The podcast delves into the harrowing experience of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, exploring its devastating effects on memory, identity, and the perception of reality. It discusses the biological causes of Alzheimer's, such as amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, and the philosophical implications of memory loss through the lens of phenomenology, referencing thinkers like Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty. The podcast further examines how dementia distorts the symbolic richness of life, referencing artistic representations like "Everywhere at the End of Time" and the works of William Utermohlen, and touches on the societal challenges in treating and caring for those affected, highlighting the importance of supporting both patients and their caretakers. It also explores the themes of identity and memory manipulation through the analysis of Ghost in the Shell and Before Your Eyes, ultimately painting a poignant picture of the loss of self and the world as dementia progresses.
