Podcasts about dementia friends

In today's world, aging brings both wisdom and challenges—yet conversations about dementia are too often whispered in the shadows of fear and stigma. What if a single one-hour session could replace those whispers with confident, compassionate action? That's the promise of the Dementia Friends program: a global movement revolutionizing how communities support individuals living with dementia, and those who love them.On a recent Positive Aging Community podcast, host Steve Gurney spoke with Jennifer Hammer, Assistant Director of Dementia Friendly America at USAging, and Marty Williman, Program Director at the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health. Together, they described Dementia Friends as not just educational, but deeply human—designed to foster inclusion, reduce isolation, and demonstrate that living well with dementia is possible.A Global Movement Rooted in EmpathyDementia Friends isn't clinical; it's for everyone—neighbors, cashiers, librarians, even zoo staff. Launched in the US in 2016, the program is now part of a worldwide network across 50+ countries, aiming to change how we think, act, and speak about dementia. Under the umbrella of Dementia Friendly America and USAging, Dementia Friends works alongside the Dementia Friendly Communities initiative and Memory Cafe Alliance, each supporting those impacted by dementia. Williman noted, “We haven't found a community sector yet that couldn't use this information.” With most people with dementia living in their communities, not nursing homes, these programs help everyone play a part in creating supportive environments.Inside a Dementia Friends SessionSessions are casual, interactive, and welcoming—no prior knowledge required. Led by trained volunteers called Champions, each session covers basics: what dementia is, types, and risk factors. But the heart lies in five core messages—crowdsourced from people with dementia in the UK—that debunk myths with hope:Dementia isn't a normal part of aging; it's caused by brain disease.It's more than memory loss—judgment, communication, and decision-making are also affected.Living well with dementia is possible, grounded in adaptation, dignity, and respect.Capping off the hour are practical tips and an “action pledge.” Participants receive resources customized for their region. Williman shared that nearly everyone knows someone impacted by dementia, and that the networking these sessions spark is often life-changing.From Fear to Hope: Real StoriesThe program's impact is seen in how perceptions shift: Asked what words come to mind before and after a session, people move from “fear” and “regression” to “hope,” “respect,” and “fighter.” Williman recalled an attendee who decided to reconnect with a sibling living with dementia after years; others, like first responders and adult day staff, now embed Dementia Friends in orientation and ongoing training. Ohio's program is adapted for developmental disability communities, faith groups, and even those aging in incarcerated settings—underscoring its universal relevance.Looking Ahead: Dementia FriendsgivingMomentum for Dementia Friends is building. On November 18, 2025, Dementia Friendly America will host its free “Dementia Friendsgiving” event, with expert sessions, networking, and a keynote by acclaimed dementia educator Teepa Snow. Hosted by Gurney, it's a major national inflection point for inclusion and learning. Find details and registration at dfamerica.org.Why This MattersDementia touches people of all backgrounds—young, old, at book clubs or airports. Dementia Friends proves that awareness bridges stigma and empathy, empowering anyone to make a difference. Hammer summed up the impact: “This is the most positive job I've ever had.” Williman emphasized the ripple effect: change starts with one person, one action, one community. Interested in making a difference? Attend a session at dfamerica.org.

In a recent episode of the Positive Aging Community podcast, host Steve Gurney sat down with Mary Ek, a key figure in the Dementia Friendly America (DFA) initiative, to discuss how communities across the United States are transforming to better support individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Ek, who has been involved since the program's early days, shared the origins, growth, and impact of DFA, highlighting its role in fostering welcoming environments where people with dementia can live, engage and thrive.From Minnesota Roots to National MovementEk's journey with dementia-friendly efforts began in 2011 in Minnesota, where she helped launch a statewide initiative called Act on Alzheimer's. Initially an educator turned project manager, Ek was drawn into the work after raising a large family. "I was part of the group that led the effort to get this going in Minnesota before it was handed off as a national initiative in 2015," she explained. She rejoined the effort in 2022, working remotely for USAging (formerly the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging), and has witnessed the program's remarkable expansion.The initiative took root through Minnesota's Area Agencies on Aging, which spearheaded community-level changes. Recognizing its potential, the program went national at the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. USAging stepped up as the administrator, leveraging its network of over 600 area agencies on aging and Title VI programs to provide a backbone for the movement. "They've been powering the Dementia Friendly America movement since 2015," Ek said, noting how the model from Minnesota—starting small and creating ripple effects—has scaled nationwide.What Is Dementia Friendly America?At its core, DFA is a multi-sector approach to building communities where people with dementia and their care partners can live well, engage socially, and remain in their homes as long as possible. "It's essentially a multi-sector approach to creating communities where people living with dementia and their care partners can live, engage, thrive, play, and just live well with dementia," Ek described. It's not limited to healthcare; it involves businesses, faith communities, libraries, banks, first responders, and more. The goal is to equip everyone—from individuals to organizations—with simple tools to make environments more supportive.The Three Pillars of DFADFA rests on three interconnected pillars, each designed to drive change at different levels:Dementia-Friendly Communities: This community-level effort brings sectors together to adapt spaces and services. Over 400 communities have engaged, starting with small steps like making faith communities or libraries more accessible. "It truly is a ripple effect," Ek said, noting how volunteer-driven groups, departments on aging, or local foundations lead these flexible, adaptable initiatives.Dementia Friends USA: Adopted in 2016 as a sub-license from the global program originating in Japan, this individual-focused pillar educates people on recognizing dementia signs, communication tips, and taking action. Participants commit to simple acts, like supporting a neighbor or encouraging others to join. With over 225,000 Dementia Friends across the U.S. and sessions in more than 40 states (plus an online option), it's a catalyst for broader change. "We want to teach people to walk toward people living with dementia rather than away," Ek explained.Memory Cafe Alliance: The newest pillar, this partnership provides safe, welcoming spaces for people with dementia and their care partners to socialize. Over 500 cafes are listed on the DFA website, offering free gatherings with food, music, activities, or entertainment. "It's not about the diagnosis; it's about just celebrating all that they can do and enjoy together," Ek said. An online curriculum helps anyone start a cafe, often beginning with Dementia Friends training.

In a podcast episode from the Positive Aging Community, Steve Gurney welcomed Mary Ek, Director of Dementia Friendly America (DFA), and Beth Soltzberg of the Memory Care Alliance to discuss Memory Cafes—innovative gatherings that transform community support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. This article summarizes their insights on the origins, impact, and future of Memory Cafes, emphasizing how these programs foster connection, reduce isolation, and challenge stigma.The Roots of Dementia Friendly AmericaMary Ek describes DFA not just as an organization, but a growing nationwide movement dedicated to building communities where people with dementia and their care partners can thrive. DFA began in Minnesota in 2011 as "Act on Alzheimer's" and expanded nationally after the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. Today, DFA partners with USAging, spans 400 communities, and supports over 225,000 trained “Dementia Friends”—people who learn to recognize dementia and respond supportively.Ek explains, “We do this through a multi-sector approach, knowing that everyone has a role in creating communities that welcome and engage those living with dementia and their care partners.” One recent DFA focus is its partnership with the Memory Cafe Alliance, whose directory and resources are now hosted on the DFA website.What Is a Memory Cafe?Beth Soltzberg, whose social work at Jewish Family & Children's Service in Boston made her a leader of Memory Cafes, reports starting with eight participants in 2014; her network now serves nearly 2,000. Memory Cafes, originating in Holland and now global, offer welcoming, fun social gatherings for people experiencing cognitive changes and those who care about them.Cafes vary widely—some feature artists or musicians, others emphasize casual conversation. Venues range from libraries and museums to gardens and bowling alleys. A short video from the podcast captures their spirit: “Memory Cafes are welcoming gatherings for those with cognitive changes or dementia, along with caring family, friends, and professionals. It's a social hour, which everyone needs.” Attendees say things like, “I learned joy at a memory cafe,” reflecting real emotional uplift.Combating Isolation and StigmaDementia can cause deep isolation due to symptoms, stigma, or misunderstanding. Soltzberg stressed how activities once enjoyed may become harder, increasing loneliness. Memory Cafes provide joyful, normalizing spaces to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.By emphasizing fun and belonging, Cafes counter stigma. Soltzberg notes, “People can live with dementia for many years. They need to keep living their lives.” Ek points out that DFA's Dementia Friends program teaches meaningful engagement for non-professionals, turning uncertainty into positive action.Real-Life Stories of ImpactPersonal stories reveal the transformative power of Memory Cafes. Soltzberg recounted helping a woman invite her decades-long friend with dementia to a music-themed Cafe. The invitation rekindled friendship and gave remote relatives peace of mind, knowing a joyful activity was scheduled. Ek shared how a man, long after his wife's passing, remained close to other caregivers he'd met at a Cafe—proof that these are more than events, but life-changing connections.These interconnected initiatives remind us that dementia can be a catalyst for community and deeper connection. Soltzberg concluded, “People can live well with dementia. We need to work together to support that.” Learn more and find or launch a Memory Cafe at dfamerica.org or memorycafedirectory.com.

Discover how Battle Ground Senior Citizens and local leaders are embracing the Dementia Friends program to raise awareness and foster community support. Learn how this global initiative is making a difference. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/battle-ground-senior-citizens-becomes-dementia-friends-participants #localnews #ClarkCountyWa

And our guests want to update our listeners on Dementia Friendly Neighborhood. Maino & The Mayor welcome Laura Nolan and Casey Nicole Kapalczynski to talk about Dementia Friends. Maino and the Mayor is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WGBW in Green Bay and on WISS in Oshkosh. Subscribed to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook and X to keep up with Maino and the Mayor! Guest: Laura Nolan

Un beso robado, o una agresión machista? Aprender desvisibilizar las acciones que se producen desde los supuestos que pavimentan las hegemonías patriarcales. Qué nos enseña el suceso Rubiales-Hermoso en relación a la Ley 89 frente a la epidemia de violencia de género en Puerto Rico? Retomando los tres puntos suspensivos de nuestro diálogo sobre la población envejecida. Identificando vectores para una política pública que responda a una complejidad mayor del fenómeno poblacional. Y una breve diálogo con la Directora de Dementia Friends sobre la necesidad de educar psicosocialmente en torno a esta condición.

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Stigma around dementia encompasses any negative attitude or discriminatory behavior against people living with dementia, just based on having the disease. When a disease is as prevalent as dementia, yet still poorly understood, it's easy for false beliefs to spread. Left unchallenged, these beliefs perpetuate stigmatizing attitudes against people living with dementia, reducing their quality of life. These attitudes extend to the families and caregivers of people living with dementia, affecting them as well. The unfortunate reality is that any person living with dementia is very likely to encounter stigma – even though dementia can affect anyone. No one is immune to the risks of dementia, and there is no cure or treatment that can guarantee prevention. The Dementia Friends Indiana initiative–an outreach of Dementia Friendly America–seeks to educate communities across the state about dementia, break down the stigma surrounding dementia, and implement practical changes that make life easier to navigate for those with dementia and for their loved ones. Indiana became the 10th state with a Dementia Friends program in 2017, starting with communities in central Indiana and in 2019, they went statewide. Here to share more, we have Melinda (Mindi) Winnie, the Dementia Programs Supervisor at CICOA. Dementia Friends Indiana Website: https://www.dementiafriendsindiana.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwrNmWBhA4EiwAHbjEQAcDVpjEfGIJGn20c0z4jeG8kjkVqHTFL1305YHKGkPuieEPZrqn1hoCN1kQAvD_BwE Phone: (317) 254-5465 Email Tina: tina@joyshouse.org Learn more about Joy's House: www.joyshouse.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Edie Weinstein is the youngest of the AlzAuthors. She published her illustrated children's book, Grandpa and Lucy: A Story About Love and Dementia, at the tender age of 16! But today, at 18 and a college student, she may be one of our wisest contributors. Unlike most of our authors, Edie did not write her book because of a personal experience with dementia. She wrote it as a Girl Scouts Silver Award Project because her grandpa did not have dementia. After learning about the condition at a Dementia Friends meeting, she realized that for many kids, dementia is a barrier to a happy relationship with their grandparent, which prevents them from enjoying the kind of loving relationship she enjoyed with her Grandpa.  So, she wrote a heartwarming story and seven of her teen friends collaborated with her on the illustrations. Their goal was to help other kids understand the condition, and to show them that their relationship with Grandpa (or Grandma) need not change after a diagnosis. Edie is an inspiring, intelligent young woman who is clearly going places. You will enjoy this delightful interview, where we explore what sparked her interest in dementia, what happened after she published her book (hint: theater is involved), and how the experience of publishing a book about dementia at such a young age has enhanced her life. Read Edie's AlzAuthors Post: https://alzauthors.com/2020/03/10/12299/ Start reading Grandpa and Lucy now! https://amzn.to/2TOPhuo Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Watch the play, Grandpa and Lucy, on CLIMB Theater https://tinyurl.com/grandpaandlucydigital Connect with Edie Website: www.inkypuppypaws.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkypuppypaws/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/InkyPuppyPaws Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkypuppypawsmn/ Each season our podcast brings you six of our authors sharing their dementia journeys. Please subscribe so you don't miss a word. If our authors' stories move you please leave a review. And don't forget to share our podcast with family and friends in need of knowledge, comfort, and support on their own dementia journeys. AlzAuthors is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer's and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please visit https://alzauthors.com/donate/ . Thank you for listening. AlzAuthors.com

Edie Weinstein is the youngest of the AlzAuthors. She published her illustrated children's book, Grandpa and Lucy: A Story About Love and Dementia, at the tender age of 16! But today, at 18 and a college student, she may be one of our wisest contributors. Unlike most of our authors, Edie did not write her book because of a personal experience with dementia. She wrote it as a Girl Scouts Silver Award Project because her grandpa did not have dementia. After learning about the condition at a Dementia Friends meeting, she realized that for many kids, dementia is a barrier to a happy relationship with their grandparent, which prevents them from enjoying the kind of loving relationship she enjoyed with her Grandpa.  So, she wrote a heartwarming story and seven of her teen friends collaborated with her on the illustrations. Their goal was to help other kids understand the condition, and to show them that their relationship with Grandpa (or Grandma) need not change after a diagnosis. Edie is an inspiring, intelligent young woman who is clearly going places. You will enjoy this delightful interview, where we explore what sparked her interest in dementia, what happened after she published her book (hint: theater is involved), and how the experience of publishing a book about dementia at such a young age has enhanced her life. Read Edie's AlzAuthors Post: https://alzauthors.com/2020/03/10/12299/ Start reading Grandpa and Lucy now! https://amzn.to/2TOPhuo Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Watch the play, Grandpa and Lucy, on CLIMB Theater https://tinyurl.com/grandpaandlucydigital Connect with Edie Website: www.inkypuppypaws.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkypuppypaws/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/InkyPuppyPaws Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkypuppypawsmn/ Each season our podcast brings you six of our authors sharing their dementia journeys. Please subscribe so you don't miss a word. If our authors' stories move you please leave a review. And don't forget to share our podcast with family and friends in need of knowledge, comfort, and support on their own dementia journeys. AlzAuthors is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer's and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please visit https://alzauthors.com/donate/ . Thank you for listening. AlzAuthors.com

Mesa is a Dementia Friendly Community ! Dementia Friends is a global movement with the goal of helping everyone in the community understand key messages about dementia, how it affects people, and how we can all make a difference in the lives of people living with the disease. Mesa is a certified Dementia Friendly Community and we encourage Mesa residents and businesses to be involved.  Join us for a virtual one-hour Dementia Friends Information Session. This introductory session benefits professionals who engage with persons with dementia, such as in the healthcare or financial industries. In addition, residents gain the knowledge to help them understand and support persons living with the disease and their care partners.   We can all make a difference.   For over 100 years, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of Business in Mesa, AZ. The Chamber's mission is to improve, promote and advocate for the business community. Learn more at http://mesachamber.org. Sound effects by Cell31 Sound Productions: freesounds.org.

This year, we're working with the Alzheimer's Society to create 25,000 Dementia Friends in the convenience sector. On this episode, Chris is joined by James and Emma Bould from the Alzheimer's Society to talk more about what dementia is and how retailers can help. 

Christ Church, Bayston Hill (UK)

Pamela Atwood-Gerontologist and Executive Director of Colebrook Village in Hebron and Katie Mund, Certified dementia Practitioner a Champion in Dementia Friends of Connecticut and the Director of the memory Support Neighborhood at Colebrook Village.Subject: Moving a Loved One in to Memory Care. Katie said there are a number of preparation to make when moving someone into memory care. As much as possible surround the person with things they are familiar with so they can be more at ease in their new living place. She says when it is determined a person is at risk of injury or behavior that might endanger them at home, it is time to place them in memory care. The staff at memory care facilities try to get to know each resident, their likes, dislikes and needs. Katie pointed out though some people refer to special care units as "lock down", residents are not locked down, but staff does supervise them to make sure they are happy and well.

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred visits a new Shaftesbury business, The Botanical Candle Company. Amalia Pothecary has combined a High Street retail space for her beautiful candles with an international online sales operation. Alfred spoke to the young entrepreneur and learned why she is a role model for young people in Shaftesbury who have a business idea but don't know how to make their dream a reality. (00:22) Shaftesbury could become a dementia-friendly town. What changes could you make now, to help locals who have dementia? If you have a business or manage a public space, you can start by simply changing your floor colour! Alfred attended the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Dementia Friends’ meeting at the Town Hall. You can hear more advice on the podcast. (13:18) Eleven judges assess the Shaftesbury Fringe shows according to stage presence, originality of interpretation, skill and audience engagement. Find out which Shaftesbury performers have won awards. And Alfred talks to the act judged to be ‘Best in Fringe’. (20:32) Popular Shaftesbury singer Samantha is embarking on a world tour. We chat to Samantha and her manager Andy Tebbutt-Russell about the places where Samantha will perform and the challenges involved in planning an international show. (23:40) Do you know about the spiritual link between Shaftesbury and Glastonbury? Alfred learned more about the so-called ‘Shaston Eagle’ from Clive Carter. Clive, and his wife Nicola, own crystal and gem shop ‘Nature’s Treasures’. A national magazine has declared it one of the top five in the UK. Now, you can help the couple win the ‘Best in Britain’ title. (30:38) A new peer support group has been set up for locals who are experiencing mental health difficulties. It’s already making a difference in our area, where geographic isolation makes it hard to access support services. Its organiser tells us why she is pleased when group members call to say they can’t attend a meeting. (36:23)

BEST OF HEALTH Dementia Research and Care Ben Readhead is an Australian born medical practitioner, passionate about innovation in the life sciences, with a focus on the application of biomedical informatics to enable precision medicine and improve patient care. ASU is intimately involved in the war against this disease and has recently formed a path […] The post BEST OF HEALTH Dementia Research and Care appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Jan Holt, business development manager at Just, chats to Martin about the Dementia Friends information sessions visitors to a Festival of Financial Planning can attend.

Students from St Aidan's High School and Harrogate High School tell Stray FM why they are supporting local charity Dementia Forward.

Local charity Dementia Forward has been working with young people in #Harrogate to raise awareness of the condition. Operations Manager Netty Newell tells Stray FM how important the partnership is.

Excerpt from Supporters Direct Weekly as Ben interviews John Henderson from the Dementia Action Allowance, on the Dementia Friends initiative for football clubs and supporters alike.For more information, please visit Dementia Friends,