El talento del cerebro

The brain is an organ that ages less than other organs. Less than the liver, the skin or the heart. Taking care of it is our only chance to prolong youth, to enjoy life for a long time and to safeguard the health of the body at the same time.

As Michela Matteoli, one of the most internationally renowned Italian neuroscientists, explains in this book, the brain has a strong point: plasticity, in other words, the ability to modify and repair itself. This is why it can evolve throughout its existence, literally expand and build new connections between neurons. A unique talent. In 10 simple lessons in neuroscience, the author guides her readers to discover the great potential of the mind, but also that of the nervous system's main enemy: chronic inflammation, which causes premature ageing and triggers pathologies such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and depression.

Scientists are focusing on research into methods to combat neuroinflammation and to prevent and slow down its damage. It is possible to adopt prevention protocols, such as the one at the CNR's Institute of Neuroscience, led by Matteoli. Brain Talent aims to be a pathway to understanding some of the most extraordinary brain functions and to show all readers how strategies can be adopted to preserve cognitive abilities, from nutrition to relaxation. The sooner you start, the better. The brain does not fly by itself,’ writes the scientist. The external environment, inflammatory molecules in the blood or bacteria in the gut shape and modify it, and the brain responds, softly or loudly. But it always responds.