Elephant Illusion

How many legs does this elephant have?

More Illusions

Do you see the native american wearing a head dress, or the inuit wearing a fluffy coat and entering an igloo?

Young or Old?

Can you see both the young woman and the old woman in this classic optical illusion?

If you need some help, the eye of the old woman is the ear of the young woman. The old woman's mouth is the young woman's necklace.

Are We Waking up to the Cost of Dementia Care?

The BBC today report that the cost associated with dementia is more than 1% of the world's gross domestic product this year at £388bn.

The number of people with dementia is expected to double by 2030, and more than triple by 2050. But experts say the costs of caring for people with dementia are likely to rise even faster than the prevalence, especially in the developing world, with more formal social care costs.

Professor Martin Prince, of the UK's Institute of Psychiatry and who co-authored the report, urged nations to develop better plans for caring for the millions who have the disease. "Governments must show greater leadership, working with all stakeholders, to drive solutions to the long term care issue."

Right or Left?

A Timely Letter

Yesterday the Times newspaper printed a letter by Dr Christoph Lees and Dr Mark Slack. Both Consultants at Addenbrooke's Hospital. The letter was entitled 'Medical Training, Freedom and Fun.' The letter was about doctor training and the impact of the EWTD (European Working Time Directive). They stated 'None of us wants to return to 90-plus-hour weeks but a modest uplift in the hours stipulated by the EWTD would allow trainee doctors greater freedom and satisfaction...The result would be greater continuity in training, with consultants being able to guide the trainee doctor exclusively for a period during which their clinical skills are acquired.'

The photograph shows Andrew Lansely back in 2007 helping to campaign to improve doctor training and hence patient safety. Now he is Health Secretary I look forward to watching him acting the best interests of patients. He needs to work fast to ensure UK doctor training remains globally respected.

The book to watch out for

If you are thinking of ordering a book, look no further than the excellent new novel 'Law and Peace' by Tim Kevan. It has been described as a funny, fast-paced Machiavellian romp through the legal world. It can be pre-ordered here.