Recommended Books & Resources for Brain Health and Caregiving
Explore a collection of books and practical resources about Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ketogenic nutrition, brain health, and caregiving.
These recommendations include my own books, publications by researchers and healthcare professionals, and helpful guides for individuals and families navigating memory loss and other neurological conditions.
You’ll also find resources for measuring blood glucose and ketones, which can help you understand how dietary changes and ketogenic strategies affect your ketone levels.
I hope these resources help you discover useful information, practical strategies, and encouragement for your journey.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which may provide a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support this website and my educational work.
Books by Dr. Mary Newport
Explore my books about ketones, ketogenic nutrition, coconut oil, and their potential roles in brain health. These publications combine scientific research, practical information, and personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones
Third Edition (2023)
The story of my husband’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease and how ketones became an important focus of my research and advocacy. This updated edition explores the science of ketones, emerging research, and practical approaches to supporting brain metabolism.
Clearly Keto for Healthy Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention
Published 2022
A practical guide to understanding ketogenic nutrition and its potential applications for healthy brain aging. Includes accessible explanations and strategies for incorporating ketogenic approaches into daily life.
The Complete Book of Ketones: A Practical Guide to Ketogenic Diets and Ketone Supplements
Published 2019
A comprehensive guide to ketone metabolism, ketogenic diets, and ketone supplements, including their scientific background, practical applications, and potential health benefits.
The Coconut Oil and Low Carb Solution for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Other Diseases
Published 2015
Explores the science and practical use of coconut oil, medium-chain triglycerides, and low-carbohydrate nutrition in relation to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Recommended Reading
These books offer practical information about memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia diagnosis, treatment, and the decisions individuals and families may face.
When Memory Fades
Nathaniel Chin, MD | 2026
Drawing on his experience as a physician and family caregiver, Dr. Chin offers guidance for understanding dementia, navigating medical decisions, planning for changing needs, and supporting a loved one throughout the disease.
Is It Alzheimer’s?
101 Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions About Memory Loss and Dementia
Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH | Second Edition, 2025
An accessible question-and-answer guide addressing memory changes, diagnosis, treatment, and common concerns about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Particularly helpful for people seeking clear information during the early stages of evaluation.
The End of Alzheimer’s Program
The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age
Dale E. Bredesen, MD | Paperback, 2022
Dr. Bredesen presents a personalized, multifactorial approach to cognitive health, emphasizing ketogenic nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, and other lifestyle and metabolic factors. The book provides practical guidance for implementing his proposed protocol. Its claims about reversing Alzheimer’s disease should be considered in light of the continuing need for larger controlled clinical trials.
The First Survivors of Alzheimer’s
How Patients Recovered Life and Hope in Their Own Words
Dale E. Bredesen, MD | 2021
Through personal accounts, individuals describe their experiences with cognitive decline and the lifestyle and medical interventions they pursued through Dr. Bredesen’s program. Their stories offer insights into the challenges of making substantial changes while illustrating experiences that require further evaluation in controlled studies.
Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
A Guide for People with Dementia and Those Who Care for Them
Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD, and Angela Lunde, MA | Revised Third Edition, 2025
This updated Mayo Clinic guide provides accessible, evidence-based information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It covers diagnosis, emerging treatments, risk factors, and practical strategies for patients and caregivers. A useful reference for families seeking a comprehensive medical perspective.
Stop Alzheimer’s Now!
How to Prevent and Reverse Dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders
Bruce Fife, ND | Second Edition
Dr. Fife explores coconut oil, ketones, nutrition, and metabolic approaches to neurological disorders, including the story of my husband Steve and our experience using coconut oil and ketones during his Alzheimer’s disease. The book discusses proposed nutritional strategies, although claims of preventing or reversing Alzheimer’s disease require further confirmation in controlled clinical studies.
Caregiving and Family Support
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia presents unique challenges. These books offer practical guidance, compassionate advice, and strategies for managing daily care while also supporting the well-being of family caregivers.
The 36-Hour Day
A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss
Nancy L. Mace, MA, and Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH | Eighth Edition, 2025
This widely used guide provides practical advice for families caring for someone with dementia. The updated eighth edition addresses communication, behavioral changes, medical decisions, everyday caregiving, long-term planning, and caregiver well-being. It also includes newer information about diagnostic testing and treatments.
Staying Afloat in a Sea of Forgetfulness
Common Sense Caregiving, Expanded Edition
Gary Joseph LeBlanc | 2011
Drawing on years of caring for his father with Alzheimer’s disease, Florida author Gary Joseph LeBlanc shares practical, common-sense advice for navigating everyday caregiving challenges. His firsthand experience also inspired advocacy for better recognition and care of people with memory impairment in hospitals.
Parkinson’s Disease: Recommended Reading
These books offer personal perspectives on living with Parkinson’s disease and explore experiences, challenges, and questions surrounding neurological health. They include patient advocacy, family experiences, and differing perspectives on possible contributing factors.
Saving My Family: The Rise of Parkinson’s and Other Diseases
How the “Tremor” Mite Is Implicated in Parkinson’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and Autoimmune Disease
Jen Thornton | 2024
Drawing on her family’s experiences, Jen Thornton explores a proposed connection between certain mites, environmental exposures, and neurological and autoimmune disorders. The book combines a personal family story with the author’s hypotheses about possible contributing factors. These proposed associations have not been established as causes of Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia.
No Time Like the Future
An Optimist Considers Mortality
Michael J. Fox | 2020
In this personal memoir, actor and Parkinson’s disease advocate Michael J. Fox reflects on living with Parkinson’s disease, facing additional medical challenges, and balancing optimism with the realities of illness and aging. Through humor and personal experience, he shares perspectives on resilience, family, and finding meaning during difficult times.
Metabolic Psychiatry and Mental Health
Growing research is exploring the relationship between brain energy metabolism, nutrition, and mental health. These books examine metabolic approaches to psychiatric disorders, including the potential role of ketogenic diets, and discuss how nutrition may complement conventional psychiatric care.
Brain Energy
A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health—and Improving Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More
Christopher M. Palmer, MD | 2022
Psychiatrist Christopher Palmer presents a metabolic theory of mental illness, exploring how mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired brain energy metabolism may contribute to psychiatric disorders. He discusses the potential role of ketogenic diets and other metabolic interventions as complementary approaches to conventional mental health treatment.
Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind
A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety, and Protect Memory for a Lifetime of Optimal Mental Health
Georgia Ede, MD | 2024
Psychiatrist Georgia Ede explores how nutrition influences brain health and mental well-being. Drawing on research and clinical experience, she examines the potential roles of ketogenic and other dietary approaches in supporting brain metabolism, mood, and cognitive function, and offers practical guidance for improving dietary choices.
Ketogenic Diets and Low-Carbohydrate Nutrition
These books explore the science and practical application of ketogenic and low-carbohydrate diets. Topics include nutritional ketosis, metabolism, weight management, insulin resistance, and the potential benefits of alternative fuels for the brain and body. The collection includes comprehensive scientific references as well as accessible guides for adopting and maintaining a carbohydrate-restricted lifestyle.
Ketogenic Diet and Metabolic Therapies
Expanded Roles in Health and Disease
Edited by Susan A. Masino, PhD | First Edition, 2016
This comprehensive scientific reference explores the mechanisms and therapeutic applications of ketogenic diets and other metabolic therapies. Contributions from leading researchers and clinicians examine established uses in epilepsy and emerging applications in neurological and other disorders, including the roles of ketones, metabolism, and cellular energy regulation.
The Ketogenic Bible
The Authoritative Guide to Ketosis
Jacob Wilson, PhD, and Ryan Lowery, PhD | 2017
This comprehensive guide explains the science of ketosis and the practical aspects of ketogenic nutrition. Topics include ketone production, metabolic health, body composition, exercise performance, and potential therapeutic applications. The book also offers guidance for beginning a ketogenic diet and includes more than 75 recipes.
The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living
An Expert Guide to Making the Life-Saving Benefits of Carbohydrate Restriction Sustainable and Enjoyable
Stephen D. Phinney, MD, PhD, and Jeff S. Volek, PhD, RD | 2011
Drawing on decades of research, Phinney and Volek explain the science of carbohydrate restriction and nutritional ketosis. Topics include fat adaptation, insulin resistance, metabolic health, and the practical considerations involved in maintaining a well-formulated low-carbohydrate diet over the long term.
The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance
Jeff S. Volek, PhD, RD, and Stephen D. Phinney, MD, PhD | 2012
In this companion volume, Volek and Phinney explore how low-carbohydrate nutrition and fat adaptation influence endurance exercise and athletic performance. They discuss the body’s use of fat and ketones as fuels, nutritional strategies for athletes, and the potential advantages and limitations of carbohydrate restriction during physical activity.
Keto Clarity
Your Definitive Guide to the Benefits of a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet
Jimmy Moore and Eric C. Westman, MD | 2014
This accessible introduction to ketogenic nutrition explains how carbohydrate restriction can shift the body toward using fat and ketones for energy. The authors discuss nutritional ketosis, dietary fat, weight management, metabolic health, and practical strategies for adopting a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.
End Your Carb Confusion
A Simple Guide to Customize Your Carb Intake for Optimal Health
Eric C. Westman, MD, MHS, and Amy Berger, MS, CNS | 2020
Dr. Eric Westman and nutrition specialist Amy Berger present a practical, individualized approach to carbohydrate restriction. Their three-phase program helps readers select an appropriate level of carbohydrate intake based on their health goals and metabolic needs, with guidance on food choices, weight management, and long-term dietary maintenance.
The New Atkins for a New You
The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great
Eric C. Westman, MD, Stephen D. Phinney, MD, PhD, and Jeff S. Volek, PhD, RD | 2010
This updated guide to the Atkins approach explains how to incorporate carbohydrate restriction into everyday life. The authors discuss weight management, metabolic health, individualized carbohydrate intake, meal planning, and strategies for maintaining a low-carbohydrate lifestyle over the long term.
The New Atkins Made Easy for Seniors
Designed for older adults interested in low-carbohydrate eating, this guide offers practical suggestions for incorporating Atkins-style nutrition into everyday life. It focuses on simplifying food choices, meal planning, and maintaining a sustainable eating pattern.
Cancer and Metabolic Approaches
These books explore the relationship between cancer metabolism, cellular energy production, and ketogenic nutrition. They examine the metabolic theory of cancer and discuss the potential role of ketogenic diets as complementary approaches alongside conventional cancer treatment. The collection includes both a scientific reference and a practical guide for patients and caregivers.
Cancer as a Metabolic Disease
On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer
Thomas N. Seyfried, PhD | 2012
In this scientific reference, Thomas Seyfried examines the metabolic theory of cancer, emphasizing mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular energy metabolism, and the roles of glucose and glutamine in tumor growth. He discusses research into metabolic strategies, including ketogenic diets, as potential approaches to cancer management. These approaches remain under investigation and are not established replacements for conventional cancer treatments.
Keto for Cancer
Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy as a Targeted Nutritional Strategy
Miriam Kalamian, EdM, MS, CNS | 2017
Nutrition specialist Miriam Kalamian provides a practical guide to ketogenic nutrition for people affected by cancer. Drawing on research and personal experience, she discusses ketogenic meal planning, nutritional considerations, and strategies for implementing a ketogenic diet alongside medical care. The potential benefits of ketogenic diets in cancer treatment are still being studied, and dietary changes should be coordinated with the oncology team.
Autism, ADHD, and Special Diets
These books provide practical dietary guidance for families of children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and related challenges. They explore specialized diets, food sensitivities, and strategies for adapting meals to individual nutritional needs. Evidence supporting specific dietary interventions varies, and major dietary changes should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure adequate nutrition.
Special Diets for Special Kids
Lisa S. Lewis, PhD
Drawing on her family’s experiences, Lisa Lewis provides guidance and recipes for implementing gluten-free and casein-free diets for children with autism and related conditions. The book addresses food selection, ingredient substitutions, meal preparation, and nutritional challenges. Evidence that these diets improve core autism symptoms remains limited, although dietary modifications may be appropriate for some children with diagnosed food allergies, intolerances, or gastrointestinal conditions.
The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook
Practical Recipes and Guidance for Specialized Diets
Pamela J. Compart, MD, and Dana Laake, MS
This family-oriented cookbook offers recipes, food substitutions, and meal-planning suggestions for children following specialized diets. It discusses gluten-free and casein-free eating, managing food sensitivities, and helping children with selective eating habits. The authors provide practical ideas for preparing meals that accommodate individual dietary needs while addressing common nutritional challenges.
Nutrition for Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes
These books by registered dietitian Lily Nichols explore evidence-based approaches to nutrition during pregnancy, including nutrient requirements, blood sugar regulation, and gestational diabetes. They offer practical guidance on food choices, meal planning, and supporting maternal and fetal health, with an emphasis on whole foods and individualized nutritional needs.
Real Food for Pregnancy
The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition
Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE | 2018
Registered dietitian Lily Nichols explores the science of prenatal nutrition, emphasizing nutrient-dense whole foods and the nutritional requirements of pregnancy. She discusses protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, blood sugar regulation, and meal planning, providing research-based explanations and practical strategies for supporting maternal and fetal health.
Real Food for Gestational Diabetes
An Effective Alternative to the Conventional Nutrition Approach
Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE | 2015
In this practical guide, Lily Nichols examines nutrition strategies for managing blood glucose during pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. She discusses carbohydrate intake, meal composition, nutrient requirements, and blood sugar monitoring, with food suggestions and recipes designed to support maternal health and glucose management. Dietary changes during pregnancy should be individualized in consultation with the obstetric and diabetes care team.
Cookbooks and Food Reference Guides
These cookbooks and reference guides offer practical ideas for preparing nutritious, flavorful meals and making informed food choices. The collection includes low-carbohydrate and coconut-based recipes, everyday meal-planning inspiration, and a comprehensive food reference for estimating calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and other nutritional values.
Maggie’s Recipe for Life
Eat Well, Age Well: Delicious Recipes for Optimum Brain Health
Maggie Beer and Ralph Martins, PhD | 2017
Australian cook Maggie Beer and Alzheimer’s researcher Professor Ralph Martins combine culinary expertise with research on nutrition and healthy brain aging. Featuring more than 200 recipes, this cookbook emphasizes flavorful, nutrient-rich meals, whole foods, and practical dietary habits to support overall health and well-being as we age.
Coconut Lover’s Cookbook
Bruce Fife, ND | Fourth Edition, 2010
This extensive collection features nearly 450 recipes using coconut in its many forms, including coconut oil, milk, cream, and shredded coconut. Recipes range from main dishes, soups, and salads to breads, beverages, and desserts. The book includes dairy-free options and lower-sugar alternatives for many sweet recipes.
The South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook
200 Delicious Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Arthur Agatston, MD | 2005
This practical companion to the South Beach Diet features 200 recipes designed for busy households. Using ten or fewer ingredients and requiring 30 minutes or less of preparation and cooking time, the recipes include breakfasts, salads, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. The book also provides nutritional information and guidance for incorporating balanced, carbohydrate-conscious meals into everyday life.
The Complete Book of Food Counts
Corinne T. Netzer | Ninth Edition, 2011
This comprehensive food reference provides nutritional information for thousands of foods, including calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and other dietary components. Organized for convenient lookup, it can be useful for meal planning, tracking nutrient intake, and comparing food choices. Because this edition was published in 2011, nutritional information for some packaged and restaurant foods may have changed.
Environmental Exposures and Health
Environmental exposures and their potential effects on human health are subjects of ongoing scientific research and debate. This section includes a book examining concerns about glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, and its proposed relationships to chronic diseases. Readers should be aware that many of the author’s proposed associations and mechanisms remain scientifically contested and have not been established as causal relationships.
Toxic Legacy
How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment
Stephanie Seneff, PhD | 2021
MIT researcher Stephanie Seneff examines the use of glyphosate-based herbicides and proposes potential connections between environmental exposure and chronic health conditions. The book explores possible biological mechanisms and raises questions about environmental and public health. Many of its proposed relationships remain scientifically contested, and causal links to the diseases discussed have not been established.
Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring
Blood glucose and ketone monitors can help people following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets understand how their bodies respond to different foods, dietary changes, and periods of fasting. Measuring blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) provides a direct way to assess nutritional ketosis, while glucose measurements offer additional information about metabolic responses. The monitor below provides both measurements using separate test strips.
Keto-Mojo GK+ Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System
Dual Glucose and Ketone Meter
The Keto-Mojo GK+ monitoring system measures blood glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the principal ketone measured in blood. It can help people following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets monitor nutritional ketosis and observe changes in glucose levels in response to food, exercise, and fasting. The meter uses separate glucose and ketone test strips and supports Bluetooth data synchronization with compatible devices.
Keto-Mojo GK+ Glucose and Ketone Replacement Test Strips
Replacement Testing Supplies
Replacement test strips for continued monitoring of blood glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) using the Keto-Mojo GK+ system. Separate glucose and ketone strips help users track metabolic responses to dietary changes, exercise, and fasting. These strips are designed specifically for the GK+ meter and are not compatible with earlier Keto-Mojo models. Check package quantity, compatibility, and expiration dates before purchasing.
