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Human challenge trials, Chess & memory, Dementia misdiagnosed

As the first human challenge trial for coronavirus is due to start, James Gallagher reveals why we have a rich and colourful history of deliberately infecting people with bugs.

I have become hooked on playing online chess during this lockdown and after watching the Queen’s Gambit. So we’ll find out if it is actually doing my brain any good and whether it and similar games can ward off dementia.

Margaret McCartney takes us on a fascinating tour through the history of deliberately infecting people with diseases, as the first β€œchallenge trials” with coronavirus are about to start.

Listeners David and Barbara tell us about a treatable condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus that is often mistaken for dementia.

PRESENTER: James Gallagher
PRODUCER: Beth Eastwood

Clip from the Netflix series 'The Queen's Gambit', directed by Scott Frank.
Music copyright: β€˜Training with Mr Schaibel’ by Carolos Rafael Rivera from the official soundtrack of The Queens Gambit

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Wed 3 Mar 2021 15:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 2 Mar 2021 21:00
  • Wed 3 Mar 2021 15:30

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