Ten reasons to elect a neuroscientist as an MLA

For many years, Dr. Jean Paterson has worked as a teacher and a neuroscientist at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Manitoba. Dr. Paterson has been nominated for teaching awards and she has received national grant funding to recognize the quality of her work as a neuroscientist. Here, I list ten reasons why it would be a good idea to elect a neuroscientist like Jean Paterson as a member of the Manitoba Legislature.

1) Neuroscience is the science which deals with the brain and the nervous system. The brain is arguably the most important organ in the body and one that needs to be better understood.

2) A better understanding of neuroscience is vital to better diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. In my experience as an MLA, it has become very clear to me that we need to do much better in Manitoba in the area of mental health, in diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

3) Better neuroscience is a key to improving early childhood development.

4) Better neuroscience is important to decreasing crime.

5) Better neuroscience is a key to better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a number of today's major diseases: Alzheimers Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, strokes and many others.

6) Better neuroscience can help with improving the understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is a major cost factor in the delivery of health, education, justice and family service and housing programs in Manitoba. Preventing and reducing FASD and better treatment for those with FASD will help improve health and reduce crime and social problems in our society.

7) Improved neuroscience is one of the keys to better management of all health care in Manitoba. Brain illness and mental illness are significant components of all health care and improving neuroscience can make a major difference.

8) Improved neuroscience is important to improving human productivity and performance, and this has an impact on our economy.

9) Better understanding of the brain and neuroscience is one of the major challenges and frontiers for the 21st Century. If Manitoba is to be a leader in this century, we need to be at the forefront of new developments in this area.

10) Better neuroscience can give us better politics. Better political decisions and better government can result from better understanding of the human brain... including the brains of politicians.