Why did Dr. Snowdon choose a population of nuns for his study of Alzheimer's disease and aging?
It is prudent to note that the author of the book aging with grace had a very bright brilliant idea in his attempt to study the health of the religious population catholic nuns. He therefore chooses to study the health patterns of this population because at that time every member of that population was being subjected to the same access to health care, same living situation and for the above all the same income status. Therefore, for the sake of uniformity, the author found this population interesting to study because the population was subjected to almost uniform conditions. He therefore believes that such uniform condition could enable him come up with accurate results.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of studying this kind of population?
Before the author examines the advantages of studying this group, it is prudent to note that many people who study Alzheimer’s disease are always bedevilled by the presence of what are called the confounding variables, specific habitats or the characteristics of the individual which may predispose an individual to a particular illness. However, the group which the author of the book is studying have some uniformity in their lives. For instance they are being subjected to the same health facilities, social environment among other things. This therefore decreases some of the most confounding variables in this population. This population did not smoke nor smoke. Furthermore, there are good records of their lives which explain what this group did in common. These characteristics therefore make this population an excellent research group.
What benefits has his study derived from using this particular group of nuns
It is prudent to acknowledge the fact that the study by David derived a number of benefits from using this particular population. First and foremost, this population have most common characteristics. For instance, the population is subjected to same income status, same access to medical facilities and for the above all, the population does not smoke nor drink. These factors ease the work of David and also contribute to the uniformity of the research a factor which guarantees accuracy of the research. In addition, the fascinating comparison between the essays developed by these nuns prior to taking their religious vows and their subsequent development of the Alzheimer’s disease also contributed immensely to the study done by David.
Does a positive outlook in early life contribute to longevity?
Whether the positive outlook in early life contributes to longevity of an individual depends from one individual to another. For instance, there are people to whom positive outlook in their early life contribute to longevity. However, there are people who despite their positive outlook in early life, they still do not live longer.
Can a profound faith decrease the risk of dementia?
Could a deep sense of community decrease the risk of dementia?
It is prudent to note that a memory care environment is always designed for people with a level of impairment hence making it unsafe for that particular individual to continue to live in an active community. The memory care enables an individual to experience memory loss in order to maintain certain level of independence while relying on the safety and the security of being a residential facility with the professional staff. This implies that deep sense of the community decreases the risks resulting from the effects of dementia.
Do you believe that education and/or linguistic ability is an important risk reduction method for Alzheimer's? Why?
I do not believe at all. This is because I believe that there is no connection between the linguistic ability and the reduction in Alzheimer’s disease. This is because there are people with great linguistic capability but are suffering from such a disease.
How do genetics and lifestyle relate to developing Alzheimer's?
Genetics have some relation in developing Alzheimer’s disease because the disease can be genetically transmitted from parents to the offspring. On the other hand, better lifestyle such as healthier lifestyle reduces the chances of developing this disease hence increasing the longevity of an individual.
In conclusion, I would like to say that this book is a wonderful book. This is because, the author of the book clearly cares about these women and very respectful of the way of life being led by the women. The book also provides various ways through which the memory diseases can be reduced or prevented.
References
Snowdon, D. (2001). Aging with Grace. U.S.A: Bantam Dell Publishing Group.
