September 2, 2014 – Faith & Science: Aging and Alzheimer’s
Season 6, Episode 10 (Series on Aging: 1 of 3)
More than 5 million Americans are living with it. On this episode of Friends Talking Faith with The Three Wise Guys we’ll discuss faith and Alzheimer’s. It’s the 6th leading cause of death in America, and every 67 seconds someone in the US develops the disease. 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, and almost 2/3 of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women. Our guest today is Dr. Martin Hamberg, he will help us understand the latest scientific findings and what the most recent studies and research are teaching us about this epidemic level disease. Can we avoid its onset? Are there ways to slow it’s progress? Are there new medications, better medical treatments, or a cure in the not-too distant future? Meanwhile, what about care of loved ones facing this disease? Join this extremely important national conversation as you listen to this episode of Friends Talking Faith.
Dr. Martin Hamburg offered this prayer as “One Final Thought”
Lord, I Am Growing Older – A Prayer from the New England Journal of Medicine, 1964
Lord, thou knows better than I know myself that I am growing older, and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject, and on every occasion.
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy.
With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all. But thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point.
Seal my lips on my aches and pains, they are increasing and love of re-hearing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet, I do not want to be a saint, some of them are so hard to live with, but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people, and give me the grace to tell them so.
Amen.