Nerve hope beyond brain disease

John and Veronica takes us through the trials of living with a form of dementia, in this case of Lewy body disease, a possibly related condition to Parkinson's disease. We come to understand that dementia can mean changes affecting not just memory but a whole raft of symptoms, and that early diagnosis alongside a team approach with medical, allied and support staff is an often helpful addition to care and support offered by loved ones. Interview Leigh Hatcher, contribution Rowena Mobbs.

Champion rugby player Greg Buckley takes us through his moving journey from star sportsman to brain injury and recovery, and over time a vibrant, fulfilling life. Retired neurosurgeon Dr Ray Newcombe elaborates on the issues facing patients and families, with a sensitive and insightful interview by Leigh Hatcher.

Wise counsellor and psychotherapist Katy Fitzgerald takes us through how to maintain good self care through caring for someone with brain disease, interview by Leigh Hatcher.

Communication is a key topic in any type of dementia. It can be extremely helpful for patients and their families to be guided by someone who has been there before. Katy Fitzgerald is a psychotherapist and counsellor with interest in dementia, with key strategies around best and clear communication, which can in turn lead to better quality of life. Join us for a cuppa and a chat. Interview by Leigh Hatcher.

Migraine can be one of the most debilitating of brain conditions, often striking a person in the midst of their busy lives and putting everything on hold. Hear the story of a highly functioning sufferer of migraine, Sam, and her growing understanding of what migraine is and how to get control, with knowledgeable contribution by neurologist Dr Alexis Selby, and interview by Leigh Hatcher.

Many people with HIV are now living longer following the development of better treatment options, but what happens when the virus affects the brain? In some people, HIV/ AIDS can lead to a syndrome of dementia, affecting memory, attention, mood and behaviour. Professor Bruce Brew is interviewed by Leigh Hatcher and discusses the different types of brain disease that can occur, early community perceptions and misperceptions of HIV/ AIDS, and current issues facing the patients and carers living beyond HIV. 

Jockey Dale and his wife Daniela bravely take you through their experiences of horse racing and concussion, from minor head knocks to concern over lasting symptoms and a disease entity known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE. Hear the highs and lows of life on the track, and about new research aimed towards prevention, diagnosis and support. Interview by Leigh Hatcher, contribution Rowena Mobbs.

When a patient receives a diagnosis of dementia, what happens next? Psychotherapist Katy Fitzgerald sits down with us for a soothing 'cup of tea' conversation, and takes us through some of the challenges of living with dementia, how to cope, stigma, communication, and what it means to live well through adversity, in conversation with Leigh Hatcher.

Be guided through visual dementia as we hear stories from Richard and Cheryl about a rare disease called PCA or posterior cortical atrophy, the long struggle for diagnosis, and what this means for everyday life and love. Interview by Leigh Hatcher and contribution Rowena Mobbs.

Welcome to Nerve, a podcast about living well beyond brain disease. What gives you "nerve" or courage when faced with a neurological diagnosis? What is quality of life? Hear the stories of patients, carers and doctors, and dare to be inspired as Leigh Hatcher interviews Dr Rowena Mobbs, creator of Nerve.