LIFE EXTENSION: A Practical Scientific Approach

by Durk & Sandy Shaw Pearson ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 28, 1982

Nutrients and vitamin pills play a big role in the life extensions touted in this snappy super-tome. Granted, it comes with a caveat/disclaimer that you should be wary of adopting the programs offered; the evidence may be anecdotal; your doctor knows best; etc. All the same, the book's essential pitch--you too can join the immortalists, mitigate the effects of alcohol and tobacco, find new drugs for mind improvement or sexual satisfaction--should be taken with a large dose of skepticism. The authors' initial putdown of aging as decrepitude, if not disease, is likely to rally the Gray Panthers at once. Their slaps at governmental agencies for not approving life-extending drugs or nutrients, supposedly because life-extension poses a financial threat to government, are equally offensive. As for their suggestions, these are loosely based on a free radical theory of aging and the need to employ antioxidants to prevent the accumulation of assorted unwanted molecules in cells. Along with the obligatory megadoses of selected vitamins and amino acids, their daily regimens call for antacids (to be taken with acid vitamins) and for Hydergine (a prescription drug) and Vasopressin (a hormone), to improve cognitive performance. Sex hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women is optional. There are occasional sensible snippets (e.g., an explanatory chapter on cholesterol); but on the whole this pill-pushing approach to perpetual youth is a compound of hype and conjecture--and not necessarily good for your mental or physical health.

Pub Date: June 28, 1982

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Warner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1982

Categories: NONFICTION