A Woman’s Guide to Lifelong Brain Health

Actionable research to protect every woman’s
most valuable asset: her brain

ABOUT THE BOOK

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER — The XX Brain is the first book to address cognitive enhancement and Alzheimer's prevention specifically in women — and to frame brain health as an essential component of Women’s Health.

Women are far more likely than men to suffer from anxiety, depression, migraines, brain injuries, strokes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. However, through the lens of ‘Women’s Health’, women’s brains won’t make the cut.

Now, Dr. Lisa Mosconi, the director of the Women’s Brain Initiative at Weill Cornell Medicine, gives women the first plan to address the unique risks and strengths of the female brain.

Until now, medical research has focused on "bikini medicine," assuming that women are essentially men with breasts and tubes. The XX Brain confronts this crisis by revealing how the two powerful X chromosomes that distinguish women from men impact our brain first and foremost.

The XX Brain builds from the recognition that women’s brains age distinctly from men’s, due chiefly to menopause and associated decline of a key brain-protective hormone: estrogen.

Taking on all aspects of women’s health, including brain fog, memory lapses, depression, stress, insomnia, hormonal imbalances, and the increased risk of dementia, Dr. Mosconi introduces cutting-edge, evidence-based approaches to protect the female brain, including a specific diet proven to work for women, stress reduction, and sleep. She examines the controversy about soy and hormonal replacement therapy, takes on the perils of environmental toxins, and examines the role of our microbiome. Luckily, it is never too late to take care of yourself.

The XX Brain is a rally cry for women to have full access to information regarding what is going on in their brains and bodies, and a roadmap to optimal, lifelong brain health.

WHERE TO GET IT

“In *The XX Brain**, Lisa meticulously guides us in the ways we can both nourish and protect ourselves, body and mind, to ensure our brains remain resilient throughout our lives.”*

From the foreword by MARIA SHRIVER
Award-winning journalist, Founder of the Women Alzheimer’s Movement,
#1 New York Times bestselling author I’ve Been Thinking

AS SEEN ON

REVIEWS

**DAVID PERLMUTTER**
MD, Author, #1 New York Times bestseller
*Grain Brain*

“Dr. Mosconi boldly takes the question of what differentiates men from women away from just the reproductive organs and focuses on the unique characteristics of the female brain. And it is about time! The XX Brain is fully empowering, leveraging the very best science allowing women to enhance cognitive health and gain control of their brain’s destiny.”

**SARA GOTTFRIED**
MD, Author, New York Times bestseller
*The Hormone Cure*

“Women over 35 need to know that perimenopause is a dramatic transition state not just in terms of mood, sex drive, and hot flashes—but in terms of brain health and function. Lisa Mosconi is the leading authority on the female brain as it navigates hormonal upheaval, and she is here to close our knowledge gap. I give her extraordinary new book my highest recommendation!”

**JOLENE BRIGHTEN**
NMD, Author,
*Beyond the Pill*

“The XX Brain is an exciting and empowering read for all women. Dr. Mosconi provides actionable advice to protect your brain and thrive throughout your lifetime! I highly recommend making your brain a priority now and taking charge before the inevitable hormonal shifts of perimenopause. In this book, Dr. Mosconi will show you how.”

**MAX LUGAVERE**
Author, New York Times Bestseller
*Genius Foods*

“Women’s brains have unique risk factors for dementia that until now have been ignored by science. Lisa Mosconi’s path-breaking work changes this paradigm to show women how they specifically can protect and enhance brain function throughout life. Essential reading!”

**LOUANN BRIZENDINE**
MD, Author, #1 New York Times Bestseller *The Female Brain*

“The XX Brain is a must read for every woman who wants to protect her brain. Dr Mosconi presents invaluable information and practical solutions to be—and stay—your best.”

**JJ VIRGIN**
Author, New York Times bestseller
*The Virgin Diet*

“This extraordinary book gives women cutting-edge, research-based advice on what they particularly need to know to keep their brains functioning at maximum capacity. Highly recommended!”