Understanding Anosognosia: Hidden Barrier in Dementia Care

Join Dr. Catherine Madison, a board-certified neurologist and author of Navigating Memory Loss: Essential Questions and Answers on Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She brings warmth, credibility, and clarity to a topic that affects millions but is often misunderstood. Key to this discussion about dementia is explaining how to work around the common condition called anosognosia – lack of awareness of one’s illness. Understanding this concept changes how we communicate with our loved ones and plan for our own future. 

As the founding medical director of the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center in San Francisco, Dr Madison developed a groundbreaking model of care that supports both patients and their loved ones, a holistic approach that has since influenced dementia programs nationwide.  

With a clearer understanding of anosognosia, we can better dismantle the stigma and fear around dementia and seek early evaluation for promising new treatments. Time lost is brain loss, so don’t miss this valuable learning opportunity. 

Brain Awareness Week is the global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. In 2026, the week of March 16-20th allows us the opportunity to share the wonders of the brain and the impact brain science has on our everyday lives.  

Catherine Madison, MD, received her M.D. from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, and completed residency training in neurology at George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. After serving eight years in the Air Force, she returned to California to care for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease. This personal family journey deepened her interest in helping others face a similar life-changing diagnosis.  Dr. Madison envisioned and developed the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center (RDBHC) at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco in 2012 with an endowment from the Dolby Family. She is currently the staff neurologist for Seniors At Home program, a division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services where she educates families on brain health, cognitive aging, and care planning.