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The Nun Study

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Gina Doherty
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The Nun Study Review

The article, Aging and Alzheimer's Disease: Lessons From the Nun Study, by David Snowden PhD, published in The Gerontologist in 1997, begins with a warm history of a remarkable nun of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The author details how Sister Mary was born into a working class family in 1892, was the oldest of 12 children and how her mother died during childbirth. In addition it was noted Sister Mary had an 8th grade Catholic education, joined the convent at 14, and took her vows when she turned 19 years of age. The article went on to describe how Sister Mary’s sibling Clara joined the same religious order, but unfortunately died at age 49. The background stated that her father died at 68 years of age of heart disease. With a very small stature and 85 lbs. the writer portrays Sister as an avid reader, being well-liked and very happy. She had a special interest in global situations, women and children in need, and was also actively involved in her community. This amazing woman taught middle school for 77 years all the while studying during her breaks for her own high school diploma, which she earned with an “A” average after 22 committed years. She continued working with students in a part-time capacity until her mid-eighties, and even after officially retiring still had quite a presence within the convent. When scientists from the University of Kentucky seeking participation in a study on Alzheimer’s approached the older segment of women from this order of nuns, Sister Mary eagerly agreed to partake. The article shares that in fact a total of 678 sisters from across the United States agreed to be involved in this worthwhile project. The arrangement included that researchers have full access to all archival files and medical records, all participants be evaluated annually through cognitive

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