Fighting Dementia Podcast

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Hosted by Fran & Tom who live with Dementia, we’re a podcast & community for those impacted in the early to middle stages – offering expert insights, honest stories & support. For those diagnosed, carers & families who need to feel seen, informed & less alone 🤝 **New Episodes Weekly On Mondays!** We want to take viewers on a journey to see what behaviours can be adapted, changed or moulded to support good brain health, and fight the progression of Dementia 🥊

  1. Aug 3

    Small Lifestyle Changes That Matter | Fighting Dementia Episode 38

    On this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, hosts Leon, Fran, and Tom speak with Dr. Sabine Donnai, a Belgian-trained GP who now runs a London clinic focused on optimising whole-body health to support brain function. Dr. Donnai explains dementia as the brain protecting itself from harmful drivers - such as diabetes, high blood pressure, excess weight, toxins, gut and hormone issues, or head injuries - and stresses it’s never too late to make changes that can slow progression and sometimes improve early cognitive decline, though severe damage may be irreversible. She emphasises basics like whole foods, sleep, stress management, purpose, activity, omega-3s, vitamin D, and avoiding excess sugar, plus learning challenging new skills rather than relying on crosswords. Resources & Further Reading: Meditation & Dementia Research:https://news.med.miami.edu/worried-about-alzheimers-meditate-and-mingle-study-says/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-subtle-impact/202506/meditation-could-reverse-brain-aging SURF (Service Users Reference Forum): https://surfdementia.org/ Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/ Reddit Dementia Communities: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ Powers of Attorney Info (UK): https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Chapters: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:28 Meet Dr Sabine 00:49 Why Brain Health 04:14 Clinic Approach 05:45 Never Too Late 06:39 Drivers of Dementia 09:15 Neuroplasticity Hope 10:52 Back to Basics 14:14 Food and Fats 16:46 Making Change Stick 19:13 Train Your Brain 21:01 Medicine vs Lifestyle 24:42 Bypass the System 28:02 Hosts Debrief 28:14 New Skills Ideas 29:26 Finding Purpose 30:36 Tom’s Motivators 32:10 Lessons from the Talk 32:37 Painting as Therapy 33:52 Creative Focus and Routine 35:21 Caregiver Tips and Reminders 36:34 Leaving Work and New Structure 37:46 Fatigue and Brain Health Habits 39:37 Oily Fish Diet Check In 42:46 Tools Apps and Whole Foods 47:53 Modern Food and Growing Veg 50:20 Tomato Memories and Farewell

  2. Jul 27

    South Asian Dementia Support in Greater Manchester | Fighting Dementia Ep 41

    On this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, presenters Leon, Fran and Tom (who live with Alzheimer’s/mixed dementia) welcome Sonya Rahman, a local services manager at the Alzheimer’s Society who leads SAHARA, the South Asian Dementia Support Service across Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs. Sonya shares her lived experience of caring for family members with vascular dementia and early-onset Alzheimer’s, highlighting how early diagnosis and better understanding improved quality of life. The group discusses stigma, the lack of a word for dementia in some South Asian languages, and how SAHARA delivers dementia awareness in communities, faith settings, schools and for professionals, plus South Asian memory cafés. They also discuss limited collaboration and gaps in post-diagnosis NHS support, and end with a segment on healthier eating, using an app to avoid ultra-processed foods, and sticking to sustainable diet changes. Resources & Further Reading: Meditation & Dementia Research:https://news.med.miami.edu/worried-about-alzheimers-meditate-and-mingle-study-says/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-subtle-impact/202506/meditation-could-reverse-brain-aging SURF (Service Users Reference Forum): https://surfdementia.org/ Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/ Reddit Dementia Communities: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ Powers of Attorney Info (UK): https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:28 Meet Sonya 02:00 Family Dementia Journeys 04:31 Stigma and Language Barriers 05:46 Awareness Work and Memory Cafes 07:32 Living Well After Diagnosis 09:07 Youth Education in Communities 12:55 Games and Tools for Awareness 14:39 Advice and Getting Support 17:49 Collaboration Across Services 21:15 Gaps in NHS Follow-Up Care 23:24 NHS Dementia Gaps 24:14 Changing Dementia Care 24:33 Diagnosis Action Plans 25:22 Podcast Farewell 25:42 Oily Fish Diet Check 26:27 Smart Swaps and Treats 28:46 Using the Yuka App 30:09 Family Progress and Brain Health 31:52 Summer Goals and Cycling Banter 33:32 Wrap Up and Disclaimer

  3. Jul 20

    Smart Socks for Dementia Care | Fighting Dementia Ep 40

    On this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, hosts Fran, and Tom speak with Zeke about “smart socks” developed after his great-grandmother’s dementia journey. He explains how the socks were created through care home volunteering and PhD research at the University of Bristol, focusing on detecting early signs of distress linked to unmet needs and addressing why wrist-worn devices often fail in care settings. Milbotix SmartSocks measure pulse, temperature, sweat and movement to flag stress/anxiety, analyse gait changes, detect falls and help carers intervene earlier; a newer version adds optional locating support via a companion device with cellular connectivity. They discuss pilots across care homes, an NHS pilot, a government grant to extend research, pricing and plans to reduce cost via subscriptions, plus wider applications and the importance of carers looking after themselves. Learn more about SmartSocks here - https://milbotix.com/shop/ Resources & Further Reading: Meditation & Dementia Research:https://news.med.miami.edu/worried-about-alzheimers-meditate-and-mingle-study-says/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-subtle-impact/202506/meditation-could-reverse-brain-aging SURF (Service Users Reference Forum): https://surfdementia.org/ Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/ Reddit Dementia Communities: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ Powers of Attorney Info (UK): https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Chapters: 00:00 Podcast Introductions 00:40 Why Smart Socks 02:41 Behavioural Symptoms Focus 03:31 PhD And Care Home Insights 04:53 Why A Sock Design 05:18 Battery And Care Settings 05:46 Wandering And GPS Tracking 07:01 Trials And Research Funding 07:54 How The Sensors Work 09:25 Preventing Falls Early 10:39 NHS And Home Care Uses 12:14 Safety Features And New Data 13:10 Cost And Subscription Model 14:10 Comfort And Sizing Design 15:13 Beyond Dementia Applications 16:35 Future Vision And Parkinsons 18:37 Developer Programme Pitch 19:49 How to Contact Milbotix 20:25 Subscribe and Share 20:57 Carer Self Care Matters 22:00 Respite and Early Intervention 24:04 Thanks and Alzheimer’s Society 25:03 Oily Fish Diet Check In 27:20 Taste Test Sour Fruits 29:54 Food Preferences and Texture 32:43 Oily Fish Wrap Up 33:00 Final Listener Disclaimer

  4. Jul 6

    What to Put in Your Will and Why It Matters | Fighting Dementia Ep 39

    On the Fighting Dementia Podcast, presenters Leon, Fran (living with Alzheimer’s), and Tom (living with mixed dementia) welcome Anne, a solicitor from Tonne Gregory Solicitors, to discuss why having a professionally prepared will matters, especially for people affected by dementia. Anne explains key will components such as choosing executors, naming beneficiaries (including sentimental gifts), and planning for debts and estate distribution, while highlighting risks like coercion, errors in DIY or online wills, and increasing will challenges. She outlines witness requirements, intestacy rules if no valid will exists, and the use of appointment notes, medical capacity reports, and “reasons why” letters to reduce disputes. The group also briefly discusses learning new skills and making new neural connections, sharing examples like painting by numbers and trying activities such as dancing or bowling. Resources & Further Reading: Meditation & Dementia Research:https://news.med.miami.edu/worried-about-alzheimers-meditate-and-mingle-study-says/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-subtle-impact/202506/meditation-could-reverse-brain-aging SURF (Service Users Reference Forum): https://surfdementia.org/ Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/ Reddit Dementia Communities: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ Powers of Attorney Info (UK): https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:37 Meet Anne the Solicitor 01:31 Why Wills Matter 02:24 Choosing Executors 04:35 Challenges and Capacity 08:37 Safeguarding Vulnerable Clients 10:32 When to Make a Will 12:18 Costs and Complexity 13:08 Property Ownership Options 15:06 Small Estates and Sentimental Gifts 17:43 Leaving Someone Out 25:27 DIY Wills and Witness Rules 27:26 Top Tips Before You Start 28:05 Equal Shares and Contingencies 28:42 What If Everyone Dies 29:33 Get a Will Professionally 30:10 Wrap Up and Community Plug 31:30 Build New Brain Connections 32:32 Painting by Numbers Focus 33:33 Trying New Skills Together 36:34 Bowls and Other Hobbies 38:01 Oily Fish Diet Check In 39:42 Mediterranean Meals and Swaps 42:48 Taste Smell and Hydration 44:42 Kale Pesto Recipe and Goodbye 45:33 Final Disclaimer and Thanks

  5. Jun 1

    Liverpool’s Dementia Strategy | Fighting Dementia Episode 38

    On this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, presenters Leon, Fran (Alzheimer’s) and Tom (mixed dementia) speak with Liverpool City Council’s Emma (Senior Public Health Practitioner and healthy ageing lead) and Ellie (Director of Adult Strategic Commissioning) about Liverpool’s newly launched dementia strategic action plan and how public health, adult social care and NHS partners are working together over the next three years. They discuss the need to better connect existing services so people aren’t left after diagnosis, improve information and signposting, address stigma, and build a truly dementia-friendly city (transport, public-facing roles, and inclusion). They highlight work to reduce inequalities through funding for the Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance, including dementia champions focused on minoritised communities and young-onset dementia, plus training for adult social care staff. The episode also covers prevention and early identification via health checks, links between heart health and dementia risk factors, support for carers through a five-year carers strategy, and a “Oily Fish” segment on diet changes inspired by Mediterranean/MIND approaches. Resources & Further Reading: Meditation & Dementia Research:https://news.med.miami.edu/worried-about-alzheimers-meditate-and-mingle-study-says/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-subtle-impact/202506/meditation-could-reverse-brain-aging SURF (Service Users Reference Forum): https://surfdementia.org/ Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/ Reddit Dementia Communities: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ Powers of Attorney Info (UK): https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:26 Meet the Liverpool Council Guests 02:52 Dementia Action Plan Launch 04:08 Connecting Support Pathways 05:01 Services in Silos Problem 06:37 Dementia Friendly City Vision 07:37 Young Onset Dementia Needs 09:29 Funding and Inequality Focus 10:46 Prevention and Health Checks 14:56 Training and Awareness Drive 18:32 Signposting and One Stop Info 19:56 Carer Strategy and Workplace Support 23:41 Tech and Future of Dementia Care 26:37 Regional and National Standards 31:44 Break and Listener Call to Action 32:48 Advice for Newly Diagnosed 33:23 Life After Diagnosis 34:21 Finding Community Purpose 37:15 Social Work Reflections 38:19 Better Info Prevention 42:00 Oily Fish Diet Check 45:21 Mediterranean Swaps Recipes 49:38 Cookbook Idea Wrap Up 50:07 Final Thanks Disclaimer Recipe:Date and oat cakeDates 150 gm Banana 1Chopped walnuts 50 gm and some extra to top cakeChopped dark chocolate 70% cocoa or chocolate chips 50 gm and some extra to top cakeMilk 250 mlOats 150 gmEggs 2 largeOil 4 tbsBaking powder 1 tspBicarbonate of soda 1 tspCinamon 1 tspInstructionsHeat oven to 180 C. Heat milk so that it is hot not boiling. Place dates in heatproof bowl. Soak dates in hot milk for 20 minutes. Blend the dates and milk.Blend the oats to look like flour.Smash the bananaAdd egg and oil to the date mixture.Add baking soda and bicarbonate of soda to oat flour.Add oats into date mixture and add banana, chopped walnuts and chocolate and mix well. Transfer mixture to cake tin or loaf tin. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and chocolateBake for 35 to 40 minutes.Leave to cool

  6. May 25

    Diet, Brain Health & Dementia | Fighting Dementia Episode 37

    Leon, Fran and Tom welcome Kirsty Robinson, a dietetic team lead for stroke and neuro with nearly 20 years’ experience and a personal connection to dementia through her grandfather. They discuss what dietitians do, why nutrition matters as one pillar of brain health alongside exercise, social interaction, stress reduction, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, and why there’s no single “magic bullet” food. The group explores sugar intake, fruit, hydration (aiming for 6–8 glasses of fluid daily), and the gap in early-stage/young-onset dementia support and resources - especially around changing tastes, reduced enjoyment of food, and cravings for sweet or stronger flavors. Kirsty outlines evidence-based healthy eating approaches, including Mediterranean-style eating and the MIND and DASH diets, and the hosts launch a new weekly “Oily Fish” segment focused on practical meal ideas. Resources & Further Reading: Meditation & Dementia Research:https://news.med.miami.edu/worried-about-alzheimers-meditate-and-mingle-study-says/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-subtle-impact/202506/meditation-could-reverse-brain-aging SURF (Service Users Reference Forum): https://surfdementia.org/ Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/ Reddit Dementia Communities: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ Powers of Attorney Info (UK): https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Chapters: 00:00 Podcast welcome and hosts 00:30 Meet dietitian Kirsty 00:59 Why dietetics and brain health 03:44 Granddad story and neuroplasticity 06:29 How diet fits dementia care 07:32 Sugar myths and smart swaps 09:12 Access to dietitians gap 12:47 Taste changes and cravings 21:44 Hydration and daily fluids 26:08 What helps and next steps 29:14 Brain Healthy Diets 30:57 Mind Diet Evidence 32:04 Taste Change Challenges 32:55 Break And New Segment 33:16 Food Clip Reaction 34:58 Oily Fish Basics 36:08 Recipes And Meal Ideas 39:11 Overnight Oats Debate 42:08 Weekly Meals Roundup 44:10 Wrap Up And Disclaimer

  7. May 11

    Memory Boxes to Mobile Museums: Innovative Approaches to Dementia | Fighting Dementia Episode 36

    On this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, presenters Leon and Fran are joined by Kathy, a project facilitator from House of Memories in Liverpool. Kathy explains how the programme uses museum objects to spark conversation and reminiscence through free themed “memory suitcases,” a mobile museum van with immersive digital screens, and a free app that puts themed museum collections “in your pocket.” She discusses adapting content for younger-onset dementia and creating culturally relevant suitcases (including Irish, Chinese, and Afro-Caribbean) with community input. The group talks about outcomes such as reducing isolation, creating shared experiences for families and carers, and “magic moments” where people speak or read unexpectedly. They also share practical, low-cost ideas like making a personal memory box and using meaningful objects and music while being mindful that some memories can be emotional. Resources & Further Reading: Meditation & Dementia Research:https://news.med.miami.edu/worried-about-alzheimers-meditate-and-mingle-study-says/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-subtle-impact/202506/meditation-could-reverse-brain-aging SURF (Service Users Reference Forum): https://surfdementia.org/ Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/ Reddit Dementia Communities: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ Powers of Attorney Info (UK): https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Chapters: 00:00 Podcast Introductions 00:37 Meet House of Memories 01:37 Growing With Community 02:33 Memory Suitcases Explained 03:20 Why Reminiscence Works 05:24 Updating For Younger Onset 07:06 Sessions In The Community 09:34 The Mobile Museum Van 11:54 App Takeaway And Outcomes 13:46 Funding And Support 15:21 Culture And Inclusion Suitcases 16:49 DIY Memory Box Tips 20:39 Living With A Memory Box 21:53 Memory Box Boost 23:04 Music Mood Triggers 24:29 Talking Through Memories 26:06 House of Memories Impact 26:55 Magic Moments Bus 28:22 How the Bus Works 29:30 Engage Dementia Community 32:02 Reminiscence Corner Break 32:43 Holiday Change Overwhelm 35:20 Meaningful Objects Only 37:48 Personal Keepsake Stories 40:57 Closing Thanks Resources

  8. Apr 29

    Dementia Friendly Radio: Music, Memory & Calm Listening | Fighting Dementia Episode 35

    On this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, Leon is joined by presenters Fran (Alzheimer’s/mixed dementia) and Tom (mixed dementia) alongside guest Nat from Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio (MDFR). Nat explains he founded MDFR in early 2020 after caring for family members with dementia and wanting comforting audio without distressing content. The station is dementia friendly rather than dementia focused, offering clear, simple presentation with no news, no adverts, and reduced “sonic clutter,” and curating music around listeners’ “memory bump,” shifting eras from the 1930s–80s to the 40s–90s. Nat shares access options (website mdfr.co.uk, Alexa, and DAB in Liverpool areas), listener feedback, and MDFR’s Merseyside noticeboard for dementia events and services. The group discusses how music supports mood, reminiscence, conversation, and wellbeing, and Nat invites donations and volunteers plus feedback and advisory groups. www.mdfr.co.uk Resources & Further Reading: Meditation & Dementia Research:https://news.med.miami.edu/worried-about-alzheimers-meditate-and-mingle-study-says/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-subtle-impact/202506/meditation-could-reverse-brain-aging SURF (Service Users Reference Forum): https://surfdementia.org/ Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/ Reddit Dementia Communities: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ Powers of Attorney Info (UK): https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Chapters: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:29 Meet Nat and MDFR 01:15 Why Start the Station 02:49 Dementia Friendly Not Focused 05:16 How to Listen DAB Alexa Web 08:36 Local Flavour Noticeboard 10:43 No News No Adverts 15:03 Music and Reminiscence Power 19:48 Using Music on Bad Days 23:00 Science of Music Memory 24:48 How to Tune In 30:09 Playlist Stories and Videos 32:47 Alexa Tips 35:05 Final Thanks and Radio Example

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About

Hosted by Fran & Tom who live with Dementia, we’re a podcast & community for those impacted in the early to middle stages – offering expert insights, honest stories & support. For those diagnosed, carers & families who need to feel seen, informed & less alone 🤝 **New Episodes Weekly On Mondays!** We want to take viewers on a journey to see what behaviours can be adapted, changed or moulded to support good brain health, and fight the progression of Dementia 🥊

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