‘American Dementia’: Author Interview with Dr. Daniel George and Dr. Peter Whitehouse

Medical anthropologist and professor of humanities and public health sciences Daniel George, PhD, and professor of neurology and medicine Peter Whitehouse, MD, PhD, join the podcast to discuss their recent book, American Dementia: Brain Health in an Unhealthy Society. In it, they argue that 20th century policies focused on reducing inequality, increasing access to education and healthcare, and protecting the environment contributed to today’s declining dementia rates, but inequalities in the 21st century are reversing these trends. Discussing the pros and cons of current social and clinical approaches to Alzheimer’s disease, our guests challenge assumptions about dementia caregiving and show how we can work together to create a healthier society. Guests: Daniel George, PhD, medical anthropologist, associate professor of humanities and public health sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, and Peter Whitehouse, MD, PhD, professor of neurology, Case Western University, professor of medicine, University of Toronto Episode Topics 3:04 Why use the title American Dementia? What does that mean for you? 8:54 What do you think is wrong with our current societal, cultural and clinical approaches to Alzheimer’s disease? 16:10 What are the inequalities we’re facing in the 21st century compared to the 20th century? How are they affecting brain health? 19:04 How does climate change affect our cognition and brain health? 25:33 What would you want your reader to do next after finishing the book? Show Notes Read about American Dementia: Brain Health in an Unhealthy Society on Goodreads. Listen to our episode about creative care with TimeSlips founder Anne Basting, who Dr. George mentions at 23:00, on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Find and follow Dementia Matters on Facebook, Twitter, or find us on our website.

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