Leading Neuroscientist Dr Eric Kandel in Conversation at 92nd Y with Journalist Claudia Dreifus

It was a pleasant surprise walking into the 92ndY as I found myself standing next to the renown Nobel Prize winning physiologist Dr Kandel known for his studies on the brain; particularly the processes in which memories are made and stored.  He was very charming & gracious.  Dr Kandel has written numerous books & articles pertaining to studies on the brain.  He is currently a Prof. at Columbia Univ. and a frequent presence on the media discussing the fascinating & elusive understanding of brain functions.  Dr Kandel has just published his latest book "The Disordered Mind:  What Unusual Brains Tell Us About Ourselves."  I was interested in hearing him elucidate on this topic. The interview was led by Claudia Dreifus the NYT columnist in the Science Times .  Dr Kandel was engaging & his stentorian laugh infectious.  Unfortunately, the conversation led by Dreifus didn't elicit information on the topic of Dr Kandel's new book pertaining to how diseases like autism, depression & addiction can be invaluable in gaining further understanding on the processes of the brain.  Nor was the subject of scientific understanding of the brain as it pertains to thought and emotions discussed.  Dreifus questioned Dr Kandel if he would choose to eviscerate any painful memories if it possible.  His resounding no was as he stated memories are what makes us who we are.  The loss of memory and dementia that's associated with aging or Alzheimers is due to the loss of nerve cells which do not regenerate.  There is medication to slow the progression of demential.  Early detection would benefit from medical treatment.  I recall hearing Dr Kandel discussing synapses in the brain which enables cognitive learning & the ability to create memories and conversely blocked synapses lead to deterioration in the brain.  Dr Kandel would like to see more cognitive therapy outcome studies to measure effectiveness of psychoanalysis.  He believes that psycho therapy in combination with prescription drugs has shown to be the most beneficial to patients.  I had more questions than new insights into Dr Kandel's discoveries.  I'm curious what a scientific outcome study might entail with results that show objective metrics - or would the studies rely on subjective interpretations?  What are the most interesting pursuits pertaining to understanding the brain being pursued?  Dreifus praised Dr Kandel's writing.  He responded "I know what I think after I read it."  I know now we were lured into this science talk to promote the sales of his new book.  I agree with Dr Kandel, the study of the brain is most compelling & mysterious.  However, the short talk was short on sparking new discoveries, ideas, new areas of study or bridging new synapses of knowledge.