Redefining Dementia

When Michael Booth was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s at 46, his world changed almost instantly—he lost his job, his driver’s license, and a sense of stability. But instead of letting the diagnosis define him, Michael chose to reshape it into purpose. Drawing from his unique experience as both a former caregiver and someone now living with Alzheimer’s, Michael speaks candidly about identit...

When words fail, movement speaks. This powerful idea lies at the heart of our conversation with Donna Schoenherr , award-winning dancer, choreographer, and founder of Ballet4Life® and Move into Wellbeing® , two London-based organizations bringing the joy of dance to people of all ages and abilities.  Inspired by her father’s 30-year journey with Parkinson’s, Donna has spent decades creating inclus...

Dr. William Randall returns to Redefining Dementia with a perspective that turns conventional wisdom on its head: what if aging – and by extension, dementia – isn't a narrative of decline but an adventure? With his background in gerontology, theology, and psychology, Dr. Randall guides us through a thoughtful exploration of adventure as a framework for understanding later life. He defines adv...

What does it really mean to make a good day great for someone living with dementia? In this thoughtful and inspiring episode, Anne-Marie Stoneburgh brings over 35 years of experience in geriatric care to the conversation. As an educator, consultant, and advocate for person-centred care, she shares practical strategies that honour the unique identity, preferences, and strengths of each person. Thro...

Dr. Patricia Morris from the University of New Brunswick joins us to challenge traditional narratives about dementia. What if dementia isn’t just a disease but a unique form of neurodivergence that calls for a fresh, more compassionate perspective? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore how shifting our understanding can transform dementia care from symptom management to a journey rooted in...

In this deeply moving episode of Redefining Dementia , we welcome back the insightful and compassionate Jim Kinsey. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare consulting and a passion for person-centered care, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and heartfelt reflections on the complexities of grief in the dementia journey. Together, we explore how anticipatory grief—the unique type of grief expe...

Kari McBride shares her heartfelt journey as a daughter caring for her mother with dementia, offering an honest and compassionate perspective on the challenges and silver linings of caregiving. In this episode, Kari reflects on the early signs of her mother’s dementia, the emotional complexities of transitioning to long-term care, and the enduring importance of connection. She also highlights the...

Join us for an enlightening episode with Dr. Mike Studer, a renowned physical therapist and pioneer in neurologic and geriatric rehabilitation. Drawing on decades of expertise, Dr. Studer shares cutting-edge strategies for fostering cognitive resilience, enhancing brain health, and maintaining mobility. We explore insights from his book, The Brain That Chooses Itself, delving into the profound imp...

How can the simple act of sharing a story or making a meaningful connection transform the dementia journey? In this deeply moving episode, we’re joined by Rahzeb Choudhury, co-founder of True Doors and a lifelong advocate for compassionate care. Rahzeb shares his journey from volunteering to becoming a leader in social enterprise, weaving together his passion for narrative care and the profound po...

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of cognitive health with Dr. Rob Winningham, a leading expert on memory and aging. With over 30 years dedicated to understanding memory processes and promoting healthy aging, Dr. Winningham shares powerful insights into how specific cognitive and physical exercises can boost memory and potentially slow down dementia progression. Holding a Ph. D. in ne...

Join us as we uncover the heart of meaningful engagement in dementia care with Shelley Shillington, Senior Consultant and Trainer at Person Centred Universe. With 35 years in long-term care, including senior management, Shelley has dedicated her career to person-centred approaches and sustainable transformation in dementia care. Hosts Jana Jones and Ashley King explore Shelley’s journey, from a Ph...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Maurie Voisey-Barlin, we're reminded that every person has a story needing to be heard, especially those with dementia. On this episode, we discuss Maurie's person-centred approach, celebrating the power of connection and the art of relationship-centred care.  This conversation unveils the layers of nuanced interaction essential to reach someone's...

When Maurie Voisey-Barlin, an elder engagement specialist with a knack for mischief, joins the conversation, you know you're in for a treat. From sunny Australia, Maurie enlightens us with approaches to dementia care that break the mold, emphasizing the need to harvest history and foster genuine connections with those experiencing cognitive decline. His humourous, warm stories remind us that...

On this episode, we welcome Jennifer Buchanan, Music Therapist and the founder of JB Music Therapy, who shares with us the art of harnessing this power to enrich the lives of those living with dementia. Throughout the episode, Jennifer shares impactful examples of how music therapy provides solace and sparks joy when words sometimes fail. Jennifer relays how offering music is not just entertainmen...

On this episode, we are joined by Registered Dietitian and President of SuzyQ Menu Concepts , Suzanne Quiring . Suzanne shares her passion & experience on “how” meal service can be done as resident focused as possible, and the culture change that is needed to do so. Listeners will gain tips on providing a harmonious dining environment, and caregivers will learn to navigate the challenges of di...

This episode promises an enlightening conversation with Sonya Barsnes, a revisionary gerontologist, advocating for a different perspective on aging and dementia. We'll explore the topics of social isolation, loneliness, and prescribed disengagement, and discuss the importance of meaningful engagement for those living with dementia. We talk about the concept of 'prescribed disengagement&a...

Prepare yourself for a rich and enlightening journey into the world of advanced care planning with our distinguished guest, Jim Kinsey . As the director of member services at Planetree International, Jim's knowledge of the field is both vast and profound. Together, we'll unravel the intricacies of advanced care planning and system navigation, highlighting the crucial role of personalized...

This episode features Sheila Warnock , founder and CEO of Share the Caregiving Incorporated , who demonstrates the power of collective action in revolutionizing the caregiver landscape. She shares her journey from an advertising career to creating a solution for the global caregiver crisis. Sheila imparts valuable advice on forming a Share the Care group, underscoring the importance of shared unde...

Join us in warmly welcoming our cherished friend, Jim Mann, who bravely shares his poignant journey through living with dementia. His story is not only deeply personal but also an inspiration, as he continues to live his life fully and purposefully, despite his diagnosis. Through his firsthand experience as a caregiver, and later as someone living with the condition, Jim sheds light on the importa...

Have you ever stopped to wonder about the power of the stories we tell ourselves? What if there was a way to redefine the narrative around dementia, not as a decline, but as a journey of discovery? That's what we're exploring today with our distinguished guest, Dr. Bill Randall, a retired professor of gerontology, author, and passionate advocate for narrative care. Together, we delve dee...

Imagine if through the practice of stillness, we could unlock a deeper sense of calm and peace, not just for ourselves, but also for people living with dementia. Professor Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon, our special guest for today, shares his incredible journey finding tranquility through martial arts and Tai Chi, and how these methods can bring profound benefits to those with dementia and their care part...

Are you ready to go on a soulful journey and redefine dementia with us? We're joined by Rahzeb Choudhury, founder of Lifelong Inspiration and co-founder of TrueDoors, who helps us unravel the birth of Person Centered Universe and the significance of our mission. We aim to create transformative conversations around dementia care and reveal how the Person Centered Universe took shape. We promis...