Bringing Empathy to Life: Storytelling and Dementia Care

In this episode of Brain Bridges, neurologist, actor, and director H. Armağan Uysal shares how theater, film, and storytelling can deepen our understanding of dementia and help us see the world through another person's eyes. Armağan joins host Victor Valcour to discuss bringing his interests in neuroscience and the arts together to make brain health education more accessible. He shares how creative approaches can help people understand the experiences of those living with dementia and give caregivers opportunities to reflect on how they respond in everyday situations. The conversation explores empathy in dementia care, the role of storytelling in translating complex neurological concepts, and Armağan's work through "Dementia in Practice." He also discusses the possibilities of digital media and immersive technology for reaching wider audiences and helping families and communities better understand dementia. **In this episode** - Bringing neurology, acting, and directing together - Using theater and film to make brain health education accessible - Understanding everyday situations from the perspective of someone living with dementia - Helping caregivers recognize and respond to the needs behind a person's behavior - Exploring empathy and caregiving through "Dementia in Practice" - Evaluating creative approaches to dementia education - The potential of immersive technology to expand access to learning **About the guest** H. Armağan Uysal, MD, is a neurologist, actor, and director based in İzmir, Türkiye, whose work focuses on dementia, Parkinson's disease, and the intersection of neuroscience and the arts. As an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute, he develops creative approaches to brain health education through theater, film, and digital media. He is the founder of "Dementia in Practice," a public awareness initiative that translates complex neurological concepts into accessible stories, and leads projects exploring empathy, caregiving, and the lived experience of neurodegenerative disease. Learn more about Armağan and his work: gbhi.org/profiles/armagan-uysal **About the host** Victor Valcour, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. He directs the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program at the Global Brain Health Institute, UCSF, a global initiative that trains leaders across disciplines to address the challenges of dementia and promote equity in brain health. **About the podcast** Brain Bridges is a podcast featuring conversations with leaders working to improve brain health and reduce inequities around the world. The series is produced by the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco. Production support provided by Podfly. Joshua Suhy serves as technical director, sound designer, and producer. Concept development and editorial direction by Niall Kavanagh. Podcast artwork by Atlantic Fellow Kiggundu Rodney, with design by Caroline Prioleau. New episodes are released monthly.