Ep175 Who Are You When Your Brain Changes? with Robert Kolker
Summary
David Eagleman interviews Robert Kolker about his book *The Vanishing Family*, which chronicles a family affected by inherited frontotemporal dementia. They explore how this disease subtly alters personality and empathy, challenging the concept of a stable self and the legal implications of moral responsibility. The discussion highlights the profound impact on caregivers and the difficult ethical choices families face regarding genetic testing and end-of-life directives.
Topics discussed
Intro: Is your personality written in your brain?
Welcome to Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman
Sponsorships: Chase Business and EpGliss
The brain as the source of personality and self
Introducing Robert Kolker and The Vanishing Family
The Jean family's history and sudden transformation
Misdiagnosis: Alcoholism, cancer, and schizophrenia
Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Anosognosia: The lack of self-awareness in FTD
Philosophical implications: What is the self?
The burden of caregiving and changing relationships
Genetic testing: The cost and value of knowing
Sponsorships: Orderly Meds, Smartmove, and Viore
The future of dementia research and AI in medicine
Advanced directives and the gap between selves
The power of narrative in nonfiction storytelling
Family dynamics and the formation of advocacy groups
Lessons on identity, change, and continuity
Neuroscience perspective: Biology, responsibility, and forgiveness
Conclusion: Embracing uncertainty and expanding possibility
Outro and final sponsorships
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