I Have Lived Long Enough to Become a Science Project!

I have finally lived long enough to become a science project! Seriously, it was bound to happen sooner or later. When my aneurysm ruptured some ten years ago, the neuro surgeon told my husband that I had a "large brain" and in fact, his exact words were, "the largest brain I've seen in quite awhile!" Imagine that. Unfortunately, it doesn't mean that I have a higher I.Q. or an above-average intellect in any way shape or form. It does mean that there isn't a lot of room between my brain and my average-sized skull. That can translate into a lot of headaches when the pressure mounts. I've had my fair share of those!

I must admit something. I would rather have had larger parts of my anatomy than my brains! But, I am wonderfully made and do not question why I inherited these "large brains". I suppose they serve a purpose-and it has led me to this point in my life where I am now interesting enough to become a part of a science project.

I was contacted last week by the Clinical Researcher of the University of Cincinnati and asked if I would participate in the Department of Neurology's Study on Familial Intercranial Aneurysm Study. I had to agree to donate my blood, my DNA, and allow them to freeze it, analyze it and distribute it to the various University Hospitals and organizations that are participating in the study. I'm not overly protective of my DNA and since I thought it might help the future of science and mankind in general, I agreed to participate.

Along with the DNA, I had to participate in some memory tests. The clinician asked a series of questions and had me perform a variety of simple memory orchestrations. For instance, I had to name the twelve months in reverse beginning with December. Easier said then done, I think I left out September- my birth month- perhaps on purpose! She also gave me a simple memory verse, something on the order of "Jack Brown lives on 42 Market Square in Chicago, Illinois" and at the end of the interview (some 20 minutes later) I was asked to recite the memory verse. Again, easier said then done.

All in all, participating in a "science project" has been an interesting endeavor. At the end of the study, I will be able to obtain a copy of the report. If lending my DNA contributes in some small part to helping future generations, I'll be the first to step in line.

The University of Cincinnati Medical Center is conducting various research projects and you, too, can become a science project!

http://health.uc.edu/health/research/researchci.html