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Aging with Grace: What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives
In 1986 Dr. David Snowdon, one of the world’s leading experts on Alzheimer’s disease, embarked on a revolutionary scientific study that would forever change the way we view aging—and ultimately living. Dubbed the “Nun Study” because it involves a unique population of 678 Catholic sisters, this remarkable long-term research project has made headlines worldwide with its provocative discoveries.
Yet Aging with Grace is more than a groundbreaking health and science book. It is the inspiring human story of these remarkable women—ranging in age from 74 to 106—whose dedication to serving others may help all of us live longer and healthier lives.
Totally accessible, with fascinating portraits of the nuns and the scientists who study them, Aging with Grace also offers a wealth of practical
• Why building linguistic ability in childhood may protect against Alzheimer’s
• Which ordinary foods promote longevity and healthy brain function
• Why preventing strokes and depression is key to avoiding Alzheimer’s
• What role heredity plays, and why it’s never too late to start an exercise program
• How attitude, faith, and community can add years to our lives
A prescription for hope, Aging with Grace shows that old age doesn’t have to mean an inevitable slide into illness and disability; rather it can be a time of promise and productivity, intellectual and spiritual vigor—a time of true grace.
Yet Aging with Grace is more than a groundbreaking health and science book. It is the inspiring human story of these remarkable women—ranging in age from 74 to 106—whose dedication to serving others may help all of us live longer and healthier lives.
Totally accessible, with fascinating portraits of the nuns and the scientists who study them, Aging with Grace also offers a wealth of practical
• Why building linguistic ability in childhood may protect against Alzheimer’s
• Which ordinary foods promote longevity and healthy brain function
• Why preventing strokes and depression is key to avoiding Alzheimer’s
• What role heredity plays, and why it’s never too late to start an exercise program
• How attitude, faith, and community can add years to our lives
A prescription for hope, Aging with Grace shows that old age doesn’t have to mean an inevitable slide into illness and disability; rather it can be a time of promise and productivity, intellectual and spiritual vigor—a time of true grace.
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
83 people are currently reading
904 people want to read
About the author
David Snowdon
22 books16 followersDavid Snowdon started writing in 1983 and has written 12 thrillers and many short stories over the years. His first published work, Too Young To Die was published in August 2006 and his second novel, The Mind of a Genius was published in November 2007. The Mind of a Genius won an award for the best Mystery and Adventure novel in 2008. A Crime To Be Rich was published in May 2010 and became an instant bestseller. Sucker To Be Alive, his latest work was released in April 2011.
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January 31, 2011
I found this book to be far more interesting than I had projected, learning much about Alzheimer's Disease in it's pages and about healthy lifestyle. I also learned about the life of a nun, which was completely foreign to me as a person who grew up without much knowledge of Catholicism or the beliefs of Christianity. David Snowdon wrote in a reader friendly manner that held my interest. I am glad that I read this book, it opened my eyes to a lot more than the intended comprehension of Alzheimer's. It also opened my eyes to lifestyle of another culture.
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November 25, 2016Science with a human face: That’s what Aging with Grace (2001) delivers in a 219-page book that presents both high-tech research with heart-felt stories of aging nuns who agree to participate in a longitudinal study of the human brain by epidemiologist/author David Snowdon, PhD.
Hundreds of nuns from the School Sisters of Notre Dame, 678 to be exact, participated in a study to help decode the causes and effects of Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most devastating afflictions of this century. They gave access to their medical and personal records and agreed to donate their brains to science upon death.
As the sub-title suggests “What the Nuns’s Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives,” Snowdon’s study produced several findings: the connection between linguistic ability early in life and Alzheimer’s disease, ordinary foods that protect the brain against the disease, insights into prevention of strokes and depression, and the role of heredity and lifestyle in maintaining mental vitality.
The author acknowledges that a positive spirit, community and faith are aspects of the study that cannot be scientifically quantified. Still, he postulates that they contribute to health and longevity.
Snowdon’s conversational style and his descriptions of inspiring nuns in the study ranging in age from 74 - 106 kept me turning the pages. I became acquainted with a gutsy lady name Sister Clarissa, who at age 90 drove around “Chevy,” her motorized cart and happily spun out baseball stats to interested fans. Then, the amazing 104-year-old Sister Matthia who knitted a pair of mittens daily for the needy and recited the names of over 4000 of her former students during evening prayers.
Readers of any age can benefit from knowing scientific facts that prove old age doesn’t have to equate to decline in productivity and zest for life. In fact, it is possible to age “with Grace.”
Hundreds of nuns from the School Sisters of Notre Dame, 678 to be exact, participated in a study to help decode the causes and effects of Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most devastating afflictions of this century. They gave access to their medical and personal records and agreed to donate their brains to science upon death.
As the sub-title suggests “What the Nuns’s Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives,” Snowdon’s study produced several findings: the connection between linguistic ability early in life and Alzheimer’s disease, ordinary foods that protect the brain against the disease, insights into prevention of strokes and depression, and the role of heredity and lifestyle in maintaining mental vitality.
The author acknowledges that a positive spirit, community and faith are aspects of the study that cannot be scientifically quantified. Still, he postulates that they contribute to health and longevity.
Snowdon’s conversational style and his descriptions of inspiring nuns in the study ranging in age from 74 - 106 kept me turning the pages. I became acquainted with a gutsy lady name Sister Clarissa, who at age 90 drove around “Chevy,” her motorized cart and happily spun out baseball stats to interested fans. Then, the amazing 104-year-old Sister Matthia who knitted a pair of mittens daily for the needy and recited the names of over 4000 of her former students during evening prayers.
Readers of any age can benefit from knowing scientific facts that prove old age doesn’t have to equate to decline in productivity and zest for life. In fact, it is possible to age “with Grace.”
December 14, 2016
Una maravilla de libro, según yo. Un doctor que decide estudiar las enfermedades de la vejez y, buscando un buen grupo de control, sigue a unas monjitas durante años. La mayoría pasa al otro lado a los 90, o incluso a los 100, y como tienen una vida parecida, es fácil estudiarlas. Además, son simpáticas.
Aunque yo no soy una persona de religión organizada, en esos tiempos quizá habría sido una de esas monjitas. ¿De qué otra manera se podían vivir aventuras entonces, viajar, acceder a una educación? Quitando la parte del celibato y de la ropa en serie (jaja)... me parece una opción de lo más divertida. Entiendo, además, por qué la religión fue tan importante en siglos pasados y es que era esencial para organizar a la gente, y mover al mundo, y uno puede sentir la emoción de eso.
Ya, pero el libro no es de religión, sino que de salud, y de estas señoras que DIERON SU CEREBRO A LA CIENCIA. Literal, físicamente (los examinan y pesan cada vez que una muere, y luego los guardan en formol). Las señoras aceptaron diciendo que ya no iban a necesitarlos, lo que me parece de lo más revolucionario. Imagino que si Dios realmente los resucita en cuerpo y alma, como dicen los puristas, les dará uno nuevo de paquete como para premiar su ímpetu.
Los resultados de este estudio son de lo más interesante. Para empezar, no es obligación tener Alzhemier (hay viejecillas de más de 100 años que nunca nada). En segundo lugar, el alma es desobediente al cuerpo. Es decir, hay monjas que tenían un cerebro terrible pero que en los exámenes lo hacían bien, y viceversa. Aunque, para ser sincera, no era la norma.
Otras conclusiones interesantes pero obvias: las optimistas vivieron más, y también las deportistas. Un cerebro puede compensar los estragos del Alzhemier y lograr que su dueño viva bien, pero no puede compensar los pequeños derrames que vienen de la falta de deporte (por las arterias tapadas). Aún más interesante: las personas educadas también viven más, las que no dejan de estudiar, ni de enseñar, etcétera. Sus cerebros envejecen más lento. Eso, tanto como interesante, es un poco trágico, porque muchas de las monjas profesoras podían dedicarse a eso GRACIAS a las otras que dedicaron su vida a planchar y coser y cocinar, y que simplemente duraron menos.
En todo caso, y a mi parecer, siempre queda la interrogante de qué pasa primero. ¿Monjas son optimistas y activas y deportistas y buscan desafíos más complejos porque están más sanas, o viceversa? Una parte escalofriante de este tratado (o como se llame) es que SE PUEDE PREDECIR ya a los 18 años quién va a tener y quién no va a tener Alzheimer o olvidos, con un 90% de certeza. Las monjas que usaron un lenguaje más optimista y más amplio, a la hora de escribir su postulación al servicio terminaron viviendo SIEMPRE MÁS, y MEJOR, y entonces uno querría mandar a todo el mundo a leer y a escribir y a hacer deporte y cosas alegres, para prolongar la calidad de su salud, pero ¿por qué hay personas que son así desde el principio? Como dije antes, ¿será que simplemente sus biologías son más saludables desde el comienzo y ESO es un reflejo de ello? ¿Qué a causa de ello buscan esas vidas tanto más intensas? Bueno, en tal caso no hay solución, así que mejor no pensarlo así.
En fin, que es muy honesto, e interesante, y liviano en medio de su profundidad, y me gustó mucho.
Citas choras que marqué:
1. La hermana Genevieve era propensa a los eufemismos. Esta hermana, que prefiere llevar un velo con ropa normal, era una de las personas más alegres que conocí en Villa Assumpta, un convento cercano a Baltimore, en el que residen unas cien religiosas. Esta ex profesora de inglés, vivaz y de baja estatura, no sólo gozaba de buena salud física, sino que durante el año anterior había leído una novela de éxito ("La mujer del piloto"), las memorias del padre George Durme y casi todos los dominicales del The New York Times.
Todavía se escribía con muchos de los alumnos que había tenido en las escuelas de enseñanza primaria y secundaria de Maryland y Massachusetts. "¡Mis chicas son abuelas!", se vanagloriaba. Una de ellas, según me explicó emocionada la hermana Genevieve, le había enviado hace poco una caja de libros que contenía un ejemplar de "Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal". "Estoy impaciente por leerlo", me contó.
La hermana Genevieve empezó entonces a contar una historia sobre una hermana que había llegado a Villa Assumpta hacía cinco años. - Hermana Gen, siempre está animada, ¿cuál es su secreto?, le preguntó aquella monja, que había sufrido depresiones toda la vida. La hermana Genevieve me confesó que no sabía qué decirle, pero pensó que se merecía una respuesta. - Tal vez sea porque siempre he estado rodeada de gente joven - respondió.
* Esta cita la marqué porque cuando empecé a trabajar de profes, me llamó mucho la atención cómo las mayores NO ENVEJECÍAN. Todas parecían parientes de Dorian Gray y creo que ésta es una de las posibles razones.
2. Parece ser que las personas que superan los noventa años sin desarrollar Alzheimer tienen un riesgo menor de padecerlo que las personas que tienen entre ochenta y noventa años. Como dice Perls en "Living to 100": "Cuanto más viejo se es, más sano se ha estado".
* Esta me gustó porque apoya mi idea de que algunos cerebros quizá son construidos diferentemente. (Una idea interesante y también injusta, pero es que la vida tampoco es justa, blablabla).
3 - Feliz cumpleaños - dijo - ¿qué tal está?
- Bastante bien - respondió la hermana Esther. - ¿Está cansada? - Me siento como si tuviera doscientos cinco años - reconoció. Acto seguido, se animó - Me lo he pasado tan bien que creo que me quedaré un año más por aquí.
El 29 de diciembre de 2000, la hermana Esther, la religiosa más anciana de la Escuela de las Hermanas de Notre Dame, celebró su ciento seis cumpleaños.
Aunque yo no soy una persona de religión organizada, en esos tiempos quizá habría sido una de esas monjitas. ¿De qué otra manera se podían vivir aventuras entonces, viajar, acceder a una educación? Quitando la parte del celibato y de la ropa en serie (jaja)... me parece una opción de lo más divertida. Entiendo, además, por qué la religión fue tan importante en siglos pasados y es que era esencial para organizar a la gente, y mover al mundo, y uno puede sentir la emoción de eso.
Ya, pero el libro no es de religión, sino que de salud, y de estas señoras que DIERON SU CEREBRO A LA CIENCIA. Literal, físicamente (los examinan y pesan cada vez que una muere, y luego los guardan en formol). Las señoras aceptaron diciendo que ya no iban a necesitarlos, lo que me parece de lo más revolucionario. Imagino que si Dios realmente los resucita en cuerpo y alma, como dicen los puristas, les dará uno nuevo de paquete como para premiar su ímpetu.
Los resultados de este estudio son de lo más interesante. Para empezar, no es obligación tener Alzhemier (hay viejecillas de más de 100 años que nunca nada). En segundo lugar, el alma es desobediente al cuerpo. Es decir, hay monjas que tenían un cerebro terrible pero que en los exámenes lo hacían bien, y viceversa. Aunque, para ser sincera, no era la norma.
Otras conclusiones interesantes pero obvias: las optimistas vivieron más, y también las deportistas. Un cerebro puede compensar los estragos del Alzhemier y lograr que su dueño viva bien, pero no puede compensar los pequeños derrames que vienen de la falta de deporte (por las arterias tapadas). Aún más interesante: las personas educadas también viven más, las que no dejan de estudiar, ni de enseñar, etcétera. Sus cerebros envejecen más lento. Eso, tanto como interesante, es un poco trágico, porque muchas de las monjas profesoras podían dedicarse a eso GRACIAS a las otras que dedicaron su vida a planchar y coser y cocinar, y que simplemente duraron menos.
En todo caso, y a mi parecer, siempre queda la interrogante de qué pasa primero. ¿Monjas son optimistas y activas y deportistas y buscan desafíos más complejos porque están más sanas, o viceversa? Una parte escalofriante de este tratado (o como se llame) es que SE PUEDE PREDECIR ya a los 18 años quién va a tener y quién no va a tener Alzheimer o olvidos, con un 90% de certeza. Las monjas que usaron un lenguaje más optimista y más amplio, a la hora de escribir su postulación al servicio terminaron viviendo SIEMPRE MÁS, y MEJOR, y entonces uno querría mandar a todo el mundo a leer y a escribir y a hacer deporte y cosas alegres, para prolongar la calidad de su salud, pero ¿por qué hay personas que son así desde el principio? Como dije antes, ¿será que simplemente sus biologías son más saludables desde el comienzo y ESO es un reflejo de ello? ¿Qué a causa de ello buscan esas vidas tanto más intensas? Bueno, en tal caso no hay solución, así que mejor no pensarlo así.
En fin, que es muy honesto, e interesante, y liviano en medio de su profundidad, y me gustó mucho.
Citas choras que marqué:
1. La hermana Genevieve era propensa a los eufemismos. Esta hermana, que prefiere llevar un velo con ropa normal, era una de las personas más alegres que conocí en Villa Assumpta, un convento cercano a Baltimore, en el que residen unas cien religiosas. Esta ex profesora de inglés, vivaz y de baja estatura, no sólo gozaba de buena salud física, sino que durante el año anterior había leído una novela de éxito ("La mujer del piloto"), las memorias del padre George Durme y casi todos los dominicales del The New York Times.
Todavía se escribía con muchos de los alumnos que había tenido en las escuelas de enseñanza primaria y secundaria de Maryland y Massachusetts. "¡Mis chicas son abuelas!", se vanagloriaba. Una de ellas, según me explicó emocionada la hermana Genevieve, le había enviado hace poco una caja de libros que contenía un ejemplar de "Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal". "Estoy impaciente por leerlo", me contó.
La hermana Genevieve empezó entonces a contar una historia sobre una hermana que había llegado a Villa Assumpta hacía cinco años. - Hermana Gen, siempre está animada, ¿cuál es su secreto?, le preguntó aquella monja, que había sufrido depresiones toda la vida. La hermana Genevieve me confesó que no sabía qué decirle, pero pensó que se merecía una respuesta. - Tal vez sea porque siempre he estado rodeada de gente joven - respondió.
* Esta cita la marqué porque cuando empecé a trabajar de profes, me llamó mucho la atención cómo las mayores NO ENVEJECÍAN. Todas parecían parientes de Dorian Gray y creo que ésta es una de las posibles razones.
2. Parece ser que las personas que superan los noventa años sin desarrollar Alzheimer tienen un riesgo menor de padecerlo que las personas que tienen entre ochenta y noventa años. Como dice Perls en "Living to 100": "Cuanto más viejo se es, más sano se ha estado".
* Esta me gustó porque apoya mi idea de que algunos cerebros quizá son construidos diferentemente. (Una idea interesante y también injusta, pero es que la vida tampoco es justa, blablabla).
3 - Feliz cumpleaños - dijo - ¿qué tal está?
- Bastante bien - respondió la hermana Esther. - ¿Está cansada? - Me siento como si tuviera doscientos cinco años - reconoció. Acto seguido, se animó - Me lo he pasado tan bien que creo que me quedaré un año más por aquí.
El 29 de diciembre de 2000, la hermana Esther, la religiosa más anciana de la Escuela de las Hermanas de Notre Dame, celebró su ciento seis cumpleaños.
February 23, 2013
I liked this book. I dont think of myself as a slow reader, but I dont always find the time I would like to read. Nevertheless I read this book in about 24 hours!
While it isnt a particularly well-written book, it is a very fast easy read and is full of lots of data concerning Alzheimers and dementia in the ageing, specifically a large group of nuns that agreed to participate in this scientist's and author's study.
I found the science aspect of the book interesting, although it is written in a very reader-friendly manner and I believe anyone, even someone without a science backround would be very comfortable with it.
In addition, the author introduces us to many of these nuns and we get a feel for them as individuals; there is a lot of personal data and experiences revealed.
In the end, I was pleased that I read it, and it made me grateful for a few specific things:
1) That we read outloud ALL-THE-TIME to our children when they were younger and continue to do so.
2)That I renewed my gym membership just today (which I was going to do anyway, but writing the check was a little easier post book!)
3)That this courageous group of spiritual, generous dear women ageed to participate in this study.
The book was published way back in the olden days (scientifically speaking) of 2001, and so I am sure that there is much more up to date data out there, but this enjoyable read is a nice place to start.
While it isnt a particularly well-written book, it is a very fast easy read and is full of lots of data concerning Alzheimers and dementia in the ageing, specifically a large group of nuns that agreed to participate in this scientist's and author's study.
I found the science aspect of the book interesting, although it is written in a very reader-friendly manner and I believe anyone, even someone without a science backround would be very comfortable with it.
In addition, the author introduces us to many of these nuns and we get a feel for them as individuals; there is a lot of personal data and experiences revealed.
In the end, I was pleased that I read it, and it made me grateful for a few specific things:
1) That we read outloud ALL-THE-TIME to our children when they were younger and continue to do so.
2)That I renewed my gym membership just today (which I was going to do anyway, but writing the check was a little easier post book!)
3)That this courageous group of spiritual, generous dear women ageed to participate in this study.
The book was published way back in the olden days (scientifically speaking) of 2001, and so I am sure that there is much more up to date data out there, but this enjoyable read is a nice place to start.
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October 1, 2021Off to write a book report now 🏃 💨
April 21, 2015
Snowdon is an academic, more practiced in writing scholarly articles. However, here he presents a book-length "Thank You" note to the Catholic nuns who gererously agreed to participate in his longitudinal study on memory.
But don't underestimate Snowdon's ability to write two books at once. He sneaks in a lot of science amid biographical details for many of the sisters and snippets of conversation from interviews--both formal and informal. By dropping the science into a narrative structure, Snowdon makes some very tough topics about Alzhiemer's accessible to the lay reader. I also believe that the medium is the message. By relaying stories, he preserves the sisters humanity and resists turning them into objects of scientific inquiry. In the pages of the book, the sisters are co-creators of meaning by having some input in how they are represented as research participants.
Over 12 chapters, the book covers a range of Alzheimer's issues: childhood influences on cognition, baseline testing (MMSE), Braak staging, biomarkers (amyloid and tau), intersections with other diseases (strokes, heart disease, depression, diabetes), nutritional influences (aluminum, folates), genetic makers (APOE), exercise, life-long learning, social engagement, and more.
I could recommend this book to people new to understanding Alzheimer's. However, I found myself learning more about this diseas and learning some familiar facts more thoroughly by his method of presentation.
Probably the most startling point was that the analysis of the sisters' brain tissue post-mortem did not correlate absolutely with their cognitive performance. Some sisters with high levels of plaques and tangles were scoring normally on the MMSE and suffering few or no problems with activities of daily living. Biology may not be destiny afterall. This book gives readers much hope that they can stave off some of the disability from dementia by being life-long learners, practicing good nutrition, taking a positive outlook on life, exercising, and staying socially engaged.
But don't underestimate Snowdon's ability to write two books at once. He sneaks in a lot of science amid biographical details for many of the sisters and snippets of conversation from interviews--both formal and informal. By dropping the science into a narrative structure, Snowdon makes some very tough topics about Alzhiemer's accessible to the lay reader. I also believe that the medium is the message. By relaying stories, he preserves the sisters humanity and resists turning them into objects of scientific inquiry. In the pages of the book, the sisters are co-creators of meaning by having some input in how they are represented as research participants.
Over 12 chapters, the book covers a range of Alzheimer's issues: childhood influences on cognition, baseline testing (MMSE), Braak staging, biomarkers (amyloid and tau), intersections with other diseases (strokes, heart disease, depression, diabetes), nutritional influences (aluminum, folates), genetic makers (APOE), exercise, life-long learning, social engagement, and more.
I could recommend this book to people new to understanding Alzheimer's. However, I found myself learning more about this diseas and learning some familiar facts more thoroughly by his method of presentation.
Probably the most startling point was that the analysis of the sisters' brain tissue post-mortem did not correlate absolutely with their cognitive performance. Some sisters with high levels of plaques and tangles were scoring normally on the MMSE and suffering few or no problems with activities of daily living. Biology may not be destiny afterall. This book gives readers much hope that they can stave off some of the disability from dementia by being life-long learners, practicing good nutrition, taking a positive outlook on life, exercising, and staying socially engaged.
November 15, 2023
Non-fiction. The author had a PhD in epidemiology.
He first did a longevity study with the School Sisters
of Notre Dame.
He received a National Institute of Health grant to
study the same order of Sisters, over time to see
who developed Alzheimer's Disease and who didn't.
This was referred to as "the Nuns Study." As of
this publication, he did this x 15 years. He got to
know the Sisters by their duties ie teachers,
administrators, seamstresses and caregivers for older
Siters. And by their interests IE reading, creating art,
crocheting, volunteering etc. Some Sisters were multi-
takers. Some Sisters maintained contact with former
pupils.
He said the cause of dementia might have multiple
factors. Researchers studied did the Sisters exercise?
how was their nutrition? how did they express
themselves verbally or in writing IE low or high word
density? were they independent or required assist in
bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, walking?
Did Sisters have a heart condition, diabetes, blood
pressure problems? was clinical depression a precursor
of dementia or as a response to it? They involved
a neurologist, gerontologist, and psycholinguist.
And requested gene-testing & autopsy of a portion
of the brain upon death.
This was voluntary but most Sisters hoped that
their participation in the research helped future
generations.
He first did a longevity study with the School Sisters
of Notre Dame.
He received a National Institute of Health grant to
study the same order of Sisters, over time to see
who developed Alzheimer's Disease and who didn't.
This was referred to as "the Nuns Study." As of
this publication, he did this x 15 years. He got to
know the Sisters by their duties ie teachers,
administrators, seamstresses and caregivers for older
Siters. And by their interests IE reading, creating art,
crocheting, volunteering etc. Some Sisters were multi-
takers. Some Sisters maintained contact with former
pupils.
He said the cause of dementia might have multiple
factors. Researchers studied did the Sisters exercise?
how was their nutrition? how did they express
themselves verbally or in writing IE low or high word
density? were they independent or required assist in
bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, walking?
Did Sisters have a heart condition, diabetes, blood
pressure problems? was clinical depression a precursor
of dementia or as a response to it? They involved
a neurologist, gerontologist, and psycholinguist.
And requested gene-testing & autopsy of a portion
of the brain upon death.
This was voluntary but most Sisters hoped that
their participation in the research helped future
generations.
September 29, 2010
I read this book quite awhile ago and neglected to write up a review at the time, so it's not as fresh in my mind as it was when I first read it. Amusing, since the main topic is memory. I found the book to be quite fascinating, sweet and touching at times and sad at others. The author summarizes a study done on a group of nuns who had written short personal history essays as young women entering the convent and decades later as elderly women agreed to be studied for effects on aging. Because the nuns lived such similar lives within the convent and their lives (health, diet, et cetera) were were already well documented over the years, it gave scientists the opportunity to analyze the possible reason that some elderly people develop severe dementia in later years and others do not. The nuns who participated in the study all agreed to donate their brains for study after their deaths.
Ironically, the greatest correlation the study found was that the women who had originally written emotionally engaging essays as young women tended to be the most mentally agile in their later years and yet my only complaint with the book is that it itself is a bit dry and I found myself most engaged when reading the all-too-brief stories of the women as individuals. As purely scientific reading, it was still fascinating though.
There were obviously no miraculous breakthroughs in a cure for Alzheimer's or you would have heard about it in the news, but the gist of the study so far is simple enough: take care of your health, eat your fruits and vegetables, and keep exercising your brain.
Ironically, the greatest correlation the study found was that the women who had originally written emotionally engaging essays as young women tended to be the most mentally agile in their later years and yet my only complaint with the book is that it itself is a bit dry and I found myself most engaged when reading the all-too-brief stories of the women as individuals. As purely scientific reading, it was still fascinating though.
There were obviously no miraculous breakthroughs in a cure for Alzheimer's or you would have heard about it in the news, but the gist of the study so far is simple enough: take care of your health, eat your fruits and vegetables, and keep exercising your brain.
April 24, 2013
Well-written study of over 600 nuns throughout the 20th Century. The author, Dr. Snowdon, did a nice job of explaining the design and results of the study while also keeping it human and personal; the anecdotes about various nuns were inspiring and touching.
Several conclusions have been reached thus far. The study has shown the importance of education at a young age (reading extensively to develop a rich vocabulary and reading comprehension). In addition, Snowdon briefly discusses the nuns' faith and camaraderie with one another as positive influences on their overall health. Finally, readers are informed that keeping our blood pressure low and ensuring an adequate intake of folic acid/folate can assist our bodies' ability to stave off dementia.
The centenarians' stories have inspired me to remember that I am not so very old after all! Hopefully, I have a lot of time left...
Several conclusions have been reached thus far. The study has shown the importance of education at a young age (reading extensively to develop a rich vocabulary and reading comprehension). In addition, Snowdon briefly discusses the nuns' faith and camaraderie with one another as positive influences on their overall health. Finally, readers are informed that keeping our blood pressure low and ensuring an adequate intake of folic acid/folate can assist our bodies' ability to stave off dementia.
The centenarians' stories have inspired me to remember that I am not so very old after all! Hopefully, I have a lot of time left...
December 15, 2007
I can't remember when I read this book...
I found it a fascinating telling about a scientific study. The woman in this study are gracious and thoughtful about the work, the PI of the study is thoughtful and respectful.
One of my elderly aunts is a nun, and this book also provided me greater insight into her life. She said she knows many of the sisters enrolled in this work.
I found it a fascinating telling about a scientific study. The woman in this study are gracious and thoughtful about the work, the PI of the study is thoughtful and respectful.
One of my elderly aunts is a nun, and this book also provided me greater insight into her life. She said she knows many of the sisters enrolled in this work.
May 10, 2009
For anyone interested in Alzheimer's research, this is a fascinating book. The author stumbled upon an amazing test group for research in a group of nuns who lived virtually their entire lives with similar controls and detailed documentation. While slow for a novel lover, this does not contain contrived facts and action sequences, this book introduces facts about Alzheimer's disease in a way that is understandable, yet basically scientific. I learned many things and marvelled at the path travelled by Dr.Snowdon, his research partners and the test group who became his friends, the nuns.
June 9, 2011
Though the information about Alzheimer's research was interesting, I was mostly drawn in by the character descriptions of the various women who ended up in this order. How they handle the different personalities in their community with respect, love, and faith. I hope to be as fortunate as them to have an inkling of that kind of community when I'm ninety years old, but to do that, I realize I must start growing it now.
I found the book compelling and inspiring. If you still have room on your reading list this year, I highly recommend it.
I found the book compelling and inspiring. If you still have room on your reading list this year, I highly recommend it.
November 11, 2009
Book for my Neighborhood Book Club, which is predominantly retired older women. I think I'm a little young to really be enthralled with the book-- all the other women are seeming to really enjoy it. Plus, I thought the things learned on how to age well were kind of common sense-- eat well, exercise, don't smoke, etc. Not earth shattering.
February 25, 2008
Although a review of a scientific study, the author weaves beautiful stories about interesting women throughout. I found the findings VERY intriguing and helpful too.
November 9, 2021
Well-written, very readable. But the author spent more time on the process, not enough on the substance/findings/lessons learned. Also, he didn't convince me that the study was scientifically valid, though the author clearly thought it was -- he consulted a few experts to help analyze some writing samples, etc., but it was a very limited sample, he didn't do any statistical analysis (at least he didn't report it in the book), and he didn't explore alternative hypotheses. Maybe the conclusions were reasonable, and they were certainly interesting -- it seemed more anecdotal than rigorous.
January 7, 2023
I had to read this for school but SO SO INTERESTING! If you want to learn about Alzheimer’s or how to successfully age this is a great book. Would highly suggest!
October 1, 2024
Another book I had to read for class… very boring.
March 1, 2024
Read this one for school, it was interesting and put life into perspective.
February 13, 2009
My mom mentioned this book during a telephone conversation last week, and it sounded very interesting, so off I went to the library. As I was reading, I realized that I enjoy reading medical anthropology stories. When Ryan was in his medical anthropology course, I read all of his books (sometimes before he did). I recognize the problem with the genre, especially those published to interest the lay person: the story is captivating but must be paused to give the scientific information. That is what happened here.
I was fascinated by the lives these nun's lived. I admire all that they did and all that they sacrificed. Their faith and works provide a great example for me in my (very different) life. I wanted to know more about them and more about what the reserachers learned from these women. I also wished that I understood the science better. (Maybe in another life I will go to med school for fun.) But I got lost and had to reread some scientific sections.
All in all, the final thing I took from this, something that will hopefully help my family, is read to your children. (No kidding. That is what they say.) So, as we listed to stories in the car and read stories all day long and have the highlight of our week often be the visit to the library, I will continue reading.
I was fascinated by the lives these nun's lived. I admire all that they did and all that they sacrificed. Their faith and works provide a great example for me in my (very different) life. I wanted to know more about them and more about what the reserachers learned from these women. I also wished that I understood the science better. (Maybe in another life I will go to med school for fun.) But I got lost and had to reread some scientific sections.
All in all, the final thing I took from this, something that will hopefully help my family, is read to your children. (No kidding. That is what they say.) So, as we listed to stories in the car and read stories all day long and have the highlight of our week often be the visit to the library, I will continue reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2022
Fantastic read; tied in well with my recent thoughts on dignity and aging well.
August 29, 2015
While the nuns (with or without Alzheimer's) are all amazing people, the book overall was merely a frustrating read. It's a book of exploration with no clear answers simply because there aren't any. For all the research he's offered and for all the data he's collected, Snowdon hasn't been able to arrive at any certain conclusions beyond noticing some correlations. Plus, because this book is nearly 15 years old, the correlations he was able to find are no longer revolutionary. You can more easily see a list of the findings he does note on the Alzheimer's Association web page without all the self-congratulatory prose. If you're in the book for the nuns, you won't be disappointed. Otherwise, it's probably better to read more up-to-date books on the subject of aging and Alzheimer's disease.
March 22, 2009
The Nun Study recently returned to the U of M and I was interested to learn more about this epidemiological study which has enrolled hundreds of nuns from a particular order, and has led to numerous studies and findings about aging, Alzheimer's, the role of diet and exercise in aging, etc. It's a fascinating story of how the study was launched and has evolved over time. This isn't a particularly well-written book, and the author comes across as narcissistic at times, but I so enjoyed getting to know some of the nuns who have participated in the study and, overall, found this story of confluence of science, service and compassion to be very compelling.
May 25, 2012
I liked this book! As I want to live a long, happy life, I noted what practices elongate life. For example, the nuns living past one hundred read classics with appetite, demonstrated high linguistic ability early in life, exercise, positively envision the past, present & future, volunteer, live in community, and embody a deep spirituality. While Dr. Snowdon still gathers results for the study to corroborate his hypotheses, this doctoral graduate from the University of Minnesota revealed gargantuan amounts of mysterious information about Alzheimer's, lighting the brain's dark secrets. A quick, simple read for anyone searching how to lead a longer, healthier, more meaningful life.
January 13, 2008
David Snowden worked with Catholic nuns for years. All nuns in this cloister donated their brains to science and their brains were autopsied after their death. Many of the nuns were teachers in various grades of school. Alzheimers clearly showed up in many of the nuns' brains. Some of these were of the teachers who taught. The amazing thing is that many nuns who showed Alzheimers showed no symptoms whatsoever and taught until the end of their days. This book reads like a short novel and is inspiring. This is a longitudinal study that, I believe, is continuing to this day.
September 13, 2007
This is a great book outlining Snowdon's groundbreaking research on Alzheimer's Disease. The results of the study have been widely published for a number of years. This book details, for the lay person, the procedures of the study and some of the results. Reading the personal accounts and experiences of the research participants (Nuns) and the researchers themselves gives an enlightening look at how research is conducted and what we can learn from those living with Alzheimer's.
September 14, 2008
The School Sisters of Notre Dame are the group of nuns that participate in the Alzheimer's research of the book and are also the group of women that I work for as a teacher. The book reinforced my personal experiences of the SSND as being very dedicated, vibrant women. I am happy to have gained so much knowledge in regards to how life quality can change the aging process. I am now going to be very aware of the idea densities within my sentence structures!
July 28, 2013
Really interesting book even if it is a decade old and some info has changed (the author is now retired and the study is now in Minnesota ). The research is fascinating and made me think about what I know about aging. Also I didn't quite know Alzheimer's was theirs main research question. I would recommend for anyone who liked the Henritta Lacks books. This book has the same blending of personal narrative and science, though aging with grace is more practical and shorter.
January 31, 2010
Old age does not have to mean a slide into illness and disability. A study of Catholic nuns, ranging in age from 74 - 106, shows that serving others may help us to live longer. Building linguistic ability in childhood may protect against Alzheimer's, ordinary foods promote longevity and healthy brain functions, preventing strokes and depression is key to avoiding Alzheimer's, the role heredity plays and whiy it is never too late to start an exercise program are brought to play in this book.
September 30, 2010
I was led to this book through my reading on neuroplasticity. its summary of lifelong research by an epidemiologist with a group of nuns who agree to be tested physically and mentally on an annual basis as well as contribute their brains after death to better understand alzheimers. but opts told with grace and humanity about the nuns involved. the information was interesting, the book was readable and just very enjoyable
September 26, 2012
Whether you have a family history of dementia, or simply want to know more about preventive measures that may help an individual resist Alzheimer's, this book provides helpful tips in an interesting manner. The case study presented is thoughtful, both for the participants in the study and also in presentation. While there is still no clear "cure" for this horrific disease, author David Snowdon provides information on how people can improve their odds in an insightful way.
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