Signed Copies! Available for shipping or in-store pick up on 8/18/2026. This is a pre-release sale.
About the Book
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter comes the first book on the brain's immune cells—key to protecting against brain disease and maintaining peak cognitive function and mental health.
We've been fighting the wrong enemy. For decades, medicine has pointed its weapons at symptoms like memory loss, tremors, headache, and lethargy, while ignoring the root causes of diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and major depression. In Brain Defenders, neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter flips the script, exposing the real culprits: malfunctioning microglia, tiny immune cells that, when metabolically hijacked, go rogue and attack the very neurons they're meant to protect.
With clarity and urgency, Dr. Perlmutter explains how a silent battle rages in the brain. Microglia can become either warriors of protection or agents of destruction—and the outcome depends largely on how we live. In Brain Defenders, you will:
- Learn the science of immunometabolism and the relationship between energy and your cells.
- Understand the overlooked role of inflammation in everything from dementia to Long COVID—and why the immune system may be the brain's greatest threat and hope.
- Discover how your lifestyle affects the fate of your microglia and, in turn, your cognitive future.
- Uncover the surprising link between metabolic health and brain resilience, and how tools like fasting, sleep, and even oxygen therapy can restore damaged neural networks.
- Explore therapeutic interventions—from Metformin to lion's mane mushroom—that support healing and slow neurodegeneration.
Neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders are not inevitable, but often the result of chronic, controllable inflammation. Drawing on the latest peer-reviewed science and grounded in decades of neurological care, Dr. Perlmutter delivers a powerful message: the future of your brain health is in your hands.
About the Author
Dr. Perlmutter is a Board-Certified Neurologist and six-time New York Times bestselling author. He serves on the Board of Directors and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals including Archives of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and The Journal of Applied Nutrition. In addition, he is a frequent lecturer at symposia sponsored by institutions such as the World Bank and IMF, Columbia University, Scripps Institute, New York University, and Harvard University, and serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Praise
"Brain Defenders is a breakthrough, showing how the metabolism of our microglia, the brain's immune cells, not fate, drives neurodegeneration and offering a science-based, actionable blueprint to shift the brain from decline to repair."—Dr. David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
"David Perlmutter consistently has his finger on the pulse of the newest and most important brain health research with every new book."—Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
"Brain Defenders is an essential and timely work. Dr. Perlmutter masterfully integrates decades of neuroscience, metabolism, and clinical insight to reveal the mechanisms driving cognitive decline."—Dominic D'Agostino, PhD, Associate Professor, USF Morsani College of Medicine
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are located above The Ridgway restaurant on the 2nd floor at 1300-3rd Street South, Suite 201.
What are your hours?
Beginning June 15, our summer hours are Monday through Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 6pm, and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Is your store stroller and ADA accessible?
Yes! Our stroller and ADA entrance is accessible at the back of the building from the sidewalk and parking lot. Take the ramp up to the main floor and the elevator to the 2nd floor to access the store. We have an ADA accessible restroom in-store.
Where can I park near your store?
There is a parking lot immediately behind our building off 14th Ave between 2nd St S and 3rd St S, a parking lot across 13th Street from the store, and street parking available in the neighborhood.
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Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Gift cards are available for purchase in-store.
Can you help with our community event, author event, or B2B bulk order?
Yes, we support a variety of organizations around town who are hosting book talks or authors for speaking engagements and can facilitate book sales, signings, pre-order campaigns, book club suggestions and more. Please email events@booksonthird.com with your request and we will contact you.
I would like to work at your store, are you hiring?
We're thrilled you're interested in joining our book-loving team. Open positions will be posted on our website if anything becomes available.
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Congratulations on publishing your book! Please fill out the Local Author Book Submission form to tell us more about your book. We review these submissions and our book buyers will reach out within one month if they are interested in stocking your book on our shelves. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are not able to respond to every request. We regret that we are unable to respond to email, phone, or in-person inquiries. Thank you for understanding.
Our Story
Our Story
We're not just another bookstore - we're a curated literary experience. Founded in friendship, we've poured our enthusiasm for books into creating a unique haven for readers.
We believe in the power of personalized curation, hand-selecting titles that resonate with individual tastes and fostering unexpected discoveries. This commitment drives us to offer a diverse and thoughtfully chosen collection.
Beyond the books themselves, we've crafted a high-design space that invites you to linger, explore, and connect. From cozy reading nooks to striking architectural details, our shop is a feast for the senses.
Books on Third is a community hub. Expect the familiar comforts of author events and book clubs, but also prepare for creative gatherings that push the boundaries of what a bookstore can be. We're dedicated to fostering a love of reading and creating memorable experiences for every visitor.
Come explore our shelves, share your literary interests, and discover the magic of a bookstore built on friendship, curated taste, and a genuine love for the written word.
Shipping Details
Shipping Details
We offer $5 flat-rate shipping on all orders.
Orders are typically fulfilled within 3 to 5 business days. During peak periods, processing times may be longer.
Local pickup is available at our Naples storefront. Please bring your order number and a photo ID to retrieve your purchase.