My life with dementia | A Dementia UK podcast

Dementia UK
My life with dementia | A Dementia UK podcast

Presented by actor and Dementia UK Celebrity Ambassador Jim Broadbent, ‘My life with dementia’ takes listeners on a personal journey through the world of dementia, as told by people who have experienced it themselves. People living with the diagnosis. People who have found themselves in a caring role they never expected. And people who are grieving a loved one. Through their stories, and with practical advice from our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, we gain a deeper understanding of the condition from multiple perspectives – as well as invaluable insights, empathy, and hope. This series was produced by Arlie Adlington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. "Life doesn't stop when you get your diagnosis" | Gail's story

    16 OCT

    "Life doesn't stop when you get your diagnosis" | Gail's story

    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.

    30 min
  2. “I thought I knew what grief would feel like” | Ricky’s story

    9 OCT

    “I thought I knew what grief would feel like” | Ricky’s story

    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.

    28 min
  3. "Being a husband and a carer was a big adjustment" | James's story

    2 OCT

    "Being a husband and a carer was a big adjustment" | James's story

    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.

    33 min
  4. “I never expected to care for Dad in my 20s” | Lizzie’s story

    25 SEPT

    “I never expected to care for Dad in my 20s” | Lizzie’s story

    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.

    30 min
  5. “I didn’t think you could get dementia at 52” | Andy’s story

    18 SEPT

    “I didn’t think you could get dementia at 52” | Andy’s story

    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.

    29 min
  6. "We've learnt to work together, for Mum" | Aqib and Shahbanu’s story

    18 SEPT

    "We've learnt to work together, for Mum" | Aqib and Shahbanu’s story

    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.

    32 min
  7. Introducing... My life with dementia, a podcast from Dementia UK

    TRAILER

    Introducing... My life with dementia, a podcast from Dementia UK

    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.

    3 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Presented by actor and Dementia UK Celebrity Ambassador Jim Broadbent, ‘My life with dementia’ takes listeners on a personal journey through the world of dementia, as told by people who have experienced it themselves. People living with the diagnosis. People who have found themselves in a caring role they never expected. And people who are grieving a loved one. Through their stories, and with practical advice from our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, we gain a deeper understanding of the condition from multiple perspectives – as well as invaluable insights, empathy, and hope. This series was produced by Arlie Adlington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

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