The Gum Tree for 2007 October 2

For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies. D&C 84: 33

Today the AP has released an interesting study on one's conscientiousness and the risk of developing dementia or other mental diseases as one ages. For those who are interested, abstract of the study by Robert S. Wilson can be found HERE, and those with university access may download it. Conscientiousness here refers to "a person's tendancy to control impulses and be goal directed." Interestingly, the AP, which often looks through these kinds of things through a secular lense, described conscienciousness as a quality of being a "goal-driven achiever" while the paper is clear to point out that conscientiousness is more a result of one's scrupulous and responsible personality in suppressing one's impulses (re: desires) for future personal and community good. These goods are specific; hence the behaviour is goal-directed, but I think the AP goes a little far in by categorizing people as "goal-driven Achievers" which instead almost borders on neuroticism, and denies the free will of the person who chose to have a principle or purpose-centered life. The study comprised a cohort of Catholic nuns and priests; another suprise for me since I had not characterized such people as "goal-driven achievers." The AP also used the word "dutiful" four times even though that word is absent in the study and other, more meaningful words, like scrupulous, altruistic, dependable, self-diciplined, purposeful, extraverted, sociable, optimistic, intellectually curious, and agreable are used. From the AP study you get the impression that these people are a bunch of self-absorbed anal-retentive workaholics who do things out of duty--almost void of will; which is pretty much the opposite of what I think of when the word 'conscientiousness' or 'catholic nun' comes to mind. Continuing on a theme I have picked up recently is that those people who have a solid purpose or meaning to life will have a healthier, and more enjoyable life. The present study suggests that people who are focused more on future goods as well as the well-being of one's community over self are going to be able to weather the storms of life much more gracefully. Another interesting point from the paper is that, upon death, the brains of these conscientious people were no different in their pathological presentation of Alzheimers disease (e.g. neurofibrillary tangles, oxidative damage, etc.) suggesting another compensation in the brain (or the spirit) of the person to avoid development of Alzheimer's. Very interesting study, and it reminds me of a certain Prophet who continues to work hard into his late 90s. This reinforces the need for me to do creative (or re-creative) and constructive (purposeful) things throughout my life. Perhaps that TV can gather a little more dust while I read more and spend more time at school and with family.