Fighting Dementia Podcast

In this episode of the Fighting Dementia podcast, co-hosts Leon, Fran, and special guest Dr. Grahame Smith, delve into living well with dementia. Fran and Tom share their personal experiences living with dementia, while Dr. Smith, an associate professor in mental health innovation, provides expert insights on dementia care. They discuss behavior changes, therapeutic strategies like problem adaptat...

In this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, Fran, diagnosed with mixed dementia, hosts Marian and others to discuss the importance of water intake and the impact of healthy habits on dementia. Fran shares personal anecdotes about improving her hydration routine, while Tom and Anne reflect on their own experiences and challenges in maintaining these habits. The conversation extends to an insp...

In this episode, co-hosts Fran, Tom and Leon Leon share an honest catch-up on their wellbeing journeys—touching on everything from cutting out sugar and walking more, to the power of behaviour change and building new habits that support a healthy brain. Later in the show, we welcome the inspiring Rosie Whittington, founder of the Me To You Dementia Day Centre, who shares her story as a mental heal...

If you’re new here, this is the episode we recommend starting with. In this special kick-off to Series 2, co-hosts Leon, Fran and Tom interview Cherylnn Harper — described as the 'Fairy Godmother' of the podcast, she kickstarted the supportive Dementia community that Fran and Tom are part of. This episode is all about fresh beginnings and real-life inspiration. Leon explains the renewed mission of...

What happens when someone with dementia cycles 27 miles and discovers they have "the face for a trombone"? Join hosts Leon, Tom, and Fran as they continue honest conversations about living with dementia, featuring special guests Dawn and Meryl. Tom shares medication updates following a scan after his fall, whilst celebrating his recent 27-mile cycling achievement. The episode explores the challeng...

In this heartfelt episode of Fighting Dementia Podcast, we hear from Frank, sharing his perspective as a carer supporting his wife Fran through her dementia journey. Frank opens up about the gradual changes he noticed, how they've adapted their daily life together, and the importance of maintaining normalcy while accepting their new reality. We're also joined by Dean McShane, a mental health senio...

In this uplifting episode, Tom returns as co-host to share his experience of living with dementia for over seven years. With Fran and the group, he explores the emotional ups and downs of life after diagnosis—from loneliness and fatigue to joy, humour, and unexpected moments like carol-singing in July. They share honest reflections and practical tips on staying active, adapting routines, and findi...

'It's brought us closer since I was diagnosed' Tom's story is one of hope and finding the positives of a dementia diagnosis. Joined by his wife, Marion, who has been with him all the way through his journey. The pair of them discuss how they find humour and positives whilst facing the disease. Attributing his dementia to a sense of humour, Tom is living proof that you can indeed live well with dem...

Can dementia be detected 20 years before symptoms? Hosts Leon and Stephen talk with Dr. Ivan Koychev from Imperial College London about early risk detection, blood tests, and prevention. They explore the Five Lives app, lifestyle changes that could prevent up to 40% of cases, and what life can look like after diagnosis—with a focus on learning, connection, and hope. Resources in this episode:1. Gr...

In this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, Leon welcomes Fran as the new co-host, making her debut after originally appearing as a guest in episode three. Fran, who embodies living well with dementia, shares her journey and insights on embracing life after diagnosis. Together, they welcome Nicole from the British Gymnastics Foundation, who introduces the innovative "Love to Move" program, d...

Fran’s journey, as shared in this episode of Fighting Dementia Podcast, is a powerful testament to resilience. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in her mid-50s, Fran, a former nurse in high-pressure environments, faces her condition with unwavering strength. Despite the challenges, Fran’s determination to live a meaningful life shines through. She openly shares her journey from diag...

In this episode of the Fighting Dementia Podcast, join host Mim and co-presenter Stephen as they continue their conversation with Dr. Graham Smith, a renowned mental health nurse and dementia researcher from Liverpool John Moores University. Explore the fascinating world of dementia care, where Dr. Smith shares valuable insights from his extensive career in mental health nursing and his involvemen...

In the debut episode of the "Fighting Dementia" podcast, host Mim invites listeners to embark on a heartfelt journey of discovery and support for families affected by dementia. This weeks guest is co-host Stephen, delving into his experience of having both parents diagnosed with dementia and how he is taking steps to reduce his own risks of the disease. From navigating healthcare hurdles to embrac...