Defy Dementia – The podcast for anyone with a brain, by Baycrest

Baycrest

Defy Dementia is an empowering new podcast by Baycrest that is dedicated to helping you reduce your dementia risk. Join us on a captivating exploration of key dementia risk factors as we interview experts, hear inspiring stories from persons with lived experience, and share practical advice to help you optimize your aging journey. Tune in and subscribe at defydementia.ca or anywhere you get your podcasts, and unlock the power to age fearlessly and defy dementia. Each episode will be complemented by a short video, infographic, and related resources to help you take control of your brain health. Defy Dementia is hosted by Jay Ingram (Canadian author and broadcaster) and Dr. Allison Sekuler (President and Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation). The podcast is generously funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

  1. 11 hrs ago

    Let’s Dance

    Dance is more than movement. It brings together physical activity, social connection and cognitive engagement. In this episode, we explore how dance can benefit people of all ages and abilities. We join a dance class at Canada’s National Ballet School with Michael Farewell, a community-dwelling older adult dancer. Then Dr. Rachel Bar, Director of Research and Health at Canada’s National Ballet School, shares insights into the growing evidence behind dance and healthy aging.  Whether in a studio, community centre or living room, there’s no right or wrong way to dance. Making dance a regular part of your life can benefit your overall wellness and remember… dance like no one is watching. Soon to be 79, Michael Farewell has attended older adult dance classes at Canada’s National Ballet School for many years. A Tai Chi enthusiast, he participates in Tai Chi and line dancing at Toronto’s Mon Sheong Centre. He retired from Bell Canada two decades ago.  Dr. Rachel Bar was a professional ballet dancer before she completed her PhD in psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University and a post-doctoral fellowship at Trent University’s Trent Centre for Aging & Society. Since 2020, Rachel has been Director of Research and Health at Canada’s National Ballet School where she oversees the School’s Research Institute and Artistic Health Department. Her research spans broadly across both the health and wellness needs of dancers and the benefits of dance for community health and wellness. Specifically, much of her work in community research has focused on dance in older adulthood, including its benefits for people living with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, and the knowledge mobilization of this research. Megan Ferris is the Manager of Older Adults and Community School Programs at Canada's National Ballet School (NBS). She is a graduate with distinction from the NBS Teacher Training Program and the Faculty of Arts at Ryerson University specializing in Early Childhood Studies. In her role, Megan focuses on providing dance programming to people of all ages and abilities, while coordinating partnership development as well as evaluation for on-site, in community and online programming. Along with her extensive work in NBS' Community Dance Programs, Megan is also a faculty member and student mentor in NBS' Teacher Training Program.  Jeannie Yeun is a Toronto-based pianist and accompanist who works with Canada’s National Ballet School, the School of Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre and Royal Academy of Dance examinations. A University of Toronto graduate, she maintains an active freelance career and piano studio in the Greater Toronto Area.

  2. Aug 19

    Dispatches from AAIC 2026 - the Frontline of Alzheimer’s Research

    This episode explores some of the latest dementia research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London, UK, with guest Dr. Rebecca M. Edelmayer, Vice President of Scientific Engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association and a leader in global dementia research and scientific collaboration. Alongside co-hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler, Dr. Edelmayer discusses emerging findings that could shape the future of dementia prevention, treatment and care. Topics include research from two studies on brain changes observed in former professional soccer players and physician-supervised use of an oil containing active ingredients of cannabis, which may calm agitation in people living with dementia, respectively. The conversation also examines a study in Latin America showing that lifestyle interventions designed to reduce dementia risk can be successfully adapted across different cultures and communities. Together, these studies offer new insights into early detection, risk reduction and improving quality of life for people affected by dementia. Tune in at defydementia.org, or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest Speaker Dr. Rebecca M. Edelmayer Vice President of Scientific Engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, where she leads major national and international dementia research initiatives. A neuroscientist and pharmacologist with experience in academia, industry and the nonprofit sector, she advances biomarker development, clinical research, scientific collaboration and education.

  3. Jul 28

    Spotlight on Improv

    This episode brings together performers, educators and a neuropsychologist to explore how improvisational theatre (“improv”) can support healthy aging. Drawing on experiences across comedy, performance and research, the speakers highlight how improv may help reduce depression and anxiety, which are key risk factors for dementia. Alongside co-hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler, guests Tim Paul, Romy Teperson, Robert E. Daniel and Dr. Kristin Krueger (Rush University Medical Center, Cook County Health) share how improv promotes social connection, physical movement and cognitive engagement.  From training to community programs, the conversation underscores how humour, creativity and practice can build confidence, resilience and well-being, making improv a powerful and accessible tool for enhancing quality of life across the lifespan. Guests: Tim Paul Improv teacher and performer since 2010; Second City, Annoyance Theatre; Chicago and screen credits; psychology student focused on applied improvisation. Romy Teperson Actor-writer trained at Harvard, Yale, Juilliard; improviser with major comedy programs; credits include TV, film and comedy writing roles. Robert E. Daniel Founder and Chief Comedy Officer of Standups & Startups helping leaders communicate through comedy; trained performer, workshop leader and creator of Pitches Get Stitches®. Dr. Kristin Krueger Board-certified neuropsychologist from Rush University Medical Center and Cook County Health, studying aging and improv; leads Chicago-area groups.

  4. Jun 30

    When Blood Meets Brain

    What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Across your lifespan, there are many ways for blood supply to your brain to be compromised - some are covert. It is estimated that up to 20 percent of people over 80 experience blood vessel damage in the brain. In this episode, we explore vascular dementia and how problems with blood vessels can increase dementia risk over time. Dr. Eric Smith, Professor of Neurology, Radiology and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, explains how vascular health affects brain function and what steps can help reduce dementia risk. Christine Aiken shares her lived experience, offering insight into life after a vascular dementia diagnosis and the importance of advocacy, support and finding meaning. Together, they highlight prevention, the warning signs to watch for and recovery after stroke. Christine Aiken Diagnosed with vascular dementia at 56, Christine is an advocate, speaker and author who promotes living well after diagnosis. Based in Canada, she shares her experiences and works to improve access to dementia resources, guided by her motto, “I’m not done yet.” Dr. Eric Smith Professor of Neurology, Radiology, and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, and the holder of the endowed Kathy Taylor Chair in Vascular Dementia. He is a member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the Cumming School of Medicine.

  5. May 27

    Personality Unraveled: Frontotemporal Dementia

    Could personality changes in a loved one be more than a midlife change? In this episode, we explore frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a less commonly known form of dementia that often begins between ages 45 and 65 and can be mistaken for a “mid-life crisis.” Symptoms may include disinhibition, overspending and other uncharacteristic behaviours. Ashley Sharma shares her lived experience as a young caregiver supporting her grandmother after an FTD diagnosis, while Dr. Robert Laforce, behavioural neurologist and neuropsychologist (CHU de Québec, Université Laval), explains what FTD is, how it progresses and what families need to watch for. Together, they unpack early signs, practical steps to caring for someone living with FTD and how brain-healthy behaviours may help support quality of life. Ashley Sharma, 26, born and raised in Abbotsford, B.C., is a full-time social worker. At the age of 20, she found herself slipping into a part-time caregiver role for her grandmother, who was diagnosed with FTD. Dr. Laforce, Behavioural Neurologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist at CHU de Québec, Université Laval. Trained in neurology and neuropsychology, he has published 200+ papers and leads international research on atypical dementias and primary progressive aphasia.

  6. Apr 30

    A Shot at Prevention? The Shingles Vaccine & Dementia Risk

    Could a routine vaccine help protect your brain? In this episode, we explore emerging research on the association between shingles vaccination and reduced dementia risk. Ron Swan shares his perspective as a community advocate focused on aging and accessibility, while Dr. Dawn Bowdish (Professor, McMaster University) breaks down what the science says, and what it doesn’t, about how vaccines may influence brain health. Together, they unpack what shingles is and what “promising but early” research about shingles vaccination could mean for reducing dementia risk. Tune in at defydementia.org, or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Ron Swan is a retired business development professional and entrepreneur with a strong focus on accessibility and aging-in-place. He founded Home Safe Living, a company that provided independent living and accessibility solutions across the Maritime region before selling the business to Lawton’s Drugs, a Sobeys company. A passionate advocate for older adults, Ron continues to contribute through leadership roles, including Chair of the Board of CARP Nova Scotia and past Chair of the Seniors’ Advisory Council of Nova Scotia. He is frequently called upon to speak on aging, accessibility and community well-being. Dr. Bowdish is a Professor at McMaster University and Executive Director of the Firestone Institute of Respiratory Health. Her research focuses on how aging affects the immune system, particularly how inflammation alters immune cell function and increases susceptibility to infections. Her work also examines how the aging immune system interacts with the microbiome and how these processes influence healthy and unhealthy aging. Dr. Bowdish leads the Preclinical Studies in Aging Laboratory and serves on the Board of Directors of the Lung Health Foundation, where she advocates for improved lung health and research funding for older adults.

  7. Mar 31

    Young Hearts, Hard News — Talking to Kids about Dementia

    We explore how to talk to children and young people about dementia in age-appropriate, stigma-reducing ways—supporting connection and well-being for both the person living with dementia and the entire family. Guest Angeleta Cox shares how she talked about her late mother’s young onset Alzheimer's diagnosis with her young child and two teens. And Hannah Gardner, Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People at Dementia UK, speaks to improving support and awareness for children and young people living in families affected by dementia. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

  8. Feb 25

    Dementia 101

    This important Dementia 101 episode breaks down some of the “basics” of dementia, and guides us through the touching experiences of someone supporting a loved one. Guest Alexandra Aguzzi, who cares for her mom Anna, shares candid insights into her life as the caregiver of someone living with dementia, and reflects on moments along her and her mom’s journey. Then neuroscientist, clinical neurologist and associate Professor in the Division of Neurology at the University of Alberta, Dr. Valerie Sim, helps us make sense of several major dementia diseases, including those affecting Alexandra’s mother. Visit us at defydementia.org. Our Guests: Alexandra Aguzzi, a retired civil servant, is the main caregiver to her mom, Anna Aguzzi. Early in life, Anna picked up a paintbrush and transformed a hobby into a life’s passion, becoming a successful painter. Alexandra and Anna now enjoy spending time together at Baycrest, where Anna has been a resident for 3 years, following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s with Lewy body dementia. Dr. Valerie Sim is a neuroscientist, clinical neurologist, and Associate Professor in the Division of Neurology at the University of Alberta, as well as a scientist at the University’s Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases. Her research has explored dementia at many levels: from the misfolding of proteins in a tube, to growing slices of brain in a dish, to human diagnosis and treatment trials. She cares for people living with a variety of neurological disorders, including dementia, and teaches medical students and residents how to diagnose and help people living with complex neurological problems.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Defy Dementia is an empowering new podcast by Baycrest that is dedicated to helping you reduce your dementia risk. Join us on a captivating exploration of key dementia risk factors as we interview experts, hear inspiring stories from persons with lived experience, and share practical advice to help you optimize your aging journey. Tune in and subscribe at defydementia.ca or anywhere you get your podcasts, and unlock the power to age fearlessly and defy dementia. Each episode will be complemented by a short video, infographic, and related resources to help you take control of your brain health. Defy Dementia is hosted by Jay Ingram (Canadian author and broadcaster) and Dr. Allison Sekuler (President and Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation). The podcast is generously funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

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