The Myth of Alzheimer's: What You Aren't Being Told About Today's Most Dreaded Diagnosis (2008) argues that we should re-evaluate our current approach to dementia. Earlier this month I posted an interview with the book's main author, Dr. Peter Whitehouse (BSP 68). Episode 36 of my Books and Ideas podcast is a follow-up interview with his co-author, Daniel George. As a medical anthropologist George helps put current attitudes into an historical perspective. Labeling  large numbers of older people with the diagnosis of "Alzheimer's Disease" is a relatively new practice and a closer examination of how this occurred provides an interesting example of how the history of medicine (and science) is interwoven with political and social history. While Whitehouse and George challenge the current approach to dementia, there message is actually one of hope. I am recommending The Myth of Alzheimer's to people of all ages.

Listen to Episode 36 of Books and Ideas

 

Episode Transcript (Download PDF)

 

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References:

 

• Alzheimer's, a Love Story: One Year in My Husband's Journey by Ann Davidson


• Self, Senility, and Alzheimer's Disease in Modern America: A History by Jesse F. Ballenger


• The Myth of Alzheimer's: What You Aren't Being Told About Today's Most Dreaded Diagnosis by Peter J. Whitehouse and Daniel George


• Brain Science Podcast 68: Interview with Dr. Peter Whitehouse

Useful Links:

• The Myth of Alzheimer's website: includes a blog and other useful information


• Center on Age & Community (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)


• TimeSlips: an innovative program started by theater professor Ann Basting


• The Intergenerational School in Cleveland brings elders and children together.

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