Fighting Dementia Podcast

On the Fighting Dementia Podcast, presenters Leon, Fran (living with Alzheimer’s), and Tom (living with mixed dementia) welcome Anne, a solicitor from Tonne Gregory Solicitors, to discuss why having a professionally prepared will matters, especially for people affected by dementia. Anne explains key will components such as choosing executors, naming beneficiaries (including sentimental gifts), and...

On this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, presenters Leon, Fran (Alzheimer’s) and Tom (mixed dementia) speak with Liverpool City Council’s Emma (Senior Public Health Practitioner and healthy ageing lead) and Ellie (Director of Adult Strategic Commissioning) about Liverpool’s newly launched dementia strategic action plan and how public health, adult social care and NHS partners are working...

Leon, Fran and Tom welcome Kirsty Robinson, a dietetic team lead for stroke and neuro with nearly 20 years’ experience and a personal connection to dementia through her grandfather. They discuss what dietitians do, why nutrition matters as one pillar of brain health alongside exercise, social interaction, stress reduction, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, and why there’s no single “magic bul...

On this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, presenters Leon and Fran are joined by Kathy, a project facilitator from House of Memories in Liverpool. Kathy explains how the programme uses museum objects to spark conversation and reminiscence through free themed “memory suitcases,” a mobile museum van with immersive digital screens, and a free app that puts themed museum collections “in your p...

On this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, Leon is joined by presenters Fran (Alzheimer’s/mixed dementia) and Tom (mixed dementia) alongside guest Nat from Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio (MDFR). Nat explains he founded MDFR in early 2020 after caring for family members with dementia and wanting comforting audio without distressing content. The station is dementia friendly rather than de...

On the Fighting Dementia Podcast, Leon is joined by co-hosts Fran and Tom, who live with mixed dementia, and guest Anne Forrester, a chartered legal executive, to discuss why families should arrange lasting powers of attorney (and eventually wills) as early as possible. Anne explains how powers of attorney help trusted people make financial and health/welfare decisions, avoid social services or co...

On the Fighting Dementia Podcast, Fran (Alzheimer’s/mixed dementia), Tom (mixed dementia), and Marion speak with Jack, chair of the Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance (DAA), about how he became involved through Dementia Friends training and how the DAA works as a Liverpool-wide federation of 114 member organisations. Jack explains the DAA’s focus on spreading dementia awareness, improving dementia...

In this episode, the hosts discuss behaviour change with Tom, who lives with dementia, focusing on how hard it can be to build habits like drinking more water and adjusting diet. Tom explains that he often forgets to drink, even during cycling or long periods of focused activity like painting or building a racing simulator, and he questions the point of changing habits given his diagnosis, despite...

Leon catches up with Marian, Tom’s wife and co-host, on how behavior changes have gone as Tom’s dementia progresses, focusing on hydration, diet, routines, and learning new skills. Marian says Tom enjoys painting and golf, but finds drinking enough water harder, using Alexa reminders, fridge stickers, and bottled water visibility to help. They discuss taste changes driving a sweet tooth, small die...

In this episode, the host catches up with Fran about behaviour change months after focusing on habits like drinking more water, improving sleep, and learning new skills. Fran shares that a type 2 diabetes diagnosis pushed her to take diet and hydration more seriously, cutting back on high carbs, sugar, processed foods, and snacks like chocolate and crisps, while aiming for an “80/20” balance and u...

Dave Bellis of Radfield Home Care, a domiciliary home care franchise in northwest England, explains how his company supports around 80 people at home across areas including Waterloo, Crosby, Sefton, Southport and Formby, and how clients find them through word of mouth, advertising, and local authority links rather than dementia-specific referrals. He shares why he left a 30-year corporate accounti...

In this episode, we continue the discussion from last week about the importance of routines, especially for those living with dementia. Hosts Tom, Fran, and their partners Mary and Frank share personal experiences on how maintaining a routine helps them manage daily life and cognitive function. We talk about the disruptive impact of festive seasons like Christmas on their routines and how they ada...

In this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, we are joined by Frank and Marion, partners of Tom and Fran, as we discuss the significance of maintaining routines for those living with dementia. With the aftermath of the Christmas holiday season as a backdrop, our guests share their experiences and challenges in managing daily routines. We dive into how disruptions during holiday periods can le...

Welcome to the latest episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, where hosts Leon, Tom, and Fran share their personal experiences and insights into living with dementia. Joined by Tom's wife Marion, they discuss the significance of adopting new skills and hobbies for brain health and emotional well-being. Hear inspiring stories of painting, polygraphy, golf, and even candle making, and learn ho...

In this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, hosts Leon, Fran, Tom, and Lizzie welcome music therapist Lizzie for an enlightening discussion on the benefits of music therapy for those living with dementia. Lizzie shares her journey into music therapy, highlights the personalised approach she adopts to engage patients of all ages, and recounts heartwarming stories of how music has helped indiv...

Leon hosts Tom and Fran - both living well with dementia (Tom diagnosed 8 years ago, Fran 6 years ago) - alongside guest Grahame Smith, Associate Professor in Mental Health Innovation, to discuss brain health, neurodegeneration, and practical ways to live positively with dementia. The episode highlights Tom’s detailed painting of a ship in a cove (completed over three weeks) and how learning new s...

Welcome to the Fighting Dementia Podcast! In this episode, hosts Leon and Tom, who was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago, are joined by Meryl and Dawn. Dawn shares her experience of living with posterior cortical atrophy, a rare form of dementia, while Meryl discusses her role as a supportive partner. The group converses about their daily routines, the challenges of maintaining independence,...

Welcome to this episode of the Fightin g Dementia Podcast where hosts Leon, Fran, and Tom discuss their intentions for 2026 in the context of living with dementia. They stress the importance of focusing on intentions rather than goals for a kinder approach to managing expectations. The conversation touches on brain health, early detection, and the importance of public awareness and support for dem...

Welcome to the Fighting Dementia Podcast! In this special episode, we reminisce about our journey over the past year, discussing with experts, those living with dementia, and their supporters. Hear highlights of our many heartwarming and inspiring conversations, including guest appearances from individuals who continue to live full lives despite their diagnoses. Join us as we reflect on the insigh...

In this episode of the Fighting Dementia podcast, host Leon and co-host Tom discuss living with dementia and the challenges they face. Tom shares his personal experience battling mood changes before and after his diagnosis. They introduce guest expert Tami Anastasia, who discusses her work in dementia care, the importance of understanding personal histories in dementia, and her new book, 'Deme...

Join us in this special Christmas podcast episode where we discuss the challenges of using cookbooks designed for people with dementia. The conversation touches on the need for more practical and visually engaging recipes. Later, Tim, the head of knowledge from the Alzheimer's Society, joins the discussion to talk about the latest research in dementia, the importance of support networks, and h...

Welcome back to another episode of our podcast dedicated to living well with dementia! In today's episode, we welcome special guests Peter and Deb, who share their inspirational story of living with Alzheimer's for 10 years and finding joy through cycling and community interactions. Peter talks about his unique hobby of riding a penny farthing, while Deb shares her insights on being a supp...

In this episode of the Fighting Dementia podcast, co-hosts Leon, Fran, and Tom discuss vital topics surrounding dementia for those in the early to middle stages and their supporters. Special guest Michelle King shares her expertise, discussing the establishment of the Active Minds Center and the challenges faced by different communities, including cultural stigmas and the lack of adequate support...

In this episode of the Fighting Dementia podcast, Tom and Leon are joined by Tom's wife Marion and son Kieran. They discuss their recent holiday experiences, the challenges of living with dementia, and the importance of family support. Tom shares his humorous yet insightful stories about attempting paddleboarding and other activities, despite his condition. The episode also features a segment...

In this episode, Fran and Leon discuss how Fran's father's resilience in battling cancer inspired her approach to life and living with mixed dementia. They talk about the importance of behavior change, finding joy in small things, and the significance of community support. Fran shares her tips on dietary adjustments and maintaining a positive outlook. Tune in to hear heartfelt stories, pra...