Word: snowdons
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...available for study) to help us aging baby boomers better understand the devastating illness of Alzheimer's [HEALTH, May 14]. Having just turned 50, showing symptoms of my family's history of heart disease and with slight problems with memory recall, I plan on following the findings of David Snowdon's study. Thanks to all the nuns who had the courage to participate so that people like me may have the opportunity to age with health and grace. J. KAREN KUGELMAN Queensbury...
...nuns in Snowdon's study appear to have lived relatively stress-free lives--no mortgages, doctors' bills, credit-card payments or children to worry about. I am curious to learn how stress will affect us aging baby boomers. Many of us have characteristics of the nuns that were mentioned in the article, such as higher education, intellectual endeavors and good nutrition. But no generation can escape negativity, and keeping a positive outlook is very difficult at times. The concerns of two jobs per household, escalating prices and other pressures of day-to-day living--it would be interesting to know...
...other good reasons for preventing strokes, for reading, for taking folic acid. If our findings showed something that had no other known benefit besides preventing Alzheimer's, then we would be on much thinner ice." Even so, it's not clear precisely how much folic acid to take, and Snowdon's team is divided on whether to boost the intake of vitamins C and E beyond the normal recommended doses (Markesbery says yes; Snowdon says not until we know more...
...their 40s and 50s exhibit memory and recall problems, are very likely the first step on the way to Alzheimer's disease. If so, then it's important to start slowdown strategies as soon as possible. A cure for Alzheimer's is still the ultimate goal, but, says Snowdon, "until there is a magic bullet that can stop the plaques and tangles from growing, we're going to have to take a multipronged approach that will include things like avoiding head injuries and strokes and adding nutritional supplements like folate and antioxidants...
Meanwhile, the Nun Study will continue. Snowdon and his team are attempting to study the sisters' brains before they die, using MRI scans to track how the brain deteriorates with age and how such changes correlate with those in speech, memory and behavior. And to ensure that the sisters' generous gift to science will continue to educate others, Snowdon is trying to have the brain bank and archive records permanently endowed. That way, future generations will continue to benefit from lessons that women like Sisters Ada, Rosella and Nicolette are teaching all of us about how to age with grace...