Alzheimer's Society Podcast

This episode is all about Dementia's Got Talent, a very special show that took place at the Darlington Hippodrome earlier in 2025 and featured performers living with dementia. We visited the Darlington Hippodrome to meet the people behind the show and one of its stars, rookie comedian Maureen Kay. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

In this episode of the Dementia together podcast we chat with Jitendra Gupta in Bradford about finding confidence after his dementia diagnosis. When Jitendra first received the news he had Alzheimer's disease, he felt pessimistic about the future. But with the support of his family, friends and other networks, including Alzheimer's Society, Jitendra has regained enjoyment in life. And he's not given up on his dream to become a lawyer. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

Our latest Dementia together podcast is all about enjoyable and engaging activities for people with dementia. First, we speak with Emma Hutchin, who after caring for her Nan Doris was inspired to change careers. She left the teaching profession to work with people with dementia as a Drawing and Talking practitioner. And we also chat with Angelo Makri, Alzheimer's Society Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing who gives us the lowdown on choosing activities. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. To learn more about Drawing and Talking visit https://drawingandtalking.com For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast, we spoke to three people involved in a unique heritage project in Wales. Museums Inspiring Memories is a partnership between Amgueddfa Cymru and Alzheimer's Society Cymru, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Its aim is to help museums in Wales be more inclusive and involving. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Dawn Davies in Swansea. Around two years ago, Dawn was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's. It came as a massive shock and Dawn retreated from the world, even the idea of leaving the house terrified her. But with support from her family and the Dementia Hwb in Swansea's Quadrant Shopping Centre, Dawn turned things around. Dawn now works at the Hwb, helping others deal with a dementia diagnosis. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Philip Angrave, in Kent. Phil worked in the NHS for over 40 years and was a lecturer for more than 20 years, teaching undergraduate nurses and doctors. Phil decided to step back from work following a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia. He's now using his experience for a different purpose – calling on his local decision-makers to make dementia a priority in his area. Listen to hear how Phil is campaigning for change and his top tips for others who want to campaign. Also in this episode, Kath Falconer, National Influencing Officer at Alzheimer's Society, explains why campaigners like Phil are so important. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Teresa Davies, in north-east Wales. Just over a decade ago, Teresa was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's. This came as a shock and left the usually positive Teresa in a dark place. She says she ‘didn't know how to cope' after her diagnosis and wasn't given the right support. But a chance meeting turned things around and helped Teresa to find a new purpose. She now lives as well as she can with dementia and supports others affected by the condition. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to brothers Adam and Neil Joesbury and their dad Bob, in Birmingham. Bob has vascular dementia and the family works together to support each other. Adam has a learning disability and cares for Bob. This means Neil can continue to go to work and all three can be independent. At first, it was difficult to find the right support for Adam. He knew something was wrong with his dad, but found it difficult to understand. This changed when a dementia adviser from Alzheimer's Society gave him the support he needed. Since then, Adam has been using his voice to try to change things for the better for carers with a learning disability – he doesn't want anyone to face the same challenges he did. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to retired nurse and youth worker Anne Hoad in Deal, Kent. Anne was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) in 2021. Anne's PCA was missed by her GP at first. They initially prescribed her anti-depressants. After speaking to friends who had experienced depression, Anne's husband Tony realised that her symptoms were quite different. They returned to Anne's GP and were able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Anne and Tony tell us how life has changed following this diagnosis and how they cope with the daily challenges of living with a rare dementia. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to retired teacher Nellie Suffolk, aged 82, in Bristol. Nellie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease around six years ago. This diagnosis came as a shock because Nellie had put her symptoms down to getting older. Nellie was born in Zambia when it was still under British rule and was one of the few girls to complete primary education at the time. She spent her life in education, teaching and studying across the UK and in several African nations. Nellie tells us how she remains as independent and active as she can following her diagnosis. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Rashmi Paun, aged 77, in Brighton. Rashmi, a former physics teacher, initially put his memory problems down to age but was later diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Rashmi had always had a way with numbers, but his wife Maggie soon had to take on more daily tasks, including the couple's finances. Maggie says it was difficult to navigate life after a diagnosis, with 'no clear roadmap', and she is grateful for support from local groups and charities. Listen to find out more about Rashmi and Maggie's experience. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Gill Taylor, aged 70, in County Durham. Gill was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's when she was 58. At the time, she says she 'never even considered' that she could have dementia, because of her age. Contrary to her initial diagnosis, Gill has now been told she may have a rarer type of dementia. She's undergoing more tests to find out. A lack of local activities for people affected by dementia prompted Gill to start an arts group called Let's Meet Up and she tells us more about the importance of the group. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Warren Berman, aged 70, in Leeds. He was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2019 – the same type of dementia as Bruce Willis. Warren's neighbours were the first to notice his dementia symptoms. He has seen mental health issues from both sides, having experienced them himself and through supporting others. His happy childhood memories have remained with him and he believes staying active is the key to living well with dementia. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Ananga Moonesinghe, aged 76, in Luton, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2019. Ananga sees dementia as 'a different journey' and is a strong advocate for people with a dementia diagnosis. He recently helped to deliver an open letter - signed by 36,000 people - to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Ananga and his wife Joanna also tell the story of how they met during his time in the RAF. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Andy Paul in Deeside, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2019, aged just 60. Andy, who remains an avid Leeds United fan, has valued setting some important things in place for the future, such as a will and power of attorney, while also being focused on enjoying the present. He's keen to raise awareness, having had to address stigma over his diagnosis. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Kath Sutherland, who is 82, lives in Wigan and has dementia. Kath tells us about making a new home for herself at Belong Wigan, a care village in Greater Manchester. She also discusses her earlier life in Liverpool and Australia, the impact dementia has had on many relatives, and life since her own diagnosis. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Shirley Williams, who is 80, lives in Brighton, and has Alzheimer's. Shirley tells us about coming from British Guyana to England in the early 1960s, to work as a nurse. She also discusses her dementia diagnosis, and how she is doing all she can to keep her mind as sharp as possible, while refusing to let dementia spoil her life. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Michael Keenan, who is 62, lives in Omagh in Northern Ireland, and has young-onset Alzheimer's. We chatted to Michael twice – in mid-2021 and early 2022 – to find out more about his life and the challenges he's been facing during the pandemic. Despite enduring a difficult time, Michael believes that better days aren't too far away and can't wait to get back involved. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer's Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Pete Middleton, who is 67 and lives with his wife Pam near Kettering in the East Midlands. Pete was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in January 2019, which forced him into early retirement. As Pete explains, he bounced back by using his experiences of dementia to support the work of Alzheimer's Society, even though some of this has been disrupted, like so much else, by the COVID pandemic.

When you're caring for a person with dementia it can help you to find the right support. This will help you to live well. This track summarises some of the key ways that carers can get support.

Communicating together can become more difficult over time, as the person's dementia gets worse. This track summarises tips for carers to help them communicate clearly and calmly.

Having dementia doesn't mean you should feel ill or low. You should see the doctor if you're feeling unwell. Being ill can make dementia worse. Being active can help you to stay independent and keep in touch with other people.

As we hopefully continue to emerge from the Covid pandemic, many of us will be looking forward to returning to something resembling normal life. But for Michael Andrews that may no longer be possible. Michael is 61 and has a rarer form of dementia called posterior cortical atrophy, also known as PCA. Hear about his ongoing attempts to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and the changes he's experiencing in himself.

Having dementia doesn't mean you need to stop doing the things you enjoy. This track has tips that can make it easier to live with memory loss.

Planning ahead means sorting out things like money, wills and powers of attorney. This track explains some of the ways you can plan ahead if you're affected by dementia.

When you have dementia, it helps to find the right support. This will help you to live well. This track summarises some of the main sources of support for people with dementia.

There is no cure for dementia yet. Some symptoms can be treated with drugs. This track summarises the main drug treatments for dementia.

There is no cure for dementia yet. There are ways of treating some symptoms without using drugs. This track summarises the main non-drug treatments for dementia.

This track summarises the important information you might need to know about the signs and symptoms of dementia. It signposts to more detailed information, if you need more.

Alzheimer's Society's helpsheets are short and simplified summaries of our most popular information. Each helpsheet covers a single topic. There are ten topics in total. We’ll upload the audio versions for a couple of topics a week. If you'd like to know more about a topic, each helpsheet mentions our factsheets or booklets, and their codes. These have more detail and information in them. Make a note of the title and code. You can find them on our full list of publications: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets/full-list

This track summarises the important information you might need to know about dementia. It signposts to more detailed information, if you need more.

With the pandemic ongoing, our Dementia together podcast interviews continue to take place by video call. In early November we spoke to 82-year-old Musharraff Ali, who has Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, to hear about his experiences of living with the condition. As you’ll hear, the fact that Musharraff was prepared to discuss his dementia so openly shows just how far he has come since his diagnosis in 2014.

For the latest episode of our podcast, we speak by video call to Vesna, who has vascular dementia. Vesna lives in Bromley in south east London, but was raised in the care system in Manchester. She tells us about the challenges of her early life, the support she’s had during the coronavirus pandemic, and how she refuses to be defined by her dementia diagnosis.

The coronavirus lockdown has paused many activities that have helped Barney Thompson come to terms with having dementia with Lewy bodies. We spoke to Barney, who lives in Northern Ireland, by video call over a period of months, as he discussed dementia, driving, Alzheimer’s Society support and his attempts to help others who have a diagnosis.

Diagnosed with dementia while still in her 40s, Amanda Quinn wants others to know they have a voice.

Having feared the worst after his dementia diagnosis, Masood Qureshi is now focused on changing people’s perceptions.

Gordon Lambert is doing everything he can to help himself to live well with dementia.

Celine Quinn faces up to dementia with the support of her faith, family and Alzheimer’s Society.

Raymond James has ‘come alive’ with the support he’s found through Alzheimer’s Society

Stunned by her dementia diagnosis, Margaret Willis had to battle her fears to reach a point of acceptance.

After initial denial and dread about her dementia diagnosis, Sue Strachan’s awareness raising now includes appearing in a new TV series.

Living in a remote spot, Pam Wood appreciates her continued connections with other people. Gareth Bracken meets a woman with dementia focusing on what each day brings.

As he tackles both bereavement and dementia, Nicky Stephens remains determined to maintain an active lifestyle. Gareth Bracken meets a man who prefers support to sympathy.

When people are denied basic human rights, Nigel Hullah believes in the power of a shared voice. Gareth Bracken meets a man with dementia who wants everyone to have their say.

403 What Is Dementia With Lewy Bodies by Alzheimer's Society

404 What Is Frontotemporal Dementia by Alzheimer's Society

417 The Later Stages Of Dementia Factsheet by Alzheimer's Society

525 Changes In Behaviour by Alzheimer's Society

526 Coping With Memory Loss by Alzheimer's Society

Amid some difficult days since his dementia diagnosis, Elmar has found support in a place where he knows he’s not being judged. Gareth Bracken meets a man benefitting from a welcoming group.

Used to helping others, Kenrick Goppy is learning to accept that he’s the one who needs support now. Gareth Bracken meets a man adapting to the impact of dementia.