Watson Feature: Annie Barrett '24

She recently shared an update on her journey, highlighting holistic strategies that support patient autonomy, dignity, and well-being.

Tell us about your project. What are you interested in learning and what places are you visiting?

My project is a cultural comparison of approaches to caring for dementia patients and the aging population. The existence of dementia and the symptoms of memory loss are universal, but cultures differ in whether they consider dementia to be a medical disease that needs to be cured, a stigmatized concept that should be avoided or ignored, or a normal part of aging that deserves support but not correction. These differing views of dementia, with other culturally specific ideas about aging and medicine, lead to a wide variety of approaches to caring for dementia patients.

My plans are to visit Argentina, Tanzania, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam, Greece, Spain, and the Netherlands. By connecting with people across these countries and cultures, I hope to gain a broader perspective of the meaning of caregiving, to develop skills to better understand and meet people’s needs, and to learn about alternative understandings of dementia and aging. I hope this will help me live a life dedicated to caregiving and advocating for dignity and autonomy for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Why did you decide to apply for a Watson? 

I applied for the Watson fellowship hoping to step outside the small bubble I’ve lived in order to see the world through a broader lens. On a professional level, I aspired to create a more significant, systemic improvement in dementia patients’ psychological experience by learning about effective approaches used in other cultures. On a personal level, I hoped to become more self-reliant and culturally competent and to gain a wider perspective of the world across many domains.

What has been a memorable moment or unexpected experience so far?

A memorable experience from this year was my time spent in rural areas of Tanzania. In an environment with food insecurity and limited access to other basic resources, including safe water, essential health care, reliable transportation, and sanitation, I was astonished by everyone’s equanimity. People in this area were unrattled by unpredictability, grateful for what they had, and lived joyfully in the moment with impressively low levels of stress. They inspired me to try to employ the kind of strategies they use to be more at peace with the aspects of my life that I cannot control. 

I also found the cultural practices and values of the Maasai tribe in this area to be inspiring. Older people in this tribe were well taken care of by large families and happy just to be around their community. The Maasai people considered memory loss to be a normal part of aging and did not often diagnose “dementia,” allowing older people to enjoy their final years without stressing over their inevitable deterioration. Immersing myself in a culture and environment so different from what I was used to and seeing how this community so successfully manages its aging population, including those with dementia, made me see the value of pairing a social model for dementia with conventional medical treatment. It also made me want to further explore the unintended negative effects of medicalizing dementia care. 

What have you learned about yourself and/or the world through your Watson experience?

This year, I have learned how to slow down, focus on the present, and reflect more critically about my life and my goals. I have found that there is something to learn from every culture, and by embracing and appreciating different cultural values, I have been able to better evaluate and determine my own values. Navigating this journey has required self-reliance, emotional strength, resourcefulness, resilience, flexibility, active listening, and imagination. Developing and refining these skills has not always been comfortable or easy, but it has changed me for the better. 

I have also learned to build my own community wherever I am. The world is full of people that are excited to share their cultures, and by simply observing and listening to people when they share their experiences, I have learned so much. I was heartened by how much people have been willing to help me along the way. My experience as a Watson fellow has left me with an enhanced sense of wonder, optimism, and connection, and I am immensely grateful for the privilege.  

Looking back to the application process, what did you find most valuable or meaningful?

The application process taught me a lot about myself, making me think more deeply about my goals and why they are important to me. Thinking about how to articulate my passions to the committee forced me to take a step back and critically evaluate what I wanted to get out of this experience, what my interests and strengths are, and areas where I’d like to achieve personal growth. This thought work has helped me be more intentional in how I approached my year and my future. 

What advice do you have for prospective applicants?

I would encourage prospective applicants to take the time to think about what you really hope to get out of the experience and design your project to support your passions. Expect to be uncomfortable on this journey, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. I have grown and learned the most from the experiences that have been the most difficult. Remember to show yourself grace during the times that feel overwhelming, and give yourself permission to take a break to immerse in other local experiences outside your project topic, as these experiences can be just as beneficial. It can be hard and scary at first, but if you commit to fully immersing yourself in a new culture, focus on a topic you are truly passionate about, and maintain an open mind, the experience will be incredibly rewarding and life-changing.