Memory Expert on Biden, Trump, and the Stereotypes of Aging | Amanpour and Company

President Biden's self-assured delivery of the State of the Union address challenged doubts about his age. Since the start of his presidential campaign, Biden’s every slip-up has been under the microscope, from momentary forgetfulness to misspoken words. Neuroscientist Charan Ranganath believes that we have been oversimplifying the way we think about age and memory. In his new book "Why We Remember,” the author shares years of his research. He discusses with Hari Sreenivasan.
Originally aired on March 8, 2024
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@sarahdee374]

I think folks forget, that when Biden hesitates, and may appear to be having a memory issues, that he is likely managing his stutter challenge. Huge respect to him for overcoming that challenge and choosing a career that requires him to make very public speeches on a regular basis.

[@jmhorange]

70 percent of Americans think he's too old. Nobody thought about it in 2020 or when he was Vice President. It's weird that the Democratic party is trying to convince us what we see with our own eyes. If Biden loses in November, that's not on us voters, it's on Biden and the Democratic party.

[@davidabbott1951]

@@user-zg9oo5bj4f Joe IS a lawyer. Syracuse grad.

[@lynnyhen]

I agree. I have an elderly friend who has a pronounced stutter even after years of therapy.

[@lynnyhen]

So, you'd rather have Trump negotiate with Putin?

[@user-zg9oo5bj4f]

@@lynnyhen Let's think about Trump negotiating with Putin. Trump is a bully. When he doesn't win an argument, he goes on Truth Social and writes out half a page of insults. (2) Putin sees himself as a guardian of Russian history. He thinks the new Soviet Union should consume all of Europe, and NATO is standing in his way. Maybe the question should be, will Trump commit American troops to stop Putin's invasion of NATO allies? He dropped missiles on Syria to punish them for using nerve gas. So, Trump would be out of control and Putin sees defeating Trump as his True Destiny.

[@junelew3744]

In another clip today, I saw one of the swing state voters say: 'I'd rather have someone with 81 years behind them than someone with 91 counts" for president. I so agree!

[@imperialmotoring3789]

I want a president that will deport 81 million illegals!!!

[@gosmarte669]

❤

[@cyndimoring9389]

I think it ends ‘with 91 counts ahead of them’

[@junelew3744]

yes, in jail@@cyndimoring9389

[@danfreeman9079]

In Marxist tyrant controlled nations you are persecuted guilty until proven guilty. Weird you think that way instead of supporting innocent until proven guilty.

[@hereigoagain5050]

At least Biden hasn't forgotten the Constitution and Ten Commandments.

[@craven5328]

I'd be surprised if Trump ever knew more than 10% of them to begin with. To forget them, he'd have to start by actually reading them.

[@findyourpassion8722]

Great point!

[@davidwhitehead239]

Trump thinks that stuff is for “suckers”

[@mr.giggles4995]

Genocide and slaughtering women and children obeys the ten commandments???...

[@user-zg9oo5bj4f]

The Ten Commandments are out of date. One of the problems with religion is you can't think in terms of today, you can't allow smarter people to lay out the facts. That's where we are. Science has FACTS about how the universe began and it makes the Genesis account look like a child's crayon drawing.

[@davidwhitehead239]

Joe keeps his relationships with people foremost in his mind. He knows people’s stories. It’s important. Trump is unable to foster relationships, and so doesn’t care about people. Only their regard for him is important to him. On the one hand we have a genuine caring nurturing leader, and on the other hand we have a malignancy of humanity.

[@smikejasper4461]

Spot on.

[@chrisfreebairn870]

This is why tRump's stories about other ppl are so unrealistic, so self serving, bc he can't connect with reality or real ppl, seeing them only as instrumental to his venal, narcissistic value proposition, ie how does this person or situation reflect on my importance. The man is unfit for office on this basis alone, ffs were watching him claim universal innocence, universal immunity, 5th amendment, self pardoning, running only to thwart persecution etc, & a daily shell game of shifting justification .. yet he still dominates the GOP! This is a national semi psychosis, as in half the country is infected with this sociopolitical contagion; this fits Dr Brandy Lee's thesis.

[@Seekthetruth3000]

You definitely suffer from TDS.

[@cboy5oc]

Excellent concise summary!

[@the_lightnessofbeing]

RFK is compassionate and has a photographic memory.

[@redwoods7370]

Biden is an elder statesman. He’s been a senator, a Vice President for 8 years and a president. We badly need his experience, political connections, and expertise. He’s going to have some days when he’s a little slow but most days he’s doing great. We need him at this juncture in history!

[@ja9.b73]

We really don't need him. He is a danger to world safety and completely out of touch. He is also hell-bent on helping Israel enact a genocide of the Gazans. He is selfish, deluded, and simply not fit for the job. Having said that, were I an American, I would probably still vote for him if the choice is between him and Trump. As Biden is less dangerous for Americans domestically than Trump. Another Trump presidency would probably accelerate the internal collapse of the US. And an even more unstable US is an even further risk for the world. It is profoundly sad that the US has been reduced to a choice between these two dreadfully incompetent and immoral men. Do you have any idea how much Biden and Trump frighten us in the rest of the world? Do American citizens appreciate how many of us in the rest of the world live and die according to the whims of your political and military system? Democrat voters should be doing everything in their power to try and persuade the democratic party to put pressure on Biden not to run and to let a viable (and decent) candidate run instead.

[@emilerose1424]

Amen to your comment. Some people are embarrassingly short-sighted in assuming that if something hasn't ever happened in the past, it shouldn't happen in the future. Ageism is as backwards as sexism and racism. Just because there hasn't yet been a president over 80 doesn't mean there can't or shouldn't be one; as a senior statesman, Biden has the background to be among the best ever. Plus he seems to understand the things that matter--that his job is to try to lift the American condition--not to run around trying to "get even" with or destroy those who disagree with him.

[@annakingry9157]

For example, he was extremely valuable as a VP because he knows everybody in that town, most of the foreign leaders, and how to get things done. Obama, as a novice, needed him.

[@cboy5oc]

A crucial point that many who judge by appearance only are missing, to the extreme detriment of our country.

[@redwoods7370]

@@annakingry9157 You are so right. I think Obama chose him to be the VP for this very reason. To be an experienced mentor to show him the ropes in Washington DC.

[@mytruecrimelibrary]

Not a fan of Biden's but he did great last night. As a bonus, he didn't quote Hitler or lie about needing ID to buy bread unlike the Mango Mussolini 😂

[@biopsiesbeanieboos55]

Mango Mussolini……MANGO MUSSOLINI…..😮😮😮😊😊😊😅😅😅😅😂😂😂😂🙃🙃🙃🙃😏😏😏🤔🤔🤔😡😡😡. Mussolini.👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽

[@LindaMcification]

@@biopsiesbeanieboos55 LOL😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😝😝😝😝😝😏😏😏😏😳

[@adammarshall6257]

Right? I'd vote for an actual mango before I voted for Trump.

[@biopsiesbeanieboos55]

@@LindaMcification The the clearest communication I’ve had with a stranger in a long time.

[@dottypetrosky1184]

I appreciate your honesty.

[@davidabbott1951]

NPR interviewed an AI expert Friday. She mentioned she had just been to the SOTU, saw Biden afterward for the first time after they had met ONCE quite some time ago, maybe a year ago. He greeted her by name without any prompting. And it's a Chinese name. Joe is fine.

[@user-zg9oo5bj4f]

Joe is fine right now. He might even be the right candidate to vote for. But we need to think about finding a new President and letting Biden assume the role of Elder Statesman.

[@davidabbott1951]

@@user-zg9oo5bj4f In 4 years, yes. But this is now. And Joe is fine. Right now. As you said.

[@pennymccabe6989]

@@user-zg9oo5bj4ffortunately the democrats have a number of great candidates for the next election (gonna be hard to choose) but for 2024 it’s got to be Biden!

[@JesMcdld-nb6pg]

Right he sounds exactly like a President should and acts latest I could not believe Trump making fun of someone's disability Trump made fun of Joe Biden and his stutter disability how many kids and other adults struggle with it and Trump making fun of someone's disability is the lowest thing you as a person could ever do and his supporters were cheering when he said it how many Republican Trump supporters have children or family members that have this problem and Trump says it on live tv just the lowest of lowest thing that I've seen by a grown man running for President it's bonkers he is still able to run its just completely off the rails this man making fun of someone's disability and for him just interfering with the peaceful pass of power caught red handed on phone recordings trying to bribe for votes just find me 14 000 more votes no matter how that just that should have him in jail along time ago because he can't argue it and he sure won't debate Biden he says he will but no he won't Joe Biden has to much on him And his people no he would fall apart during debate but you are a 100% right

[@ronkirk5099]

Four more years! Four more years! I have confidence in a president who surrounds himself with a trusted cadre of competent and effective advisors and cabinet secretaries to help with the demanding job, but a narcissist who thinks 'only he alone can fix it', not so much. Does anyone still remember the chaos, churn, confusion and drama that characterized TFG administration?

[@mike-williams]

Trump is doing "governing improv" - he just does whatever his raging ID demands in the moment, or makes up some bs about bleach and lasers

[@harveycan5820]

Oh- I remember! I’ll take Biden’s basic competency and stability of personality over Trump’s manic sociopathy every single effen day!

[@pattieg2815]

Who can forget those terrible four years. You were afraid to wake up every day because you never knew what mess he had caused. We CANNOT go back to that EVER. VOTE BLUE, VOTE BIDEN/HARRIS 💙💙🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ceciliaFX]

I remember. What hell.

[@TheMagicalPoison]

And the embarrassments and insults that Trump has created to his own military intelligence by embracing Putin's trust worthiness facing National Boardcast in front of the whole wide worth.

[@sarahdee374]

I just turned 70 and can attest that with my wrinkles & white hair I am often discounted and can feel invisible. I have some of the "non-pathology" types of memory issues. (why did I come into the kitchen?, retrieval of a particular word in a moment). I experience ageism popping up more regularly. So I call BS when folks impose that on Biden simply because of his age.

[@bmt-zo1ue]

People have the 'why did I come into the kitchen' issues when they're in their 30's!!

[@user-xi7gz6sz4w]

I'm younger and have done that "why did I come into the kitchen?" and "where did I put my glasses?" thing for years. That could be multi-tasking snaffoo or busy-person syndrome. But likely once you get gray hairs people make a bigger deal out of it.

[@j.p.morgan8367]

I taught in university and I can attest that young people have ''problems with memory'' too.

[@chezmoi42]

@@user-xi7gz6sz4w I'll never forget the time I found my husband's glasses in the freezer. He took them off to read a label. We laughed for weeks about that.

[@user-zg9oo5bj4f]

The problem is Putin. Putin has grown into a pathological hatred of NATO and 'the West'. Can we find a better Democrat? A Democrat who can give a great explanation of the science that needs abortion as an option for birth defects. The job of President of the United States is unique. If you wonder why you came into the kitchen.... Putin would jump on that.

[@catherinerobson5482]

As a CEO of large organization with all ages, I just want to alert, that age has no possession of cognition, every age shows poor recall, poor delivery, multitasking distraction, etc. It is an ageless issue.

[@Seekthetruth3000]

The problem with Biden is not his age. His problem has always been a lack of wisdom, insight, and empathy.

[@ceceliadenny3542]

You’re so right. Stress can cause issues. People have no idea

[@ryancouture2508]

No sane thinking person is voting for Trump at this point.

[@theparadoxicaltouristtrave9320]

No informed sane person. Many misinformed or uninformed sane people will. Much of that information is republican good, democrat bad. Mind you, if the situation were reversed, most democrats would be acting the same for the evil democratic candidate.

[@lorinapetranova2607]

Braindead zombieism is a Syndrome related to neurological damages that renders a person with severe cult or cult like behaviors. Also called domestic.. many blessings for a more peaceful and compassionate world.

[@technomarineco]

Unless one is rich and greedy.

[@user-zg9oo5bj4f]

You know what the problem is? Alvin Bragg charging Trump with 93 felonies for an old, old dispute involving a former actress Stormy Daniels. The statute of limitations has run. If the charge is filing false business records, it should be a misdemeanor, ONE misdemeanor charge, and it can be negotiated. 93 FELONIES... is proof that Democrats are using phony legal means to attack Donald Trump.

[@walterbo7687]

​@@technomarineco like Elon Musk

[@Jesse-ey5xd]

Joe was spitting fire that night 👏😎🇺🇸

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Too many stimulants.

[@Jesse-ey5xd]

@@Seekthetruth3000 you think he's taking Adderall like Trump?

[@annakingry9157]

That's one part of his personality. He's tender and compassionate frequently, but he can also get his Irish up.

[@michelemaliano7860]

As a 70 year old, people think I should be frail and dim witted. I myself thought so too. Then I realized that in different phases of our life we “perform” in different ways. Towards my retirement I realized that I am a different person at work than at home; not wanting to show the world my true self. Protection! After I retired and started not remembering as I used to. Then it hit me. I don’t need to remember all those tidbits of data. I was no longer was in performance mode and only needed to remember things that are important to me in my retirement role.

[@chezmoi42]

I wish you a happy retirement, Michele. I picked up mycology and botany when I retired from an interior design career 30+ years ago. It's kept me in a different kind of "performance mode," which is just what I needed. Also we retired in France, precisely for the language challenge. After my husband died, I started writing poetry, so I wouldn't lose my English. The important thing is to keep moving, mentally and physically.

[@lbierman]

I read a story by a California poet. He says, "My father can remember nothing . . .we will be driving down the street and he will point to a shopping center and say 'I can remember when there was nothing there.'"

[@voicetestaccount7384]

Yeah, I'm getting to that stage, too, where I remember lots of nothing that is now something. Or something that is now nothing. :)

[@gr8dvd]

My dad used to say of my g’pa who told many stories…. "His memory was so good he remembered things that never happened". Stories always funny but still dunno which were true.

[@rebeccadieter6131]

President Biden has had a life long problem with stuttering. I am 74 years old and I pause over certain consonants and blends. There's not a thing wrong with my health or brain 😊

I'm 85, had my last daughter at 72, serve as chairperson of a sports club, invited recently to be an advisor to a philanthropic organization, play golf and speak two languages. With all humility, my young friends come to me for advise and counsel.

[@cindyhauert2339]

um,you did not give birth at 72.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

​@@cindyhauert2339Your comment is a fine example of exactly why you should listen to some elders. 😅

[@daniellamcgee4251]

I know a 96 year old who volunteers by cooking dinner in his home for overseas music students, particularly on public holidays when other people would be with their family. Australia has many public holidays! He tries to bring them together as a little family.

[@Elaine-ek6gm]

@@cindyhauert2339 I didn’t see a name, but that comment may have come from a man, so it’s totally possible he fathered a daughter at that age .

[@johnhumphries505]

As far as qualification testing goes I am WAY more interested in testing for truthfulness than cognition.

[@goldmother2238]

Younger people have the risk of not having enough experience. That is more important than memory

[@BarbaraKelley347]

I’m a 78 year old woman and I’m not having any issues with memory loss. I believe we are very much affected by the food we eat. I was born in 1945 and back then all food was organic. Plus there wasn’t high fructose corn syrup in so many foods. Nor was there so much obesity. Many foods we eat in the US are banned in Europe. My memory is still serving me quite well because I’ve had a very clean diet my whole life. Covid didn’t touch me nor do I get the flu each year. The expression “you are what you eat “ is very true. It’s very important to eat food with essential fatty acids as the brain needs these essential fats. Corporate greed in the food industry is responsible for so many illness that are not so prevalent in European countries. Nor is dementia and Alzheimer’s prevalent in Europe.

[@Patriot1789]

Poor quality or disrupted sleep is an even greater threat to memory and energy level in older adults. What Trump displays is not simple forgetting of words. He confuses who is President, who he is running against, what city he Is in, what decade it is (we already fought WWII). Sometimes he exaggerates for comical effect like: “a laht” which is insulting to New Yorkers whose normal pronunciation of the word “lot” may contain an sort of “ah” sound but he exaggerates. You won’t find him doing that for the Southern drawl

[@kaymack5304]

Totally agree!

[@dawnolynyk]

So true. Am a few years younger than you, live in the country, away from processed foods. Still live off the end of a rifle and a fishing rod. A trip to A& W is a treat, but realize the poison of canola and other cheap oils are toxic. When i go through the grocery store, it sickens me that families are eating these empty foods and wonder why children are getting bowel cancer, diabetes and ibs. Very sad for sure. Take care, enjoy your good food, many people are suffering from no cause of their own, just less fortunate.💖

[@FYMASMD]

Your statement about Europe is patently false.

[@catherinekrzan6605]

DW did an excellent documentary on that very issue. "You are what you eat".

[@JKART-do5jc]

If I had to give a speech like that I would probably pass out. Omg. The pressure in that room would make me forgetful. Of course, I have never been good up in front of people like that. Been there, done that, but not easy.

[@laurencea9005]

Please give it a rest about his age and memory. He can do the job.

[@b991228]

One of the misconceptions about memory loss in aging people is that people will notice how these people who have trouble recalling names and assume that they also have trouble remembering current or past historical events …the big picture. Embarrassingly, they may temporarily forget the name of the British general that fought in North Africa in World War II but their knowledge of the history of WW II may still be exceptional. The can look up the generals name if they need to and anyway before they get a chance to look up his name they very well may recall the name. We don’t know how but things just pop back into our heads. Forgetfulness is stressful but we still can be highly functional people.

[@theparadoxicaltouristtrave9320]

Forget biden's age, everyone forgets these types of details occasionally.

[@clairebear1808]

I suffered amnesia after an auto accident and head injury. I would have to say I was very peaceful, relaxed and no anxiety. I almost wish I could forget again.

[@tacobreather]

I’m far more concerned about devious narcissist in the Oval Office, as opposed to a capable, kind, professional politician.

[@MultiTimelady]

Doorways are magical, go through them once you forget what you're going through for.Then walk back through and remember why you walked through in the first place.

[@oeokosko]

So true!!!!

[@cherylalt101]

Very interesting discussion, thanks for a good interview Hari!

[@andym4695]

"couldn't pull out the year" Krikey. Look, for me, a middle-aged guy, things happened today, yesterday, in the near past, in the distant past. I mean, I have to work backwards to figure out what year my sister died. I think I remember the month, but not the day. I remember where I was when I learned of her disappearance, when they found the body, what it felt like, what she looked like, how she moved and sounded. But no, I don't rember which day she died. Let alone remembering what I had for lunch last week.

[@stephenmorton8017]

explain to me how Donald Trump can insult a judge and have death threats directed at a judge and the next week beg that same judge for leniency? all i can think is, he must have forgotten and expects the judge has forgotten also.

[@1qtaz]

Yes!

[@gretamurphy3704]

No, entitlement and failure to see things from other people's point of view are classic symptoms of narcissism and sociopathy. Trump is certainly the first, and probably the second.

[@champawattieramgopal3328]

He’s a good man and believes in America

[@margo3367]

Ageism is a problem “especially in this country.” He - tellingly - said it twice.

[@indranidasgupta8982]

Exactly. Interesting that both he and Hari hail from a culture that in many ways reveres the elderly.

[@annakingry9157]

Some of us old peope are avid readers, as well as consumers and judges, of current news. Many would be surprised at how un-fuddled we are.

[@Julia4453]

Let it go. Let’s focus on job performance. Biden’s has been superior. Trump’s was awful. I doubt if Trump could tell you how a bill becomes law.

[@robynnordstrom7799]

Why would trump care about laws? He says they don’t apply to him anyway.

[@annakingry9157]

Correct! I find more and more are being elected (especially Repubs) who know nothing about how to govern, and seemingly no interest in learning. The most prominent among RNC seem to think the object is to be on TV. "C'mon, gang! Let's impeach the President as a political attention getter."

[@marymenatti9175]

My excellent Russian piano teacher never remembered my name or what I was studying. She was 84. She’d say “I don’t have to remember your last lesson to teach. Pull out the piece and begin.” Then she would analyze my performance and coach me - “ you’re having trouble with this. What you do to improve is…” she was right, she didn’t need memory.

[@annakingry9157]

Experience can't be faked or bought.

[@Elaine-ek6gm]

@@annakingry9157 Is that sort of like Alina Hana saying she’d rather be pretty; she can fake being “smart”. Didn’t work out so well for her!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Elaine-ek6gm]

That should be Haba!

[@diligentmindz]

Excellent commentary and explanation. Science providing some fact based evidence to counter toxic political lies

[@imperialmotoring3789]

The open border is not a lie, it's a sad reality.

[@stephenmorton8017]

@@imperialmotoring3789 to you it's sad, sitting scared in front of a screen. i think all the empty dying towns in the interior of Texas are sad sad sad.

[@imperialmotoring3789]

@@stephenmorton8017 Sorry if I scared you hon, but raising awareness reveals inconvenient truths! I live on the Southside of Chicago, and the invasion is bankrupting my city. My property taxes are going up, and there are more illegals begging and more illegals camping everywhere by the day. Which Latin street gang runs your neighborhood or are you out in the 'burbs Sweetie?

[@ryanbedford2985]

The problem is its science and facts. Both are things conservatives do not believe in.

[@DKonigsbach]

@@imperialmotoring3789 I live near the border. I don't need commentators to tell me what is reality, I live it every day. The "open border" is a lie. The "invasion" is a lie. The waves of cannibal criminals swarming in and wrecking havoc is a lie.

[@sherrytaha9268]

Memory "anchors us in time and space". A very interesting discussion. Thank you both.

[@dennisemaracle2475]

I am 73 but all people my age are not the same. I know there are some people my age who are in far worse health than me. We are not all the same and some of us age well and others do not. Don't put someone in the same category as another. Biden looks after his health and Trump does not and Trump is only a few years younger than Biden but people seem to not mention that.

[@lfithaca]

Fascinating! In the midst of all the chaos and lack of ground under our feet at this time, it's helpful to hear a deeper, calmer and more rational discussion on matters we often tend to view so superficially.

[@Elaine-ek6gm]

Amen to that! 😊

[@clairebear1808]

Shame we have to tell the SC to follow the freaking constitution. Pitiful

[@8088I]

"Context, is Everything!"

[@johnkuncho7239]

I am 73. I would like to interject into the conversation that as you age you realize that there are some things in life you will be better of not remembering. The death of a child is one of those things. You know they are dead. Remember the particulars brings only pain not enlightenment.

[@obbie1osias467]

That's why Joe answered the special prosecutor: "Oh God May 30th" when asked when his son died. That's exactly what went on during that moment -- it's really hard to try to remember something like that if you'd rather want to be not able to recall it.

[@johnkuncho7239]

@@obbie1osias467 My wife calls it selective amnesia.

[@ks9610]

Re: cognitive tests for presidential candidates, I fervently believe we need far more than cognitive testing, not just for presidential candidates, but for candidates in both chambers of Congress as well. They should be required to pass a civics test, a psych eval & a thorough background check BEFORE they even qualify to be candidates! These offices hold the fate of our national security & domestic stability/wellbeing; those who hold them need to understand that, as well as their basic job requirements & responsibilities this country (hence the civics test)! Nothing has made this more demonstrably clear, & how pervasive this problem has become, than Trump & his sycophantic MAGA candidates; case in point: Tommy Tuberville in the Senate & Marjorie Taylor Greene in the House (among too many others).

[@annakingry9157]

Bravo! All the things you mention, plus a reading comprehension test. I listen to so many who struggle to read, unfamiliar with the vocabulary, sequence, context. A couple of ladies come to mind. The malapropisms are hilarious, but also pitiful in leaders.

[@cathuongnguy2577]

81 vs 77+91 counts?

[@jonwalter6317]

Except the count of counts is reducing, sensible since they are all political fabrications. The fact that Biden gets off for the classified docs while Trump gets charged says all you need to know. Biden had more docs in more less-secure places for a much longer time. But Trump, I know. Just remember Tara Reade.

[@wadhasharif6294]

this arguments reminds of the limitations of the supreme court

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

I believe we live through projection for good or bad. Having inner self awareness based on kindness helps.

[@MarysDressSways]

Fascinating. Thanks for this piece. As someone who's mom has Alzheimers and dad is showing significant short term memory loss, I've learned the brain is such a thing of mystery. I'm also of course concerned about my own brain health. As more and more people are getting afflicted with Alzheimers (why, is another convo), it benefits society to have these conversations. And yes, Americans tend to be more ageist than some other countries I've visited, so that plays into it as well. Thx again. Very thought provoking and helpful... Now, what did I come into the kitchen for again? 😅

[@Ane127]

Get a homeopath.

[@MarysDressSways]

@@Ane127 I have a naturopath. Working on preventative now. Thank you.

[@lzrd8460]

I get this thing where I’m typing and I can’t think of the word that I KNOW I Know! I know now that the word will come back to me so I just go ahead and when the word comes back, I type it in! It’s never a very long time but it is frustrating. I’m going to be 73 this summer and I do worry that my memory will fail. Neither of my parents had dementia or Alzheimer’s. This was such an interesting program. Thank you, great guest.

[@utubefreshie]

I'm 47 so I'm many years younger than you but I find myself at a loss for words that I also know here and there! Like it's at the tip of my tongue! This has been happening quite a lot, I'm getting concerned. Is this middle age?? So what I find myself doing is Googling whatever synonym I can think of and I can usually find the original word I thought of that way. How memory works is funny!

[@chezmoi42]

I sympathize with you both. At 81, I've noticed that same thing happening more often, a transitory loss of the right word. On the computer, the thesaurus helps me out if it doesn't come back in a few minutes.

[@utubefreshie]

@@chezmoi42 Good thing we have the computer and internet to help us out!

[@chezmoi42]

@@utubefreshie 👍

[@cal2780]

I blame information overload. I'm 73 and there are times I have to stop and reset my thought process. We're bombarded with so much more information than ever before. Arlo Guthrie said ", just wait, it'll come ' round again". He's right. He was singing a song, stopped, told part of a story, continued to finish singing the song. He went back to the story and made that point, " it'll come 'round again". I saw him years ago at Beloit college. Thank you Arlo❤

[@lindablackwell4852]

Wisdom" is" greater when getting older. 👍🏻👍👍🏽👍🏿

[@emmahardesty4330]

Glad this is a hot topic, yet I think a good thing to start with is admitting the word "old," instead of the gentler "older." As if "old" is pejorative. I'm old, and therefore have noticed for a very long time that we always, all our lives, do screwy, forgetful things, mess up words, take wrong turns. Yes, brains decline but not as fast as our knees, eyes, hair, et cetera. BTW: everyone will be older tomorrow. You're getting old right now. Hurray. I love being old.

[@wl9275]

Me too, I love being old. It's better than the alternative.

[@annakingry9157]

Me too! I'm healthy, stimulated, and having a good time

[@Elaine-ek6gm]

Beats the alternative! 😂

[@marianmiller2802]

If we start to have cognitive tests for potential candidates, it should be given to all candidates, not just the ones over a certsin age.

[@lucyflanagan3628]

Wisdom tends to come with age.

[@JB-tr6nu]

Not just cognitive ability but also mental stability

[@patriciarmuller6283]

Such a strong point! Lacking mental & emotional stability, and values such as honesty & integrity & fairness.

[@JB-tr6nu]

@@patriciarmuller6283 absolutely ..I appreciate your input ✌🏽❤️

[@larryg6221]

Thank you for this Hari. Great subject! You Rock!

[@dm4859]

I think we need to consider that age often comes with experience (vice versa) I agree with the author/scientist on many points. The energy and occasional stumble verbally and physically of an elderly man who really may have been sleep-deprived and also is dealing with the major issues of the world, should not be categorized with Alzheimer's. It is a huge weight, no doubt. Also, the bit about the loudest voice dominating the information, is so relevant, as the author knows. I'll buy that book! Great interview.

[@annetteclark8854]

I believe that, in many medical practices ( if not all) that serve the older adult, if there is any concern or possible sign of a cognitive issue or possible decline, a basic cognitive test is administered to assess basic status and to identify if further, more extensive evaluation is needed. There are medications that can help if needed. As a retired mental health professional, I am aware that there are medical and mental health conditions, e.g. depression, that can cause an older person to appear to have a form of dementia. In those cases, treatment for depression or the appropriate disorder, can clear or improve the cognitive symptoms in most cases. Of course, cases related to stroke or TIA's are more complex.

[@craven5328]

As a younger person, depression also definitely affected my cognition, as did long-undiagnosed iron deficiency anemia. A simple, prescribed daily iron pill helped both quite a bit.

[@nancychandler3673]

Why isn't Trump being treated for dementia? I know my mom refused to be treated and she deteriorated just because she was stubborn 😣

[@petarnovakovich240]

Age doesn't necessarily bring either wisdom or senility, there are people who have been mentally sharp right up until they died at a very advanced age & people who have had early onset dementia/Alzheimers in their 20s & 30s.

[@annakingry9157]

And some have had no intellectual curiosity at any age and poor judgment that has been lifelong. Trump comes to mind.

[@jlvandat69]

I would love to see some interviews with expert mental health professionals regarding the prognosis for DJT and Biden, given their respective current cognitive condition. IMO, Biden has normal, limited cognitive impairments whereby DJT's issues appear far more serious and with a predictable, disabling prognosis. I keep expecting a headline saying, "DJT admitted to hospital XYZ for observation following some form of mental health breakdown".

[@ilovecatvideos1851]

Dr. John Gardner is circulating a petition to licensed medical professionals and mental health professionals to sign after reviewing a compilations of video clips of Trump warning of his obvious dementia. As a medical professional I received an invitation to sign. Dr. Gardner appeared on The David Pakman show recently on KZbin and does a stellar job explaining what I have been observing for years. Meanwhile I have been vexed by the ageist false equivalency draw to Joe Biden who shows only the normal signs of aging and a stutter. Wanting the simply toss aside so much experience and wisdom during/after a primary in a panic, based on wildly inaccurate speculation by laypeople and disinformation…and polls has been ridiculous. Primary challenges early on, based on merit of course were welcome, as done with the GOP.

[@patriciajump9511]

I agree. Trump has multiple intertwined self-reinforcing personality disorders. And of course we all see the delusions of grandeur, delusions of persecution, and malignant narcissism. If you look at it, Trump's mental health disorders are the exclusive motivation for absolutely everything Trump ever says and does. For example, he bad mouths or downplays every hero, like John McCain, Navalney, etc., and he pushes the line saying he is above Lincoln, King, etc., and saying he has suffered like blacks who experience prejudice (now called racism). He only allows another human being to gets praise if he can say HE is responsible for the other person getting the praise. As a geriatric psychiatric RN clinician (now retired) I saw that mental disorders tend to get more disabling as people age.

[@patriciajump9511]

Both Biden and Trump have plenty cognitive ability, but Trump is the only one with mental disorders and who lies compulsively. But back to cognitive ability, see, even if they use the wrong name or stumble using their words, we still understand them. Listen, we understand English when it is spoken with a foreign accent, when it is spoken by children, when it is screamed, and when it is whispered. We may not enjoy listening to that style, but we understand it.

[@wl9275]

I think the difference between the two is about weight and quality of diet. Obesity and a diet high in fructose produces body-wide inflammation with consequential sleep apnea and brain fog. Being lean gets more and more important as you age. By the time you are 80 it is overwhelmingly important to maintaining cognitive integrity (I know as I am already 77).

[@jlvandat69]

@@wl9275 excellent points. DJT'S weight and excessive inflammation has major consequences, including contributions to cognitive decline. And i doubt he does any real exercise. I might be too optimistic, but believe he's a time bomb with a short fuse.....a few months, maybe a bit longer.

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

This was a good discussion. This gentleman is so correct.

[@JohnBl7167]

Ive recently developed a memory problem - total memory loss of recent events, say 30 mins to 3 hours. Flipping scary i can tell you - its literally like going back in time as everything you do or say is based on being behind time. Its a devastating blow once you start realising whats happening and (most of) the memories start to return.

[@EricaNernie]

Stop taking statins. Your brain needs cholesterol. Check out the low carb community.

[@patriciajump9511]

🙏😥

[@chezmoi42]

Oh, good luck with that, John. I hope your are getting help; have you had a scan?

[@JohnBl7167]

@@chezmoi42 Thanks for your kind comment. I'm in the system. Possibility due to seizures as I have epilepsy which has been under control for 4 or 5 years. Got app with neurologist so see how it goes.

[@chezmoi42]

@@JohnBl7167 I hope you have good coverage for that. I'm retired in France, so I'm rooting for Americans to have the kind of care we get here. I couldn't go back again.

[@natsirmohammed191]

Malcolm X on Palestine. "If you are not careful the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed.And loving the people who are doing the oppressing ".

[@imperialmotoring3789]

Godspeed IDF!

[@LydiaSings]

Arab Muslims should have accepted the Palestinian state that was offered to them by the U.N. during the partitioning instead of deciding to finish what Hitler started. Jordan could have accepted and annexed the West Bank when it was again offered by Israel, and then created a Palestinian state. Instead, they chose to deem themselves refugees in a land area where they had lived and shared with Sephardic Jews for two millennia.

[@Patriot1789]

If you are not a thinking person you will find yourself accepting the idea of permanent warfare with those whose home you want and accepting as valid the idea of replacing them even though you have your own spacious home.

[@ceeyesj7888]

What does this have to do w memory? Did you enter the wrong kitchen?

[@chrisfreebairn870]

​@@LydiaSingsso let's apply that logic to your property shall we? Deemed refugees? What else do you call 800,000 ppl deliberately chased from their homes & refused right of return while global Jews were granted immediate citizenship & settled in their houses farms etc? Your comment is classical Israeli b.s.

[@Scapegrace74]

I have read that about 100 people in the world, 100 out of over 8 billion, can remember every day of their lives. The actress Marilu Henner is one of them, and she's been studied by doctors and scientists. Give her a random date and she can tell you what she did on that day.

[@biopsiesbeanieboos55]

That’s just amazing. Also some people can remember every dream they’ve had, ever, in detail.

[@Scapegrace74]

It is amazing. It's called "highly superior autobiographical memory" or "hyperthymnesia." It gives us another glimpse into the paranormal abilities of the human mind. Marilu Henner is probably the most famous person who has that power. If you Google it, the info is right there. Edit: There are videos of Marilu, too. I'm looking into "high dream recallers," too. Thanks.

[@biopsiesbeanieboos55]

But the problem is, it’s extremely difficult to verify because dreams are 100% subjective. No one can ever possibly verify independently whether a given individual has actually remembered every one of their dreams, or only 50%, or 25%. But there are those who seem to have detailed recollections that are consistently reliable.

[@fontainerouge]

The main problem I see with a .... much older president is resistance to fatigue. Who does not have failing memory or poor decision making when tired to the bone? But then, I have no clue how the team around a president actually manage his schedule & provide expertise that relieve him. Biden seemed, at times, tired more than anything else. That would lower his public performance more than if he were 10 or 20 years younger. Mostly, he seems to have failing legs more than a failing brain.

[@michellem-s1108]

He has back issues.

[@chezmoi42]

@@michellem-s1108 Yes, arthritis and a hairline fracture on his foot a few years ago, which is healed, but both may still affect his gait.

[@annakingry9157]

Still exercises every day and rides a bike. I sometimes slow down not because of my legs, but because of my visual perception.

[@nancychandler3673]

He recently broke his ankle. As did I.

[@reneeshapiro7360]

Why aren't people doing more critique of Trump's cognitive abilities that are clearly degenerating. President Biden is clearly experienced and compos mentis even if he occasionally has word retrieval issues.

[@LahvTM]

They are, and that's why Trump's recent stump speeches has him attempting to defend his gaffes by claiming he is joking and even bragging about taking a cognitive test... The media has definitely given him a pass for many years, but I think even the other side may not necessarily want this to be a battle over age and to focus on policies that help us instead. Highlighting Trump's cognitive abilities will also invite more scrutiny on President Biden's.

[@marymarlow3646]

Very interesting. Good guest!

[@patriciamcgarr3183]

I am an avid crafter. Crochet knit sew quilt embroidery and painting. I try to challenge myself with new stitch combinations. I have recently taken up Irish crochet. All this keeps my brain sharp and helps with stress.

[@chezmoi42]

Good discussion. I'm Joe's age, and experience the customary "retrieval failures." Years ago I wrote a poem titled 'How _I_ Remember', seeing it as a Rube Goldberg machine.

[@Adogslife54]

Ha! Funny you say that. Before retirement, when I was still working, I used to have an expression I used quite frequently. When someone made a process more complicated that it needed to be, I used to call it the Rube Goldberg Method of Management!

[@chezmoi42]

@@Adogslife54 😄He was one of a kind. I understand children are still being taught about his machines, which is a great thing.

[@debrasmith4675]

Excellent guest commenter. It is important to launch our thinking from proven facts.

[@Shadow-1949]

A persons character is very important

[@gregpastic6910]

My grandma loved to tell this joke in the 1960's. Three elderly ladies were conversing and sharing tea one afternoon when one exclaimed "Oh my goodness, I don't know about you two but my memory is failing! I thought twice about feeding the cat but I left without doing it!" The second woman piped in "I know what you mean dear. I'll go into the kitchen and stand there trying to recall why!" The third woman responded vigorously "Oh you two old biddies...you make me laugh...there's nothing wrong with my memory knock on wood" and raps three times on the table. Before they can answer she says "Oh dear, someone's at the door. I'm not expecting guests!"

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

I am a seasoned nurse and I strongly agree. Public comprehension of dementia and memory issues is VERY mis understood. I interact with the children & other family members of the nursing home residents and I can attest they too are quite mentally “off the tracts”. Not all but many. I’ve seen this for years. We who work in this environment often say about those types of family members that they are the “fruit that fell off the dementia tree! “ Since when is the younger public an authority of aging and mental conditions? Oh brother, give me a break.

[@annakingry9157]

*tracks

[@debbiedemichele7375]

My neighbor is a 101 years old and she still plays card games board games, so age is just a number when it comes to memory

[@SamNMman505]

Outstanding

[@kevinasanford]

Dr. Amos Wilson-psychologist, discusses memory in one of his lectures from the 80's that covers what this gentleman highlights in his opening salvo.

[@enough1494]

I am 66, in 1998 my husband and toddler were killed by a drunk deacon and dentist. I was in a comma from a head injury. I was a treacherous and mother of four other small kids. By 2001 I was back at work, my memory was still in recovery but the going back to work and staying at it, my memory and brain would active and healing. No I am not a doctor. The point is memory versus crimes is a very ludicrous comparison

[@chezmoi42]

Oh, dear, I'm afraid you've been the victim of autocarrot. (You can edit your comment by clicking on the three dots to the right of your text.) But I also came to agree with your final point, and say that I'm glad you've made a good recovery.

[@enough1494]

Glad your ego was fed. I am not a paying member of this or any platform. But, I am certain you are perfect, so sorry it bothered you so much…… Your last sentence meant nothing more than filler…to re stroke you ego.@@chezmoi42

[@abrakadabrah3031]

If I could forget my bills, sickness... I'd say I have perfect memory.

[@jiminness6799]

He shows us that without muscle memory training we can not truly multitask.

[@myvidafi]

Great info. Thank you

[@edwardlulofs444]

Yes, very good, very helpful to me in understanding my world. Thank you.

[@joevuzekaz2030]

The most bizarre thing is a Hispanic voting Republican

[@annakingry9157]

Language, plus life experience. Hispanics are used to autocrats and privileged strongmen who do what they want. They think Trump is strong because he cares about nobody.

[@jkd6969]

Great guest, proud of you Charan

[@eileenreilly9481]

Testing cognitive ability before someone can be a candidate for the presidency and indeed all branches of government, ESPECIALLY the House and Senate, is an idea whose day has come. Let's implement a three step porcess: first start with passing a civics test. Second, vetting these people thoroughly. (To whom are they indebted, for example.) If the person can pass steps one and two, go onto his/her cognitive ability . One presumptive candidate I'm thinking of couldn't pass the civics test nor not stink to high heaven from a real vetting process!

[@user-ti4jy9fu8v]

We all forget sometimes Nobody is Perfect Let's Carry on and make sure Donnie is Where he Should be Behind Bars

[@jsmith-jones1684]

Some job applications require a full background check, drug testing, and health exam. Running for any office should also require the same so people can make informed choices when they vote, instead of electing narcissistic frauds like George Santos and Trump, among others.

[@ninakamwene5486]

Excellent piece. It is unfortunate that most folks do not have an appreciation of experience and wisdom that comes from age. Biden has both, and Trump has only juvenility at almost 78 years old in June. The choice is simply this: Dictatorship or Democracy. The American people will have the leader they vote for in November. I believe in the America to choose wisely.

[@terrilyndel]

Excellent conversation about multi-tasking

[@AC-hu5tg]

This is SO INTERESTING! Great piece.

[@DonnaGisellaTranchel]

Thank You, Guys! Interesting! 💎💎💎💎💎🦩✨✨✨✨✨

[@glenncurry3041]

Sir Roger Penrose is 92. He may not be dancing across the stage when in a debate. But no one questions his mind!

[@GeorgeKane-fw2bd]

The only thing we can count on is that no matter who wins or loses in Nov. The rich will get richer and the rest of us will have a smaller pie to divide .

[@AlicePeabody]

I was delivering mail daily during the pandemic. I don't know what customers were living.

[@ilikecats5093]

Awesome interview...i can relate and I am half Biden's age 😂 But it's true, if you tell your brain not to remember things, it will help you skip storing unnecessary information that you do not care about. I have done it many times. So, if I don't want to remember something all the time, I will write it on my short-term to do list, which helps me recall only when I want to.

[@jonmce1]

If you want to test for mental competence it does not have to just for the old.

[@DeborahGee]

That was very interesting! Now I have to go back and rewind a little bit to catch the name of the book again I was more involved, listening to the questions and answers.

[@rickcortez5190]

No such thing as multitask and you can only do one thing at a time ...

[@user-xn7fy6fi3s]

I found this very interesting. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@wendyfrith3407]

Really informative, thank you. I’m remembering this well… m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYLbfmiof5Kon7s Of course, another factor is tradition, which can be quite generational. A man of Biden’s era would not have been expected to remember birthdays, anniversaries, etc. even when young. That would have been under the purview of women: usually wives and secretaries. My father could quote Shakespeare ad infinitum, but I once watched him check our passports (only 2 kids) not only for the dates but the places of our births, when filling out an immigration form. I imagine Trump not getting much further than “Girl, Boy, umm…Girl? Boy, Camera, TV. And Barron, he must be what, 16? 17? Too tall, that’s all I know. Wait, maybe another boy in there somewhere. And, yeah, that blond in the photograph is my wife, Marla.” An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. . . I would recommend it very highly.' The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?' The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... The one that's red and has thorns.' 'Do you mean a rose?' 'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?'

[@user-gi2sv2pf4y]

Thank you

[@R08Tam]

Fascinating stuff

[@buxtonwindsor1213]

Very interesting !!!👍👍💙💙🩵🩵

[@jacklily999]

Great interview and interesting topic.

[@marilynhudson5805]

It's a lot of younger people that have Memory issues. Especially with so many drugs on the market and many younger people are ageing rapidly. Think before you bully the Elderly Citizens. Facts 💯🔒.

[@annakingry9157]

Elders took tests all their lives from memory, no open books. Many younger people have not had rigor in memory requirements.