The Dementia Perspective

Guernsey Alzheimer's Association

Brain health is more mainstream than ever. Yet by 2043, dementia cases are expected to soar by 61%. The good news? Scientists now know how we can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of dementia - and if the time comes, how to best support someone with it. Guiding you through the science, this podcast is your essential guide to brain health, now and for the future.

Episodes

  1. 10/22/2025

    Ep 11: Preparing For Your Future - No Matter What Happens

    🧠 Have you ever considered what would happen to you if you were to get dementia? For many this isn’t something we’d want to think about - let alone make a plan for. But by planning for our future, we can protect it - and ensure our freedom, dignity and autonomy are kept in check. ⚡Dementia, like many other life-altering conditions, can reduce a person’s ability to make decisions about their life and how they’re cared for. So in this episode we discuss what you can do ahead of time to prepare for that. Guernsey’s Capacity Law is in the process of being rolled out in the island - and serves as a way into this sensitive and difficult conversation. 💡 In this episode of The Dementia Perspective you will learn: ➡︎ Why people as young as 16 can - and should - plan for their future ➡︎ What meaningful decisions the law allows you to make about your life ➡︎ About lasting power of attorney, advance care plans and more 👥 With thanks to guest Emma Pearce. 🎙️ A podcast from the Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association - your essential guide to brain health, now and for the future. Your host is Ollie Guillou.  👍 Please like, comment and subscribe to this podcast - and consider supporting the good work of the GAA: https://alzheimers.gg/  💡Learn about the Guernsey Capacity Law: https://gov.gg/capacitylaw  📱 Get in touch: Email: info@alzheimers.gg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Guernseyalzheimersassociation/ 🎙️ Production by Phillippa Guillou and OG Podcasts.

    20 min
  2. 06/11/2025

    Ep 6: Pip Looijenga - How Life and Loves Goes On Through Dementia

    🧠 Life radically changes when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. Parts of life you often take for granted, that never cross your mind, are suddenly brought into view. Easy tasks become harder, the way you love and are loved shifts - and the promises you’ve made throughout your lives together take on a much bigger significance. ⚡ But through the grief and the tough days, Pip Looijenga says there is a process of rediscovery that happens - a simplifying of life that reminds you of what is really important. And there is great joy and connection to be found through dementia. Pip Looijenga is wife to Jan, who we met in episode 2, and here she shares her side of the story. 💡 In this episode of The Dementia Perspective you will learn: ➡︎ How dementia makes you learn to appreciate the little things in life ➡︎ Why you never stop relying on or needing your partner, even when dementia has set in ➡︎ What dementia teaches you about love, resilience and self-reliance 🎙️ A podcast from the Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association - your essential guide to brain health, now and for the future. Your host is Ollie Guillou.  👍 Please like, comment and subscribe to this podcast - and consider supporting the good work of the GAA: https://alzheimers.gg/  📱 Get in touch: Email: info@alzheimers.gg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Guernseyalzheimersassociation/  🎙️ Production by Phillippa Guillou and OG Podcasts.

    49 min
  3. 06/04/2025

    Ep 5: Love, Touch, and the Power of Connection in Dementia

    🧠 Dementia is a sensory illness - when someone’s brain begins to fail them, tapping into their senses of touch, taste and smell can bring much-needed connection to their lives. Understanding this can help loved ones communicate, even when connection feels impossible. ⚡ This is just one of the many insights shared in this episode, to help carers and loved ones manage the difficult journey of life with dementia. With 1 in 2 people expected to be affected by dementia in some way, we aim to fully equip you with the tools needed to support carers and patients in the best way possible. 💡 In this episode of The Dementia Perspective you will learn: ➡︎ The surprising intricacies of the dementia grieving process ➡︎ Why a person with dementia is not “challenging” ➡︎ What “I want to go home” or “I want my mum” really means for a dementia patient 👥 With thanks to guests Lottee Bonner, Pip Looijenga, Victoria Lyons and Michelle Kohlschein. 🎙️ A podcast from the Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association - your essential guide to brain health, now and for the future. Your host is Ollie Guillou.  👍 Please like, comment and subscribe to this podcast - and consider supporting the good work of the GAA: https://alzheimers.gg/  📱 Get in touch: Email: info@alzheimers.gg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Guernseyalzheimersassociation/🎙️ Production by Phillippa Guillou and OG Podcasts.

    36 min

About

Brain health is more mainstream than ever. Yet by 2043, dementia cases are expected to soar by 61%. The good news? Scientists now know how we can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of dementia - and if the time comes, how to best support someone with it. Guiding you through the science, this podcast is your essential guide to brain health, now and for the future.