This text uses scientific discovery to reveal how to can maximize on the extraordinary power of the human mind. Why does depression destroy memory faster than age? How can changing your facial expression actually change your mood? Why is laughter so beneficial? How does men and women's brain function differ? Why are women less likely to suffer permanent language loss from the effects of a stroke? How can nicotine benefit the brain? "Building Mental Muscle" explains the complexities in the brain in a straight-forward manner, aided by illustrations and tests, detailing how the brain processes new information, how it stores data and how it can trick us. The authors have set conditioning exercises to help sharpen up the six zones of intelligence - memory; executive/social; mathematical; language; emotional response; and spatial visualization.

Allen Bragdon is the founding editor of Games magazine and editor of the New York Times syndicated 'Playspace' puzzle column. He is co-author of Building Left-Brain Power with David Gamon Ph.D. who holds advanced degrees in the cognitive sciences from UC Berkeley.