Alzheimer's Society Podcast

In this episode of the Dementia together podcast we chat with Jitendra Gupta in Bradford about finding confidence after his dementia diagnosis. When Jitendra first received the news he had Alzheimer's disease, he felt pessimistic about the future. But with the support of his family, friends and other networks, including Alzheimer's Society, Jitendra has regained enjoyment in life. And he's not given up on his dream to become a lawyer. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

Our latest Dementia together podcast is all about enjoyable and engaging activities for people with dementia. First, we speak with Emma Hutchin, who after caring for her Nan Doris was inspired to change careers. She left the teaching profession to work with people with dementia as a Drawing and Talking practitioner. And we also chat with Angelo Makri, Alzheimer’s Society Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing who gives us the lowdown on choosing activities. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. To learn more about Drawing and Talking visit https://drawingandtalking.com For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast, we spoke to three people involved in a unique heritage project in Wales. Museums Inspiring Memories is a partnership between Amgueddfa Cymru and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Its aim is to help museums in Wales be more inclusive and involving. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Dawn Davies in Swansea. Around two years ago, Dawn was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s. It came as a massive shock and Dawn retreated from the world, even the idea of leaving the house terrified her. But with support from her family and the Dementia Hwb in Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre, Dawn turned things around. Dawn now works at the Hwb, helping others deal with a dementia diagnosis. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Philip Angrave, in Kent. Phil worked in the NHS for over 40 years and was a lecturer for more than 20 years, teaching undergraduate nurses and doctors. Phil decided to step back from work following a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia. He's now using his experience for a different purpose – calling on his local decision-makers to make dementia a priority in his area. Listen to hear how Phil is campaigning for change and his top tips for others who want to campaign. Also in this episode, Kath Falconer, National Influencing Officer at Alzheimer's Society, explains why campaigners like Phil are so important. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Teresa Davies, in north-east Wales. Just over a decade ago, Teresa was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s. This came as a shock and left the usually positive Teresa in a dark place. She says she ‘didn’t know how to cope’ after her diagnosis and wasn’t given the right support. But a chance meeting turned things around and helped Teresa to find a new purpose. She now lives as well as she can with dementia and supports others affected by the condition. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to brothers Adam and Neil Joesbury and their dad Bob, in Birmingham. Bob has vascular dementia and the family works together to support each other. Adam has a learning disability and cares for Bob. This means Neil can continue to go to work and all three can be independent. At first, it was difficult to find the right support for Adam. He knew something was wrong with his dad, but found it difficult to understand. This changed when a dementia adviser from Alzheimer's Society gave him the support he needed. Since then, Adam has been using his voice to try to change things for the better for carers with a learning disability – he doesn’t want anyone to face the same challenges he did. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to retired nurse and youth worker Anne Hoad in Deal, Kent. Anne was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) in 2021. Anne's PCA was missed by her GP at first. They initially prescribed her anti-depressants. After speaking to friends who had experienced depression, Anne's husband Tony realised that her symptoms were quite different. They returned to Anne's GP and were able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Anne and Tony tell us how life has changed following this diagnosis and how they cope with the daily challenges of living with a rare dementia. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to retired teacher Nellie Suffolk, aged 82, in Bristol. Nellie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease around six years ago. This diagnosis came as a shock because Nellie had put her symptoms down to getting older. Nellie was born in Zambia when it was still under British rule and was one of the few girls to complete primary education at the time. She spent her life in education, teaching and studying across the UK and in several African nations. Nellie tells us how she remains as independent and active as she can following her diagnosis. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Rashmi Paun, aged 77, in Brighton. Rashmi, a former physics teacher, initially put his memory problems down to age but was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Rashmi had always had a way with numbers, but his wife Maggie soon had to take on more daily tasks, including the couple's finances. Maggie says it was difficult to navigate life after a diagnosis, with 'no clear roadmap', and she is grateful for support from local groups and charities. Listen to find out more about Rashmi and Maggie's experience. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.