Do I Know You? Understanding Dementia

Dr Joanna King & Dr Anna Colton
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  • Health & Fitness
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Welcome to Do I Know You? Understanding Dementia, hosted by Dr. Joanna King and Dr. Anna Colton. Having navigated dementia in our own families, we know the experience is emotional, confusing, and sometimes even funny in the darkest ways. We pair this lived reality with our clinical expertise to bring clarity to a misunderstood condition. We explore the science of the brain, the daily realities of caregiving, and the human moments in between. Join us to learn what to expect practically and emotionally, and how to find your footing in a world that can feel upside down.

Episodes

  1. 17h ago

    A New Era for Alzheimer's? The Treatments Changing Everything with Dr Emer MacSweeney

    In this episode, we're joined by consultant neuroradiologist Dr Emer MacSweeney to explore one of the biggest breakthroughs in Alzheimer's research for decades. We discuss the new disease-modifying treatments that are changing the landscape of dementia care, why early diagnosis has never been more important, and the symptoms that should never be dismissed as "just getting older." Dr MacSweeney explains how advances in blood tests, brain imaging and biomarkers are helping clinicians identify Alzheimer's earlier than ever before, opening up opportunities for treatment that simply didn't exist a few years ago. We also unpack the exciting future of dementia prevention, the role of clinical trials, and the lifestyle factors shown to support long-term brain health, including exercise, sleep, social connection and a Mediterranean-style diet. Along the way, Dr MacSweeney shares practical advice for anyone worried about their memory and offers a hopeful glimpse into a future where Alzheimer's may become a disease we can detect earlier, treat more effectively and, one day, even prevent. The episode references landmark Alzheimer's research including the Clarity AD trial (lecanemab), the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ studies (donanemab), and the 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care, which highlights modifiable lifestyle factors that may reduce dementia risk. Find Dr Emer: https://recognitionhealth.com/team-member/dr-emer-macsweeney/ Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  2. Jul 20

    How to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia with Dr Tommy Wood

    Dementia affects millions of families, yet many of us are left wondering whether there's anything we can actually do to reduce our risk. In this episode, neuroscientist Dr Tommy Wood explores the latest research on brain health, explaining what the science really says about dementia prevention, the role of genetics, and the lifestyle factors that may help protect our brains as we age. Together, we discuss everything from sleep, exercise and nutrition to cognitive reserve, menopause, stress and social connection, while separating evidence from hype. This is a balanced, hopeful conversation that empowers you to focus on the factors you can influence—without blame or false promises. Buy Tommy's book, The Stimulated Mind: https://amzn.eu/d/0iyIFNH8 Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  3. Jul 13

    What Happens When Caregiving Ends?

    In this episode of Do I Know You? Understanding Dementia, Dr Anna Colton and Dr Joanna King explore a part of the dementia journey that is rarely discussed: what happens when caregiving comes to an end. Drawing on Anna's personal experience of caring for her mother, they reflect on the unexpected mix of grief, relief and identity that can follow the loss of a loved one, the emotional transition from being a carer to rediscovering yourself, and why there is no right or wrong way to feel. This honest conversation offers reassurance, practical reflections and hope for anyone navigating life after dementia caregiving or supporting someone through this profound life change. Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  4. Jul 6

    The Hardest Decisions: Dementia, Capacity & Assisted Dying with Alex Ruck Keene

    What does it really mean to have the capacity to make a decision? And who decides when that capacity begins to change? In this thought-provoking episode, Jo and Anna are joined by barrister, Professor of Practice, and mental capacity expert Alex Ruck Keene to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of dementia. Together, they explore how the law defines mental capacity, why it is always decision-specific, how fluctuating capacity is managed in practice, and what families need to know about powers of attorney, advance decisions, and supporting a loved one's autonomy as dementia progresses. The conversation also tackles the complex and often emotional debate around assisted dying. Alex explains why the proposed legislation in England and Wales does not currently apply to people living with dementia, while discussing the legal, ethical, and practical questions that continue to shape the conversation. Alongside expert insight, Jo and Anna share deeply personal reflections from their own family experiences, creating an honest, compassionate discussion about choice, dignity, and the realities of planning ahead. Find Alex: https://www.39essex.com/profile/alex-ruck-keene-kc-hon/ Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  5. Jun 29

    The Sandwich Generation: Parenting Through a Parent’s Dementia

    What happens when you're trying to care for an ageing parent with dementia while also raising children, holding down a career, and keeping family life afloat? In this episode, it's just the two of us as we have an honest conversation about the reality of being caught in the middle – the guilt, the exhaustion, the impossible balancing act, and the emotional weight that so many families quietly carry. We share our own very different experiences of navigating dementia within our families, the impact it's had on our relationships, work and parenting, and the lessons we've learned along the way. If you're supporting a loved one with dementia, or know someone who is, we hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone – and that asking for support isn't a sign of weakness, it's essential. Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  6. Jun 22

    Alcohol & Dementia: What the Science Really Says with Professor David Nutt

    In this episode of Do I Know You?, Jo and Anna are joined by world-leading neuropsychopharmacologist Professor David Nutt to unpack the complex relationship between alcohol and dementia. Together, they explore what alcohol really does to the brain, how binge drinking differs from regular drinking, whether any amount of alcohol is truly safe, and what the latest research tells us about reducing your risk of cognitive decline. Professor Nutt also explains why alcohol is one of the biggest preventable risk factors for brain damage, the role of inflammation and head injuries, and why social connection still matters when thinking about brain health. This is a fascinating, evidence-based conversation that cuts through the myths and offers practical advice for anyone wanting to better protect their brain as they age. Find out more: Learn more about Professor David Nutt's work at GABA Labs.Discover Professor Nutt's alcohol-free botanical spirits, SENTIA Spirits.Follow Professor David Nutt and his latest research via GABA Labs. Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  7. Jun 15

    Who Cares for the Carer?

    Caring for someone with dementia is often described through the practical tasks it involves, but far less attention is given to the invisible mental load that carers carry every single day. In this episode, Anna and Jo explore the emotional reality of dementia caregiving: the constant background worry, the feeling that a loved one is living "rent-free" in your mind, and the challenge of balancing caring responsibilities alongside work, parenting, relationships and everyday life. Through their own personal experiences, they discuss guilt, overwhelm, exhaustion, anger and the often-unspoken impact dementia can have on the entire family. They also unpack some fascinating research on the toll caregiving takes on mental health. Studies show that dementia carers experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety and emotional burden compared to non-carers, while "sandwich carers" - those caring for both children and ageing parents - report even greater levels of stress and overload. Anna and Jo also discuss research linking dementia caregiving to poorer sleep quality and chronic exhaustion, while sharing practical reflections on support, respite, carers' groups and why looking after yourself isn't selfish - it's essential.  Research and support discussed in this episode: The hidden mental health impact of caregiving: An umbrella review of caregiver research found significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety and caregiver burden among informal carers.https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5491&context=soss_researchThe reality of being a sandwich caregiver: Research exploring those caring for both ageing parents and dependent children found higher levels of emotional strain, financial difficulty and feelings of overload.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10023280/The impact of caregiving on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis found that dementia caregivers experience significantly poorer sleep quality and lose up to 3.5 hours of sleep per week compared to non-caregivers.https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2748661Support for dementia carers: Information, resources and support groups for people caring for someone with dementia.https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-careDementia UK – Support for family carers: Practical advice and specialist support from Admiral Nurses.https://www.dementiauk.org/for-family-and-friends/ Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  8. Jun 8

    What Nobody Tells You About Caring For A Parent With Dementia with Professor June Andrews

    When a parent or loved one is diagnosed with dementia, most families are left asking the same questions: What happens now? How do we cope? And why does nobody talk about how emotionally difficult caring can be? In this episode, Anna and Jo are joined by dementia specialist Professor June Andrews for an honest and practical conversation about diagnosis, care planning, family dynamics and the realities of becoming a carer. Together they explore the hidden grief that often comes with dementia, the guilt and isolation many carers experience, and why looking after yourself is just as important as looking after the person you love. Full of warmth, wisdom and reassurance, this is an episode for anyone navigating dementia, caring responsibilities, or supporting a loved one through later life. Find Professor June Andrews: https://juneandrews.net/ Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  9. Jun 1

    The Grief of Losing Someone Who Is Still Alive

    In this episode, Anna and Jo have an honest conversation about anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, and the emotional reality of loving someone with dementia. Together, they explore the experience of grieving someone who is still alive — the heartbreak of watching a parent slowly change, the loss of reciprocity in relationships, and the confusing emotional tension of feeling both connection and distance at the same time. From navigating care homes and family dynamics to moments of lucidity, guilt, exhaustion, and unexpected humour, this episode sheds light on a form of grief that so many people experience but rarely talk about openly.  They also discuss the psychology behind ambiguous loss, drawing on the work of Pauline Boss, and reflect on how dementia impacts identity, attachment, caregiving, and emotional resilience. Whether you are supporting a loved one with Dementia or another progressive illness, caring for ageing parents, or struggling with anticipatory grief yourself, this conversation offers comfort, validation, practical insight, and a reminder that you are not alone in what can often feel like an isolating experience. Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  10. May 25

    Why Dementia Is So Much More Than Memory Loss with Professor James Rowe

    Dementia is so often spoken about as though it is simply memory loss, but in this compassionate and eye opening conversation, Professor James Rowe explains what is actually happening inside the brain during diseases like Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, why behaviour and personality can change so dramatically, and how families can better understand the people they love through these frightening and confusing experiences.  Together we explore diagnosis, anticipatory grief, paranoia, hallucinations, the loneliness of caring for someone with dementia and the urgent need for more humane, proactive support. Most importantly, this episode offers something many families are rarely given when it comes to dementia: hope. From groundbreaking blood tests to emerging treatments and practical ways to improve quality of life, Professor Rowe explains why dementia is not hopeless and why people living with it deserve far more care, dignity and support than they currently receive. Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

  11. May 18

    The Dementia Connection

    In this first episode of Do I Know You? Understanding Dementia, Dr Joanna King and Dr Anna Colton introduce the podcast and the personal stories behind it. As clinical psychologists who have both experienced dementia in their own families, they reflect on the emotional reality of caring for a parent with dementia, the shock of diagnosis, anticipatory grief, young onset Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, family roles, lack of support, and the moments of humour and connection that can sit alongside the heartbreak. This episode sets out the heart of the series: bringing together lived experience, psychological insight, evidence-based information and honest conversation to help people affected by dementia feel more informed, more understood and less alone. Follow Do I Know You? on Instagram: @doiknowyoupodcast Follow Anna: @drannacolton Follow Jo: @theemdrpsychologist

  12. Trailer

    Trailer: Introducing Do I Know You? Understanding Dementia

    Welcome to the first look at Do I Know You?, a podcast that bridges the gap between clinical expertise and the lived reality of dementia. Hosts Dr. Joanna King and Dr. Ana Colton share why they are stepping away from the clinic to have an honest, raw conversation about a condition that has touched both of their families. In this trailer, we define our mission: to provide clarity in the confusion. We discuss the "upside down" world of caregiving, the science behind the symptoms, and why finding humor in the dark moments is a vital part of the journey. Whether you are a caregiver, a professional, or someone seeking answers, this show is designed to help you find your footing.

Trailer

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Welcome to Do I Know You? Understanding Dementia, hosted by Dr. Joanna King and Dr. Anna Colton. Having navigated dementia in our own families, we know the experience is emotional, confusing, and sometimes even funny in the darkest ways. We pair this lived reality with our clinical expertise to bring clarity to a misunderstood condition. We explore the science of the brain, the daily realities of caregiving, and the human moments in between. Join us to learn what to expect practically and emotionally, and how to find your footing in a world that can feel upside down.

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