In this episode of Brain Bridges, documentary photographer Alex Kornhuber shares how photography can reveal the lived experience of aging, foster empathy, and help us see our common humanity.

Alex reflects on growing up between Brazil and Peru, inheriting his grandfather's cameras, and discovering at an early age the power of photography to preserve memory. He discusses the curiosity and vulnerability behind his work, why he believes a photograph must be earned through patience, immersion, and presence, and how becoming an Atlantic Fellow helped him reconnect with his purpose as a photographer.

The conversation explores aging and resilience in Peru, the ability of images to communicate what research alone sometimes cannot, and the value of bringing artists, scientists, and other disciplines together to advance brain health. Alex also reflects on his unconventional relationship with leadership and the importance of slowing down, being present, and making time for older people.

In this episode

• How Alex's childhood and his grandfather's cameras shaped his approach to photography
• Photography as a tool for connection, empathy, and preserving memory
• What it means to "earn" a photograph through patience, presence, and dignity
• How images can deepen our understanding of aging and brain health
• Aging, resilience, and inequality in Peru
• Why multidisciplinary partnerships between the arts and sciences matter
• Alex's evolving perspective on leadership and collaboration
• The importance of slowing down and being present with older people

About the guest

Alex Kornhuber is a documentary photographer from Peru and an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health. His work uses still photography, video, and sound to capture intimate human stories, with a particular interest in the lived experiences of marginalized communities.

For more than two decades, Alex has photographed people and communities across Peru, including work exploring aging across the country's coast, mountains, and Amazon. His photography examines how social and environmental conditions shape people's lives and seeks to foster empathy, dignity, and connection through visual storytelling.

Alex's new limited-edition photobook, Tierra Que Somos, brings together his long-term exploration of Peru and its people, examining the relationship between land, belonging, resilience, and identity. Published by Eyeshot, the limited-edition book is available only through September 30, 2026.

Learn more about Alex and his work:

Photography: alex-kornhuber.com
Tierra Que Somos: eyeshotstreetphotography.com/shop/books/tierra-que-somos-by-alex-kornhuber/
GBHI Profile: gbhi.org/profiles/alex-kornhuber

About the host

Victor Valcour, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. He directs the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program at the Global Brain Health Institute, UCSF, a global initiative that trains leaders across disciplines to address the challenges of dementia and promote equity in brain health.

About the podcast

Brain Bridges is a podcast featuring conversations with leaders working to improve brain health and reduce inequities around the world. The series is produced by the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco.

Production support provided by Podfly. Joshua Suhy serves as technical director, sound designer, and producer. Concept development and editorial direction by Niall Kavanagh.

Podcast artwork by Atlantic Fellow Kiggundu Rodney, with design by Caroline Prioleau.

New episodes are released monthly.