I read Dr. Majid Fotuhi’s book, the Invincible Brain, in preparation for an upcoming Causes or Cures podcast episode with him, and I genuinely dug it. As someone who reads a lot of medically-related books, I am always bracing for dense language and pages of jargon. This book was a welcome surprise. It is clear, engaging, and written in a way that invites you in rather than pushing you away.
What shines through most in the Invincible Brain is hope. Real, evidence-based hope from a trusted expert who believes in the brain’s remarkable ability to change and strengthen across the lifespan. Dr. Fotuhi explains how we can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and boost memory at any age, and he backs it all up with solid science. Even better, he offers practical tools you can actually use, from brain games to lifestyle shifts that feel possible in real life.
I especially appreciated his discussion of intelligence. Instead of squeezing people into narrow definitions, he honors the many ways intelligence shows up in the world. If you have ever felt mislabeled, underestimated, or out of place by conventional standards, this section will resonate deeply.
He also brings in elements that are too often missing from conversations about brain health and dementia prevention, including purpose, mindset, curiosity, and the courage to keep trying new things.
Dementia is frightening. Alzheimer’s disease is devastating. I’ve seen it firsthand. But this book does not leave you stuck in fear. It leaves you with agency, optimism, and a practical toolkit to help protect and sharpen your brain. My only lingering question: does it lean a little too hopeful? Then again, that might just be the Irish in me.
But if it helps to know how I feel about it, I told my parents and my sister to get a copy. :)
Be on the lookout, as I plan to post the podcast I recorded with him on Causes or Cures soon!
Who is Dr. Fotuhi?
He is a neuroscientist and physician trained at Johns Hopkins and Harvard, with nearly 40 years of experience in brain health, clinical care, and research. He has developed a multidisciplinary approach to improving cognitive performance, centered on his “Brain Fitness Program,” which combines personalized assessment with targeted lifestyle and cognitive interventions.
His work, published in peer-reviewed journals, has shown improvements in memory and brain function in patients with aging-related decline, concussions, and ADHD. Dr. Fotuhi is also the author of Boost Your Brain and a globally recognized expert in memory and successful aging.
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PS: For those who ask, “Do I actually read the book?”, the answer is YES. Whenever an author comes on Causes or Cures to discuss his/her book, I always read the book. It takes a lot of time, and some books are more interesting than others, but I feel it is the only way to give my podcast listeners an honest, worthwhile podcast.
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Also in the blog:
The Most Bizarre Deaths, with Dr. Roger Byard
(You’ll love it, trust me.)
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