Did you know that in a landmark study, aerobic exercise was shown to be as effective as antidepressants? That women who exercise lower their chances of developing dementia by 50 percent? That a revolutionary fitness program helped put one U.S. school district of 19,000 kids first in the world in science? That, in fact, exercise sparks new brain-cell growth? The evidence is incontrovertible: aerobic exercise physically transforms our brains for peak performance. In "Spark", John J. Ratey, MD, takes you on a fascinating journey through the mind-body connection, presenting startling new research to prove that exercise is truly the best defense against everything from mood disorders to ADHD to addiction to menopause to Alzheimer's. He explains that the brain works just as muscles do-growing with use, withering with inactivity-and shows why getting your heart and lungs pumping can mean the different between a calm, focused mind and a harried, inattentive self. Filled with cutting-edge science and amazing case studies, "Spark" is the first book to explore the connection between exercise and the brain. And with a simple, targeted regiment to get your body moving and your mind in peak condition, it will forever change the way you think about your morning run-and, for that matter, the way you think.

Includes index.

Introduction: making the connection -- Welcome to the revolution: a case study on exercise and the brain -- Learning: grow your brain cells -- Stress: the greatest challenge -- Anxiety: nothing to panic about -- Depression: move your mood -- Attention deficit: running from distraction -- Addiction: reclaiming the biology of self-control -- Hormonal changes: the impact on women's brain health -- Aging: the wise way -- The regimen: build your brain -- Afterword: fanning the flames.