“I donated my brain, so when the time comes, they can make a study of it. The fact that I have not had any of this Alzheimer’s disease, or even an inclination so far is something they would naturally want to study.”
– Sister M. Celine Koktan, 97 years old in March 2009“We’ve received over 500 brains.”
– Dr. Karen Santa Cruz, neuropathologist.Can you imagine being asked to be part of a study where the researcher asks if you not only would be willing to take part, but would mind terribly donating your brain to be dissected after you’re gone?
That is exactly what was asked of the nuns participating. Of the 678 sisters in the original study about four dozen are still living. But researchers already have begun analyzing the more than 500 brains saved to dissect and study.
The nun study is one of the most dynamic and powerful studies on the impact of positive emotions and thoughts in the history of positive psychology. Researchers Danner, Snowdon, and Friesen (2001) from the University of Kentucky sampled the nuns, perfect subjects for a study because of the profound similarities around their physical health. They have similar, regularized diets, live together in similar surroundings, do not have children, and do not smoke or drink to excess. In other words, their physical backgrounds and conditions are about as controlled for as any group of human beings might be.
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As an energy healer, I see this in my practice every day. A positive attitude is essential to good health.
It is why Christiann Science works for many. That cheerful positive outlook has a positive result.
Thank you Dan Tomasulo. Your work is always so professional, easy to read and understandable. It was personally timely since my neurologist just diagnosed me as neurologically sound. I think I just may want to go to a workshop with you.
Just to be clear. This argument is not in favor of faith, religion, or prayer. It could have been done with any group of people living very similar lifestyles.
Since the Nuns who lived longer seemed to start out with a positive temperment, I wonder if someone who’s temperment is mostly negitive would also experiance a longer life and less disease if they learned to take a more positive outlook or, does it only work with people who’ve had that positive outlook all along.
Anybody know if there is any sort of research on that, or have any ideas on the subject?
I have always been a mostly negitive person but have recently been trying to learn to stop dwelling on the negitive and trying to find the positive in things.