Mental rigour

There is an article in today's ST about Alzheimer and how it afflicts people from around 60 onwards. Apparently in the brain of the sufferer a plaque of protein develops around the neurons and another type of protein then entangles inside the dying brain cells causing a shrinkage in the brain volume. The patient loses cognitive power, memory and even personality. What is quite frightening is the opinion expressed by experts that solving crossword puzzles or sudoko daily does not help to keep the disease at bay. It is believed that only rigorous mental activity may help and examples given of such activities are learning a new language or a new musical instrument. Of importance is the fact that such activities must be carried out before the onset of the disease. This is because once a person develops Alzheimer, mental activities may further deplete the remaining brain reserves!

Losing one's mental faculties is tragic but I think being aware that one's is on the way of losing them is extremely sad. I recall watching a movie entitled "Awakenings" which was adapted from a book written by a New York neurologist about his encounter way back in 1969 at a hospital in Bronx. The neurologist discovered that the drug L-Dopa actually helped "awakened" some patients who were victims of an epidemic of encephalatis years ago and which had rendered them to be in a state of mental stupor and motor immobility. However the drug proved to be effective only for a short period; and soon the patients reverted back to their original state of mental incapacity. Robert Niro gave a touching portrayal of a patient who regained alot of his original self only to realise he would be losing it again. I can never forget the poignant scene when he was recording his feelings in his diary before he lost himself again. I also remembered reading about our own ex Dy PM Rajaratnam who suffered from Dementia and how he wrote the names of his loved ones and their relation to him on the photographs to help him recollect his memories.

The thought that I may not be working my mind sufficiently scares me especially now when I am no longer holding a full time job pouring over documents and writing superflous papers. My part time job counselling children and thinking of strategies to reach out to them may not involve sufficient mental complexities. The writer of the ST article tongue in cheek suggested that the government gives subsidy for senior citizens to return to graduate schools.

I actually googled and found that SIM does offer a "General Studies" program where adult learners can choose from a long list of courses that lead to either a certificate, diploma or degree. A 10% discount is available for students above 50 years of age. A student can also choose whether he wants to go soley for the lectures and tutorials without taking the exams or to take up the challenge inclusive of assignments and exams. Well, if one wants to really work the brains one should opt for the later. There is no point just sitting in at the lectures, listening and dozing off (which is not unusual when age catches up). I guess if one does not want to spend on school fees one can always tune in to free university lectures availabe on the web; and to write a synopsis of each lecture to intensify mental rigour.

Whichever activity we pursue, self disciplined and commitment is most necessary to keep this dreadful illness at bay.