Famed Neurologist Oliver Sacks has Died at 82

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SUMMARY

Oliver Sacks, the renowned neurologist and author, passed away at the age of 82. He is best known for his 1973 book "Awakenings," which chronicles his work with patients suffering from encephalitis lethargica and was adapted into a film featuring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. Sacks also authored "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain," which was highlighted in the PBS series Nova. His contributions to literature earned him a CBE in 2008, and he was a prominent figure on NPR's Radiolab, discussing topics such as prosopagnosia and his fascination with the periodic table.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of neurological conditions, specifically encephalitis lethargica.
  • Familiarity with the concept of prosopagnosia (face blindness).
  • Knowledge of the impact of music on neurological function as discussed in "Musicophilia."
  • Awareness of the cultural significance of Sacks' works and their adaptations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the neurological implications of encephalitis lethargica through case studies.
  • Research the effects of music therapy on brain function as outlined in "Musicophilia."
  • Investigate the phenomenon of prosopagnosia and its impact on social interactions.
  • Examine the cultural influence of Oliver Sacks' writings and their adaptations in media.
USEFUL FOR

Neurologists, psychology students, literature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of medicine and the arts will benefit from this discussion about Oliver Sacks and his contributions to understanding the human brain.

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From the BBC News Service:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34102119

Here's an article about Dr Sacks:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Sacks

His 1973 book Awakenings, an autobiographical account of his efforts to help people with encephalitis lethargica regain proper neurological function, was adapted into the Academy Award-nominated film of the same name in 1990 staring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. He and his book Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain were the subject of "Musical Minds", an episode of the PBS series Nova. In 2008 Sacks was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to literature.[3]
 
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Biology news on Phys.org
Sad.

He wrote many great books - Uncle Tungsten, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.
 
He was a frequent contributor to the NPR show Radiolab. In one episode they talked about his inability to recognize faces and in another about his obsession with the periodic table. Apparently, he had numerous periodic table charts placed everywhere in his home from pillows to bedspreads to wall hangings.

Prosopagnosia

http://www.radiolab.org/story/91967-strangers-in-the-mirror/

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/08/30/face-blind

and periodic tableism:

http://www.radiolab.org/story/archives-oliver-sacks-table-elements/