My life with dementia | A Dementia UK podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

When Andy was diagnosed with young onset dementia in his early 50s, it felt like a door was suddenly slammed shut. The life he'd imagined with his partner Christine was going to look very different.

For months after his diagnosis, Andy withdrew from the world. He felt that he had no future. But over time, with the support of Christine and their dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, Andy found a purpose again. Through sporting events, campaigning and raising awareness, he wants people to see that people with dementia can still live full lives. 

This episode contained a reference to suicidal ideation and other themes relating to mental health. If this has caused you distress, free mental health support is available from Mind. You can call their confidential Infoline on 0300 123 3393. 

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65 
• Learn more about employment and young onset dementia 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Siblings Aqib and Shahbanu care for their mum, Shama, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease when she was 70 years old.   

The years following have been a steep learning curve. They have had to adopt new ways to interact with their mum. They've realised it's not always helpful to contradict her when she makes mistakes or forgets things. And they're careful not to let her feel shame over those things; or let those moments erode the trust that exists between them.  

This episode explores the ways dementia can test family dynamics, the importance of communication and how you can continually create moments of joy. 

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Learn more about how dementia can affect relationships and roles 
• Discover ways you can look after yourself as a carer 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime.  

In Dementia UK’s new podcast, ‘My life with dementia’, real people share their experiences of living with, caring for, or losing someone to dementia. Through their stories, presented by actor Jim Broadbent, we gain a deeper understanding of this complex condition, and the challenges faced by those affected. 

Subscribe to ‘My life with dementia’ to listen to new episodes as soon as they come out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to father-daughter relationships, Rob and Lizzie’s couldn’t have been stronger. They shared a love for the outdoors, music and sport, and were always finding ways to make each other laugh.   

When Rob began to struggle with driving in his mid-50s, the family knew something was wrong, but the prospect of dementia didn’t cross their minds. A few years later, Rob was diagnosed with young onset frontotemporal dementia. He was 58 years old, and Lizzie was just 24.   

Lizzie suddenly found herself navigating young adulthood while also adapting to her new role as a part time carer to her dad. In this episode, she discusses the drastic change in family roles, the importance of compassion and processing the loss of her dad, who died a few months before this recording. 

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65 
• Read tips and advice to help parents support children and adolescents when the other parent has young onset dementia 
• Find young onset dementia support groups and services 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James's late wife Maria was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer's disease when she was 56 years old.

As a couple, they found themselves on an unexpected path – moving through the different stages that followed her diagnosis. James tried to strike the balance between maintaining his wife’s independence while ensuring her safety. It was a balance that became increasingly difficult. 

In this episode, he shares his perspective on caring for Maria, from noticing early signs through to grappling with the move into full-time care. He also touches on the vital support he received from their dementia specialist Admiral Nurse.

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65 
• Read tips and advice to consider when looking for a care home for a younger person who has dementia 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ricky and his gran, Harbaksh, always shared a special bond. He describes her as more of a third parent than a grandmother. She lived next door, and relished being able to talk to Ricky in Punjabi.

After several frustrating appointments with health professionals, Harbaksh was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in her 80s. Ricky was thrust into a caring role and set about learning everything he could about her condition.

This episode touches on the difficulties many people face in getting a diagnosis of dementia, the importance of culturally tailored care and the unpredictable nature of grief.

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Learn more about the process of getting a diagnosis for dementia 
• Learn more about grief, bereavement and loss 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Valentine’s Day in 2019, Gail's world changed forever. At 54 years old, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Initially, she felt numb. But in the following weeks and months, there were so many emotions – confusion, sadness and anger.  

With the help of her dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, Gail was able to shift her focus to what she can do, rather than what she can’t. She decided to pursue passions she’d always held but never pursued – photography, arts, crafts and exploring nature.

This episode is about Gail’s approach to living well with dementia and maintaining an identity beyond her diagnosis.

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65 
• Find young onset dementia support groups and services 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features two of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses – Hilda and Vic. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses, who provide free advice and support to the whole family, as well as the person with the diagnosis.

In this episode, Hilda and Vic delve deeper into some of the themes from Michaela’s story to give some extra advice and insight from their expert perspectives. They talk through the stigma that can so often stop people seeking support, the value of dementia cafes and groups, and ways to cope with grief.

If you haven’t heard Michaela’s episode yet, we recommend giving it a listen first.

Further resources:

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses   
• Learn more about grief, bereavement and loss

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When her grandmother, Vanda, was diagnosed with vascular dementia, Michaela felt her world come crashing down. This was the woman who raised her, a role model she’d always looked up to. Feeling powerless and alone, Michaela yearned for community, and a place where dementia wasn’t taboo. A place where her nan could be herself.

When Michaela couldn’t find it, she created it. The Spring Bleau Dementia Cafe was born.

This is a story about finding strength in community after a dementia diagnosis.

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Learn more about grief, bereavement and loss 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime.

In Dementia UK’s podcast, ‘My life with dementia’, real people share their experiences of living with, caring for, or losing someone to dementia. Through their stories, presented by award-winning journalist and Dementia UK Ambassador Marianne Jones, we gain a deeper understanding of this complex condition, and the challenges faced by those affected.

Subscribe to ‘My life with dementia’ to listen to new episodes as soon as they come out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.