) and spirituality in offering a lot of promise. He points out that this is just like drugs in that there's no one-size-fits-all approach for every person and that they must be continued. If you stop the drugs or stop the practices, the benefits will also stop.

Years ago I reported on a fascinating study at UCLA where 9 of 10 Alzheimer's patients were able to reverse the disease through a program that used dietary changes (mostly plant-based, gluten or grain free, vegetarian, vegan or pescaterian diets), light exercise like swimming or yoga, correcting any deficiencies, sleep and meditation. The results were extraordinary. In one case, a woman had already planned her suicide because she was so affected by the disease, and she was able to return to her former life. People were able to return to work and reported greatly improved quality of their lives. When one woman was laid up after surgery and slipped from the program, her symptoms returned (she got back on track). Only one patient did not benefit from the program and she was in the most advanced stage. I'm not sure that just meditation and stress relief is the answer to ending Alzheimer's (the latest research shows a huge correlation with diet), but there is no doubt that it can play a powerful part. This book gives some really good insight into the best way to handle this aspect. Extensive references are provided at the end.

I read a digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.

This was a super interesting read for me as Alzheimer's has definitely affected my family. It was interesting to reach about some alternative and unique approaches to preventing and living with this disease. I will definitely be rereading this.

Why Buddha Never Had Alzheimer's is a book that strives to answer the question, "Could we channel the boundless capabilities of meditation to confront and prevent Alzheimer's?"
This is an interesting, if a bit complicated book that explores how Open Monitoring and Focused Attention meditation can improve Alzheimer's symptoms. The author goes through a thorough description of both Alzheimer's and meditation definitions and history. He explains the way the brain works, both with Alzheimer's and with meditation. He also has a nice section on yoga, and a small blurb about music therapy and some other more progressive types of therapies. Worth a read!

Great book! Highly recommend. I love reading about health and related issues. This book does not disappoint.

Thank you HCI Books and Netgalley for an ARC in return for my review.

I am always interested in reading more about health and degenerative diseases, meditation and yoga so this was the perfect book for me. It was really informative and the perfect motivator to continue, or commence, a daily yoga and meditation practice.

I learned a lot about Alzheimer’s and am grateful for this ARC to review and assist with preventative health.

I enjoyed the first chapter of this book then I was lost. I could not understand the scientific language . I did not finish but thank you for the opportunity

This is really great book.Really something different than what we used to do for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. No side effects and too effective if you daily practice yoga. You will fill your self and you will find yourself within you. I highly recommend this book to everyone because you don't know when you gonna hit with Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's is such a sad disease and this book is very informative. I love that the author's points of view were backed with scientific studies. Highly recommended!

I learned Transcendental Meditation about 20 years ago. I would like to say I have been a faithful practioner for the past 20 years, but unfortunately I have only practiced it in fits and starts, mostly when under a lot of stress. I also learned Ashtanga yoga about the same time. I have been much more consistent in practicing yoga and can not imagine not practicing it on a regular basis, because I feel the benefits very strongly in both my mind and body.

After reading this book I have a renewed commitment to meditation practice. I knew it helped with stress and focus, but learned in this book how meditation (along with yoga and pranayama breathing) protect the brain from dementia.

I thought the author's writing was very easy to understand. His points were backed with scientific studies.. I recommend this book.

I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have recently had a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer's. This book is well written front to back. Opens your eyes to more holistic approaches in dealing with Alzheimer's that compliments modern medicine.

This book was very complex in detailing the history of Alzheimer's, medicine and meditation. Yes, a bit overwhelming at times, but necessary to show how far we've come yet how little we understand of this complicated disease.

The author infuses stories of Alzheimer's patients of varying degrees and equally varying outcomes. Alzheimer's affects everyone differently and why one person's disease advances, while other's do not, is a slowly unraveling mystery.

It was interesting to hear the author, who is also a physician, realize how often the caregiver is overlooked in these heartbreaking situations. Like the title, the overall message appears to say in an increasingly complex world that we need to take a step back and simplify our approach to healing. Mediation, a practice with no side-effects and no cost, appears to be a viable tool to help heal the mind.

Even if you are not directly affected by Alzheimer's, I recommend this book due to our increasing elder population and the understanding and compassion we will need as a society not just for the well-being of the patient but for the caregivers as well.

A Holistic Treatment Approach through Meditation, Yoga, and the Arts

To be honest this book wasn't what expected. However, it was so informative that I actually ended up taking notes. Alzheimer's is such a sad disease. The book contained heartbreaking stories but also uplifting ones. It was interesting to find out how drugs were discovered. That yoga, meditation, mindfulness, music ,and touch can help someone with Alzheimer's.

I received this book for free for an honest review from Netgalley. It will be published October 24, 2017

So fascinating! The effects of meditation, yoga and the like are amazing! Great book.