Discovering Dementia

In her role at Alzheimer's Society, Kelly Inwood manages a team of people who work directly with those affected by dementia. She sees on a daily basis the importance of the help the Society can offer. That is why she supports the Memory Walk, a series of 24 sponsored walks across the country, aimed to raise funds for research, services and to give hope to people living with dementia now. To find out more, go to www.memorywalk.org.uk Alzheimer's Society also runs a support line. If you are affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis, or you are a carer you can call for more information. Dementia support - 0333 150 3456 Opening hours: Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat and Sun: 10am – 4pm To get in touch with the podcast – www.discoveringdementia.co.uk Insta - @discoveringdementia X -@dementiapodcast Theme music - original composition by Leila Mitwally

This Autumn, thousands of people are signing up for free to do an Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk. The sponsored walks raise money which will go towards supporting those affected by dementia. But who are the people behind that support? Dementia Adviser, Charlotte Murray, tell us about her work for Alzheimer's Society and explains what she does in her role. The Memory Walk brings together people who understand the impact of dementia, mixing the buzz of the crowd along with quiet moments of remembrance. To find out more, go to www.memorywalk.org.uk Alzheimer's Society also runs a support line, which Charlotte mentions. If you are affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis, or you are a carer you can call for more information. Dementia support - 0333 150 3456 Opening hours: Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat and Sun: 10am – 4pm To get in touch with the podcast – www.discoveringdementia.co.uk Insta - @discoveringdementia X -@dementiapodcast Theme music - original composition by Leila Mitwally

In the first episode of this mini series, Helen Pike generously shares her story, talking about caring for her husband Geoff, who has a form of dementia called Primary Progressive Aphasia. She also shares her experience of Memory Walk, which she and Geoff did together last year. Memory Walk is a series of sponsored walks held in September and October across the UK by the Alzheimer's Society. It's free to sign up and open to all. The events bring together people who understand the impact of dementia, mixing the buzz of the crowd along with quiet moments of remembrance. Every pound raised goes towards funding vital research and support for those affected by dementia. To sign up and find out more, go to www.memorywalk.org.uk CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content some listeners may find upsetting Alzheimer's Society also runs a support line. If you are affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis or a carer you can call for more information. Dementia support - 0333 150 3456 Opening hours: Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat and Sun: 10am – 4pm To get in touch with the podcast – www.discoveringdementia.co.uk Insta - @discoveringdementia X -@dementiapodcast Theme music - original composition by Leila Mitwally

In the last of this mini series of seasonal interviews, Brian Gamble, a Volunteer Ambassador for Dementia UK, talks about how important it is to share as much information as possible on dementia, particularly on things that can affect finances, from the very start, as soon as a diagnosis is made. He also shares some of the things that worked for him and his late wife when it came to celebrating Christmas. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion about dying and the death of a loved one. With original music by Leila Mitwally. www.dementiauk.org Dementia Helpline Number is 0800 888 6678 – open Monday to Friday 9am-9pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm. Open Bank Holidays, except 25 December. To get in touch – www.discoveringdementia.co.uk @discoveringdementia @dementiapodcast

In this mini series of seasonal interviews, we hear from dementia organisations and others with their own stories and tips on how best to manage celebrations like Christmas. Maureen Winfield has first hand experience of dementia, after spending many years caring for her late husband, Michael. She generously shares what she has learnt and how she has approached Christmas. She also talks about her role as a Volunteer Ambassador for Dementia UK, as well as her love of crafting. With original music by Leila Mitwally. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion about death and dying, and the loss of a daughter to cancer www.dementiauk.org Dementia Helpline Number is 0800 888 6678 – open Monday to Friday 9am-9pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm. Open Bank Holidays, except 25 December. To get in touch - @discoveringdementia @dementiapodcast

In this mini series of seasonal interviews, we hear from dementia organisations and others with their own stories and tips on how best to manage celebrations like Christmas. Caring for someone living with dementia can mean you sometimes find yourself in situations where you're not sure of what to say, or how best to respond. How you react can make all the difference. Adria Thompson, from Be Light Care, is a speech language pathologist from the USA who provides regular content on social media platforms with dementia care tips. If you have any tips you'd like to share, do get in touch at @discoveringdementia or @dementiapodcast. To find Adria, look for: @belightcare or www.belightcare.com With original music by Leila Mitwally

In this mini series of seasonal interviews, we hear from dementia organisations and others with their own stories and tips on how best to manage celebrations like Christmas. Sue Hinds is Head of Services at Dementia Carers Count, a national charity that supports family and friends looking after someone with dementia. It provides short courses, telephone support and lots of information online that can help unpaid carers in their caring role and to look after themselves whilst they do this. To call for support or advice – Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (UK) – 0800 652 1102 Text CARE to 85258 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week https://dementiacarers.org.uk/ https://dementiacarers.org.uk/blog/christmas-festivities-and-celebrations/ With original music by Leila Mitwally

In this mini series of seasonal interviews, we hear from dementia organisations and others with their own stories and tips on how best to manage celebrations like Christmas. Dementia UK is a specialist dementia nurse charity, providing support to families affected by all forms of dementia. Their nurses are known as Admiral Nurses. Rachael Webb works as an Admiral Nurse and joins Penny to talk about her role, including her work on the dementia helpline, her expertise in Lewy body dementia and her thoughts on how to make things run smoothly at Christmas. To contact the Dementia UK Helpline, call 0800 8886678 https://www.dementiauk.org/ https://www.dementiauk.org/twelve-tips-for-christmas/ With original music by Leila Mitwally

What is Discovering Dementia and how did it all start? To mark Dementia Action Week, Penny outlines the origins of the podcast and why she started recording. After two series, she and her mum have met so many people who have generously given their time to share their own experiences of dementia. One of those is Peter Berry, who’s fundraising efforts and great positivity have been an inspiration.

Victoria Lyons is Senior Consultant Admiral Nurse with Dementia UK, which provides specialist dementia support for families through the Admiral Nurse service. They give one to one support, guidance and practical solutions with nurses continually trained, developed and supported by Dementia UK. This year has been one of its most challenging, with the coronavirus pandemic. Victoria discusses some of the difficulties and offers tips and guidance on how to cope. Look for more information on the Dementia UK website www.dementiauk.org For the helpline, call 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org Discovering Dementia is produced and presented by Penny Bell, with original music by Leila Mitwally Please do subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It will help others to find us. Say hello on instagram @discoveringdementia Facebook @dementiapodcast Check out twitter @dementiapodcast www.discoveringdementia.co.uk

We first met Peter Berry, who lives with early onset dementia, in Season 2 Episode 4. A passionate cyclist, he has focused his energy on raising thousands of pounds for dementia charities, cycling hundreds of miles in his quest to show that life is always worth living. By his side for many of his adventures has been his new friend and cycling companion, Deb Bunt. Recently retired, she hadn’t done much cycling until she met Peter. Now the pair have written a book, exploring a remarkable year, cycling across the Suffolk countryside and beyond, as Peter comes to terms with his diagnosis. Discovering Dementia is produced and presented by Penny Bell, with original music by Leila Mitwally Please do subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It will help others to find us. To get in touch, email info@discoveringdementia.co.uk Say hello on instagram @discoveringdementia facebook @dementiapodcast Check out twitter @dementiapodcast www.discoveringdementia.co.uk

Season 2 Episode 7 Dave Pickering: Documenting His Dad's Life Story and Dementia by Penny Bell

General content note for this episode: suicide, assisted dying Julia Hailes is a sustainability pioneer who started her career in the 80s. She has had a tremendously close relationship with her mum for the whole of her life – as a mother, friend and confidant. Her mum’s subsequent diagnosis of dementia has had a huge effect. Julia has navigated these difficult years with her whole family and in particular, her sister, Amanda Campbell, who has been incredibly supportive. They have really appreciated each other throughout the process of caring for their mum - even more so with COVID-19 creating new and difficult challenges. From being able to tell her anything, Julia and her sister have had to watch as their mother slips away from them, with the pain of never really being able to say a proper goodbye. With lockdown restrictions in place, Julia and I were able to connect via the internet for our conversation. This is her story. For more information on Julia’s work, visit www.juliahailes.com Please be aware, this episode mentions suicide, assisted dying and Dignitas, the Swiss clinic which helps people to end their own lives. Discovering Dementia is produced and presented by Penny Bell, with original music by Leila Mitwally Please do subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It will help others to find us. To get in touch, email info@discoveringdementia.co.uk Say hello on instagram @discoveringdementia Join the facebook group @dementiapodcast Check out twitter @dementiapodcast www.discoveringdementia.co.uk Trigger warning: contains references to suicide and assisted dying If you're in the UK and in need of someone to talk to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. For those outside the UK, you can call: Argentina: 02234930430; Australia: 131114; Austria: 017133374; Belgium: 106; Bosnia & Herzegovina: 080 05 03 05; Botswana: 3911270; Brazil: 212339191; Canada: 5147234000 (Montreal); 18662773553 (outside Montreal); Croatia: 014833888; Denmark: +4570201201; Egypt: 7621602; Finland: 010 195 202; France: 0145394000; Germany: 08001810771; Holland: 09000767; Hong Kong: +852 2382 0000; Hungary: 116123; India: 8888817666; Ireland: +4408457909090; Italy: 800860022; Japan: +810352869090; Mexico: 5255102550; New Zealand: 045861048; Norway: +4781533300; Philippines: 028969191; Poland: 5270000; Russia: 0078202577577; Spain: 914590050; South Africa: 0514445691; Sweden: 46317112400; Switzerland: 143; USA: 18002738255

Debbie shares her experiences on caring for her mum, Lily, who lives with dementia. A perfect example of how one story leads to the next, Penny met Lily whilst recording Episode 2 – A Different Kind of Day Care With The Filo Project. Lily attends a weekly Filo group, hosted by Gloria, which in normal times supports individuals in Devon and Somerset who are socially isolated. Through the Filo Project, Penny was introduced to Lily’s daughter, Debbie, and wanted to learn more about how she supports and cares for her mum. This episode of Discovering Dementia was produced and presented by Penny Bell, with original music by Leila Mitwally. Please do subscribe, rate and review the podcast – it will help others to find it - and do share your own experiences of dementia. To get in touch, say hello on instagram @discoveringdementia Join the facebook group @dementiapodcast And check out twitter @dementiapodcast www.discoveringdementia.co.uk

Peter Berry has been living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease for the last 5 years. Along with his wife, Teresa, he talks to Penny about his life. Previously the owner of a busy timber business, after his diagnosis at the age of 50, he was no longer able to work. He had some very low times but having always been a positive person, he began to focus on ways he could help others and raise awareness. His passion for cycling led him to undertake several challenges to raise money for young onset dementia and for dementia research, with his most recent adventure on a penny farthing. You can follow Peter on facebook – Peter Berry Living with Alzheimer’s – and check out his website https://peterberrylwa.wixsite.com/peterberry This episode of Discovering Dementia was produced and presented by Penny Bell, with original music by Leila Mitwally. Please complete the podcast awards survey to give your views at www.podcastviews.com and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, and rate and review. To get in touch, say hello on instagram @discoveringdementia Join the facebook group @dementiapodcast And check out twitter @dementiapodcast www.discoveringdementia.co.uk Trigger warning: contains references to suicide and depression If you're in the UK and in need of someone to talk to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. For those outside the UK, you can call: Argentina: 02234930430; Australia: 131114; Austria: 017133374; Belgium: 106; Bosnia & Herzegovina: 080 05 03 05; Botswana: 3911270; Brazil: 212339191; Canada: 5147234000 (Montreal); 18662773553 (outside Montreal); Croatia: 014833888; Denmark: +4570201201; Egypt: 7621602; Finland: 010 195 202; France: 0145394000; Germany: 08001810771; Holland: 09000767; Hong Kong: +852 2382 0000; Hungary: 116123; India: 8888817666; Ireland: +4408457909090; Italy: 800860022; Japan: +810352869090; Mexico: 5255102550; New Zealand: 045861048; Norway: +4781533300; Philippines: 028969191; Poland: 5270000; Russia: 0078202577577; Spain: 914590050; South Africa: 0514445691; Sweden: 46317112400; Switzerland: 143; USA: 18002738255

This podcast includes content funded by The British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Penny wants to know if technology can help people living with dementia stay at home for longer. She meets Lydia Nicholas from think tank Doteveryone to talk about the vital role tech can play, then takes a tour of a house specially designed for people living with dementia. She talks to Professor Eef Hogervorst from Loughborough University and David Kelly from BRE to hear more about the innovations they’ve put in place in the dementia home. With thanks to The British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust for including Discovering Dementia as part of the Pulse Award. Please complete the survey to give your views on the podcast at www.podcastviews.com This episode of Discovering Dementia was produced and presented by Penny Bell, with additional editing by Cheeka Eyers, and original music by Leila Mitwally. To get in touch, say hello on instagram @discoveringdementia Join the facebook group @dementiapodcast And check out twitter @dementiapodcast www.discoveringdementia.co.uk

This podcast includes content funded by The British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. How important is socialising for a person living with dementia? Penny visits a scheme in Devon which provides what it calls a different kind of day care. The Filo Project offers a high quality experience for small groups of older people in an intimate home setting. www.thefiloproject.co.uk Penny chats to co-founders, Libby Price and Liz Dennis, meets staff and clients, and experiences a Filo day for herself. She also talks to Linda Clare, Professor of Clinical Psychology of Ageing and Dementia at the University of Exeter Medical School, about her study exploring people’s experiences of living well with dementia. www.idealproject.org.uk With thanks to The British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust for including Discovering Dementia as part of the Pulse Award. Please complete the survey to give your views on the podcast at www.podcastviews.com This episode of Discovering Dementia was produced and presented by Penny Bell, with additional editing by Cheeka Eyers, and original music by Leila Mitwally. To get in touch, say hello on instagram @discoveringdementia Join the facebook group @dementiapodcast And check out twitter @dementiapodcast www.discoveringdementia.co.uk

We are back for Season 2! It's been a while but Mum is doing well. Find out how she is and get an insight into the world of dementia research with Selena Milanovic, from the University of Oxford.

Dogs are such good companions, they can really help improve how we feel mentally and physically. It is not surprising that pet therapy is often seen as a good way to help encourage social interaction for those living with dementia. Penny visits the Therapaws programme in London to find out more about how dogs can promote emotional and physical wellbeing.

Taking a holiday with a person living with dementia can be quite daunting, even if you've always enjoyed going away together. Dementia Adventure offers supported breaks away across the UK and abroad, enabling a person living with dementia to get outdoors and connect with nature. Penny and her mum go to Devon to experience a break by the sea.

Christina Macdonald, author of Dementia Care: A Guide, tells Penny about her experiences caring for her own mum, who had vascular dementia. Christina is also the founder of Dementia Help, a free online resource designed to support the growing number of dementia carers.

Penny finds out the importance of a 19 metre mural for those with dementia at Northampton General Hospital.

Penny finds out what happens when someone with dementia needs emergency care or a hospital admission at Northampton General Hospital.

Gill has early onset dementia and wants to share her story. She takes us to her gardening group with YPWD Berkshire (Younger People With Dementia).

Penny's first step to finding out more about dementia - support and expert advice all under one roof.

Penny's mum has just been diagnosed with dementia. Here they start to digest the news.