DEMOCRATIC HEALTH: A study has found that people living in democracies enjoy better health than those who must endure repressive regimes.
DEMOCRATIC HEALTH: A study has found that people living in democracies enjoy better health than those who must endure repressive regimes.
Researchers explored the effect of democracy on life expectancy and mother and infant deaths in 170 countries, representing 98 per cent of the world's population. Overall, 45 per cent of the countries were free, 32 per cent partially free, and 24 per cent not free. The highest levels of health were found in free countries, followed by the partially free countries, and the worst levels of health were in countries that were not free. The authors suggest that democracies allow more space for social networks and pressure groups, opportunities for empowerment, better access to information, and better recognition by government of people's needs.
MOVIE MISCONCEPTIONS: The way the cinema represents amnesia is profoundly misleading, say researchers. Analysing a host of movies, they traced a number of regular misconceptions about the condition. Most amnesiacs in films are portrayed as suffering few problems with everyday tasks, while managing to hold down jobs and function socially. In reality, amnesic patients experience significant difficulties in taking in new information, making many everyday tasks extremely difficult. Conversely, one of the more accurate portrayals of amnesia in films was the animated character Dory in Finding Nemo. The character finds it difficult to retain new information, remember names or know where she is going or why. The film shows the frustration of those around her and reflects her vulnerability.
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson.