Democratizing Dementia
Democratizing Dementia: How diagnostics and therapeutics will change how we think about dementia
Innovation in dementia care is revolutionizing the way we diagnose and treat older adults with neurodegenerative diseases. New tests have allowed doctors to diagnose patients with diseases like Alzheimer’s more accurately than ever before. The anti-amyloid therapies Lecanemab and Donanemab provide a real treatment for those living with Alzheimer’s. While these innovations are incredible for those experiencing dementia, they are also beginning to change our culture around dementia generally.
On this episode of the Age of Aging, Terrence Casey sits down with Dr. Jason Karlawish to talk about major steps forward in dementia care and how they’re changing the way we speak about dementia.
The topics in this conversation are pulled directly from the Dr. Karlawish’s new column, Neurotransmissions, in STAT News. Dr. Karlawish discusses the stigma-based way we talk about dementia in popular culture and the damage it does to older adults. He explains how new diagnostic tests and treatments are reshaping this culture by providing patients and caregivers with greater knowledge of their condition as well as hope for improvement. Dr. Karlawish said these changes will ultimately reduce the stigma associated with dementia and allow for further progress in the care of older adults.
Resources available on the episode webpage linked below
Read Dr. Karlawish’s column, Neurotransmissions, on STAT News
Read Illness as a Metaphor and AIDS and Its Metaphors by Susan Sontag
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Read Joshua Grill’s piece in the Philadelphia Inquirer