memory and optics

Recent research on memory loss has uncovered some reasons why treatment has not been more successful. Apparently the disease develops in three stages and the treatments have targeted only the first stage. In addition this first stage begins as much as 30 years before the onset. This means that earlier detection can make these treatments more effective. The second stage is the most damaging as at that point the body believes that the disease is an attack from some foreign substance and the immune system starts attacking the brain cells. The current drugs are ineffective in this stage and the discovery of the third stage is so new that work in this area has not yet begun. The number of elderly patients suffering debilitating memory loss is expected to triple as progress in controlling things like cancer and heart disease improve allowing for increases in life expectancy. There are many things that center around life style, that can ward off these diseases. Most important are physical and mental exercises, low fat, high fiber diet, active social contacts and adequate sleep all of which are common sense advice for anyone of any age. New subject. The word, “optics”, is used in the news to describe some event, usually political that can reflect poorly if not properly handled. We are witnessing such an event in today’s news. There is a group of nuns who spend their lives helping elderly people in nursing homes. They have objected to the part of Obamacare that demands providing birth control since they feel that this is murder both in the use of contraceptives and the so called morning after pill. The Justice Department has threated to impose millions in fines if these nuns fail to comply. Now here is where the optics come in. These nuns are not the big sisters of the rich. No they are called the Little Sisters of the Poor. These nuns have taken a vow of poverty and spend their lives taking care of people and the Justice Department is taking them to court. Many people are not real happy with the federal government and things like this makes them even less happy.