Scott A. Small

In this intriguing discussion, David Rieff, a writer and journalist, unpacks how forgetting can sometimes be a safer response to global issues. Scott Small, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, emphasizes the benefits of normal forgetting for brain health. Oliver Hardt, a psychology professor, explores the balance between memory retention and the necessity of forgetting, hinting at how excessive memories can hinder creativity. Together, they reveal how science is reshaping our understanding of memory dynamics, advocating for the power of forgetting in personal and collective contexts.

Dr. Scott Small, a memory science expert and director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Columbia University, explores the unexpected perks of forgetting. He highlights how normal lapses in memory can enhance creativity, improve decision-making, and ease emotional burdens, particularly in trauma recovery. Forgetting allows us to generalize experiences and fosters resilience, challenging the view that memory loss is solely negative. Additionally, he discusses the interplay between sleep and forgetting, emphasizing its crucial role in our mental well-being.

Dr. Scott A. Small, an expert in Alzheimer's research, discusses how forgetting is beneficial for our cognitive abilities and emotional well-being. He challenges the belief that memory is always beneficial and explores the impact of forgetting on creativity and relationships. The podcast touches on the controversy of a new Alzheimer's drug, the role of music therapy in memory loss, and how Alzheimer's affects memory and creativity in artists.