A Human Rights Approach to Dementia Care, with Jennifer Carson, PhD, and Allen Power, MD

In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan interviews two of the top experts in dementia, Jennifer Carson, PhD, and Al Power, MD. Together, they examine some of the most entrenched and damaging practices in dementia care and what can be done to eliminate them. Drawing from clinical experience, research, and personal caregiving journeys, they unpack how the overuse of antipsychotics often mask deeper systemic failures, from under-resourced environments to inadequate training. Dr. Carson highlights the serious risks, including increased mortality, while Der. Power calls for a fundamental reframing of dementia away from "managing behaviors" and toward supporting well-being, inclusion, and human rights. Together, they advocate for relationship-centered care, stronger enforcement of existing protections, and practical tools to help organizations assess and create conditions for optimal living. Their conversation also previews their forthcoming book on dementia inclusion, aimed at offering actionable pathways for real system change, including a call for non-segregated and unlocked dementia care communities. This episode is both a critique of the status quo and a hopeful call to redesign dementia care around dignity, equity, and true support. Find more about Dr. Power's work here: http://www.alpower.net/geriatrician/Dr.%20Al%20Power_intro.html Find out more about Dr. Caron's work here: https://deerprogram.org