Book Review: The XX Brain by Lisa Mosconi

Lisa Mosconi is a world-renowned researcher in women’s brain health. She’s the Director of the Women’s Brain Initiative and Associate Director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College. 

Her work focuses on the relationship between estrogen and brain health. Estrogen isn’t just a sex hormone — it’s a neuroendocrine hormone!

The opening chapters highlight the lack of research on women’s brain health. Middle-aged women caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s are at a critical stage for prevention, as they face a higher risk themselves. 

Dr. Mosconi discusses wellness habits that support brain health, including the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise. You don’t need to get too picky about the type of exercise — just move your body. And the Mediterranean diet can be adapted to different cuisines — it doesn’t have to include only foods from that region. 

Oldways has great food pyramids and information on traditional heritage diets.

A recent review looked at common threads in traditional diets, including being plant forward and based in whole foods not processed foods. Mediterranean principles can be applied to a variety of culinary preferences.

Dr. Mosconi also includes a helpful self-assessment to better understand the personal factors that affect your brain health.

Book Review: My main takeaways from The XX Brain

• More research on women is needed!  

• Genes matter, but there’s a lot you can do.

• Start thinking about brain health in your 30s and 40s — the neuroendocrine transition of menopause begins in your 30s!

• Nutrition is key: low sugar, high fiber, lots of color, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

• Get moving — aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.  

• Sleep is critical for stimulating BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factors) and clearing the brain’s toxin burden

• Minimize exposure to environmental chemicals — plastics, pesticides, etc.

The Bottom Line

There’s so much you can do to support brain health, and while it can feel overwhelming at times, simple changes really do matter. Even something as basic as increasing your hydration can improve brain function. 

Start small. A journey of a thousand steps begins with a single one. 

We work with clients to craft personalized prevention plans for long-term brain health. Schedule a free strategy call with one of our practitioners here!