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. 4h ago

    Mum Told Us She Had Dementia Over Spaghetti Bolognese!

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast. Fran told her family she had dementia over a plate of spaghetti bolognese, so casually that they carried on eating. Fran's daughter Kelly-Ann, on the podcast for the first time, and her husband Frank join Leon to look back on the seven or eight years since. Kelly-Ann remembers ordering around 25 booklets from the Alzheimer's website straight away, and the phone call where Fran told her the same story twice in a row. It hasn't happened since. Frank, who used to work with a hospital dementia team, describes a slow, gradual progression and a wife who still won't take a day off. They're honest about the everyday parts of dementia people don't expect: tastes changing, forgetting to eat or drink, sleep, and the running battle to get Fran to rest before she burns out. Both finish with advice for families earlier in the journey, from being patient to changing the way you approach things as the person you love 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 r/dementia: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ UK Power of Attorney: https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Fighting Dementia Podcast 00:22 Meet Fran's daughter Kelly-Ann and husband Frank 00:52 Finding out over spaghetti bolognese 01:55 Booklets and a lot of Google searches 03:06 Frank on a slow, gradual journey 04:12 A couple of steps forward, a couple back 05:36 Why Fran is doing so well 06:39 Trying to get Fran to rest 07:29 Family, grandchildren and a sense of purpose 08:40 Crosswords, puzzles, good days and bad days 10:15 Burnout and finding a balance 11:25 Food, changing tastes and remembering to drink 14:20 Managing other health conditions 16:49 Sleep and evenings 17:55 Frank's work with a hospital dementia team 18:40 Advice for families 21:44 Thanks for listening

  2. Sep 28

    Can You Be Friends With Someone Who Can't Remember You?

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast. Peter Berry was diagnosed with young onset dementia at 50, and nearly 12 years on he's still riding his penny farthing. Peter and his friend and co-author Deb Bunt are back to catch up with Fran and Leon about their new book, Patching the Puncture: Continuing to Live Well with Dementia, the follow-up to Slow Puncture. Peter explains why putting it on paper matters to him: the tide of dementia can't wash the words away. Deb talks about accepting that Peter probably won't remember most of what they do together, and changing her own behaviour so they keep doing it anyway. Peter also talks about keeping his diagnosis quiet for years because he worried people would treat him differently, and why he's now happy to wear his "dementia coat" in public. Fran explains why she wants people to know about her diagnosis, and tells them about a dementia game for children and families she came across at Liverpool John Moores University. Plus Peter's rule for brain health (look after everything from the eyebrows down) and the day he rode 100 miles on a penny farthing. Resources & Further Reading: Peter and Deb's books: https://www.peter-berry.com/the-books Patching the Puncture on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1835743811 Slow Puncture on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1913208931 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 r/dementia: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/ UK Power of Attorney: https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Fighting Dementia Podcast 00:29 Peter and Deb are back 01:09 The last nine months and the new book 03:16 Why they wrote Patching the Puncture 04:45 The title and the penny farthing cover 05:45 Audiobooks and books in other languages 08:13 Accepting Peter won't remember, and adapting 09:52 Being treated differently because you forget 11:27 Friendship when one of you can't remember 12:13 Fran on being open about her diagnosis 14:10 A dementia game for children at LJMU 15:37 Peter's "dementia coat" 18:16 Diet, exercise and staying active 20:14 How dementia changed Fran's life 21:55 100 miles on a penny farthing 22:57 Hope, and saying goodbye

  3. Sep 21

    What It's Really Like Caring for Someone With Dementia

    This week Leon is joined by Marion, Tom's wife and the person who books every guest on this podcast. She talks about what's coming up on the show, including a guest who works on the assistive technology Liverpool City Council uses in care homes, and a GP joining a future episode who has young onset dementia herself. Marion talks honestly about what it's like day to day, the good days and the bad ones, and how Tom's confidence and diet have changed since he started the podcast and began taking creatine, something new research out of America has been looking at for Alzheimer's patients. She's clear that this isn't medical advice, just what's worked for Tom, and that anyone considering it should speak to their GP first. She also talks about the guilt she feels making time for herself, the burnout she's experienced in the past, and how the Sedgemoor support group changed things for both of them. If you're supporting someone living with dementia, there's a good chance some of this will sound familiar. Resources & Further Reading: CNN Creatine Clip: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/08/health/video/creatine-supplement-dr-sanjay-gupta-vrtc 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: 0:00 Welcome back, joined by Marion 1:06 Who's coming up: dementia tech, Michelle King, Deb and Peter, and a GP living with young onset dementia 2:29 Catching up on the summer: Yorkshire and a round of golf 3:29 The change Marion has seen in Tom since starting the podcast 4:09 How the podcast changed Tom's attitude to his diet 7:00 Supporting Tom through good days and bad days 9:27 Fewer bad days since starting creatine 11:38 Living in the moment and hopes for next year 14:32 Why carers need their own routines too 15:35 Marion's own self care and the guilt of taking time for herself 20:25 The Sedgemoor support group and finding your people

  4. Sep 14

    New Hobbies After a Dementia Diagnosis (And Why They Help Your Brain)

    Fran and Tom are back from their summer break, and they've both picked up new hobbies while they were off. Fran's been knitting, doing embroidery and finishing jigsaw puzzles with her granddaughter Daisy. Tom's deep into oil painting and getting ready for an exhibition at St George's Hall in Liverpool next year. Fran talks about filming with the BBC's The One Show at Liverpool University, where she and other families tested a new game designed to teach children what dementia actually is. Tom's been on Granada Reports talking about his art. Both have strong opinions on archery clubs that won't return your emails. They also get into why an early diagnosis matters, why keeping old objects and photos around can work as a form of reminiscence therapy, and why trying something new, even if you're not good at it, helps build new connections in the brain. That last point comes from a short clip revisiting the neuroplasticity conversation from an earlier episode with Dr Sabine. If you're living with dementia or supporting someone who is, we hope this gives you a bit of encouragement to try something new yourself. 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: 0:00 Welcome back after the summer break 1:01 Fran on The One Show and a new dementia game for kids 2:55 Tom's art exhibition at St George's Hall 4:15 New hobbies: knitting, painting and jigsaw puzzles 6:52 Reminiscence therapy and objects that hold memories 8:16 Cycling, golf and travelling further from home 10:09 The Alzheimer's actor doing a one man play in London 11:04 Why an early diagnosis matters 13:06 Diet check in: kale, oily fish and portion control 17:38 Neuroplasticity: why trying new skills helps your brain 20:58 Tom's new painting hobby and taking proper breaks Hashtags: #FightingDementia #DementiaSupport #BrainHealth

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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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