Building a Ship: Brain Health in Togo

In the second episode of *Brain Bridges*, host Victor Valcour speaks with Mawuli Lawson, a clinical neuropsychologist from Togo whose work is expanding access to brain health, cognitive care, and dementia prevention in his community. Mawuli reflects on his journey from psychology student to becoming one of the first clinical neuropsychologists in Togo. He shares the challenges of building a new field with limited resources, the importance of culturally relevant approaches to brain health, and how trust, patience, and empathy have shaped his leadership. He also discusses his efforts to engage communities, mentor the next generation of brain health leaders, and ensure that voices from smaller countries are included in global conversations about brain health. This conversation explores what it takes to build brain health from the ground up and the power of leadership rooted in community, persistence, and hope. **In this episode** - Mawuli's journey to becoming one of Togo's first clinical neuropsychologists - Building brain health services and culturally relevant tools in Togo - How community partnerships and trust support brain health awareness - Leadership, patience, and empathy in creating lasting change - Why amplifying voices from smaller countries matters for global brain health **About the guest** Mawuli Lawson is a clinical neuropsychologist from Togo and founder of the Ahonhon Neuroscience Research Center in Lomé. He holds a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology and serves as a lecturer in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Lomé. His clinical expertise includes early detection and prevention of neurocognitive disorders, cognitive rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury and stroke, and EMDR therapy for psychological trauma. Through Ahonhon, meaning "brain" in a local Togolese language, he expands access to culturally relevant brain health education, cognitive assessment, and dementia care. His work develops community-based approaches to cognitive stimulation and public awareness. Learn more at https://www.ahonhon.com/. Mawuli is an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco. His mission is to promote healthy aging, improve early diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders, and strengthen dementia care through research, education, and community engagement across Togo. **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.