- By Bradley J. Wilcox, D. Craig Wilcox, Makato Suzuki. Clarkson Potter, Publishers, New York, 2001. (422 pages)

It has long been known in the east and now in the west that the people who live in Okinawa, a group of islands that lie between Japan and Taiwan, are the longest-living people in the world.

Not only do they have many people who live to be older than 100, they have remarkably few of the diseases that plague other cultures. This book provides – in a remarkably easy to read form – an insight that has grown from a 25 year study of what is clearly a phenomenon.

The people of Okinawa have, naturally and for generations, been following what modern scientist would say is the optimal health plan. This is primarily because of the food naturally available to them and a lifestyle that is based in their culture and belief system.

What is particularly interesting is that they have a very low incidence of dementia among people who live into their 80s and beyond. And it is certainly not all about genetics – when people from Okinawa leave to live elsewhere and adopt the lifestyle there, they die at the same rate as the people in the area.

This study and its lessons confirm what other research studies are saying: diet, lifestyle and attitude play a critical part in maintaining brain health. What is notable about this study is its recognition and explanation of the interplay between all of the factors.

"Over the next few years everything in our arsenal proved to be essential for studying the health of Okinawan elders. Each year we collected vital information for complete geriatric assessments, including blood biochemistry, activity of daily living assessments, dementia screens, and dietary and psychosocial data. And each year we probed deeper for explanations of the Okinawans’ health and longevity. One year we might concentrate on their diets, the next year on the spiritual beliefs and practices."

Addressing all of the critical areas, it is an excellent all-encompassing handbook for those who want to get serious about brain health. The book offers menu suggestions that are very accessible to people in the west and a suggested plan to implement the Okinawa strategies.

Review by Betty Sinclair, Director of Support & Education, Alzheimer Society of B.C.