The Dementia Dialogues

End of life care in dementia is one of the most emotional and misunderstood stages of the journey. In this episode, Professor Arlene Astell shares practical guidance on communication, dignity, decision-making and why early conversations can help families feel less fearful and more prepared.

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 28 where I speak to Karen Truman.  

What is it really like growing up with a parent living with dementia? Cici Willoughby was just eleven when her dad was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy, a rare form of dementia that affects visual processing.   In this powerful conversation, she shares her experience as a young carer, explains PCA, and discusses why she created   Seeing Dementia Differently   to support others navigating...

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 30 where I speak to Dr Kellyn Lee.  

The earliest signs of dementia can show up in routines and the home environment long before families realise what's happening. John Griffiths from Safehouse Technology shares what to look for, how simple, non invasive sensors can spot worrying pattern changes early, and how small interventions can help someone stay safe at home for longer, with more Peace of Mind for the whole family.   👉  www.sa...

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 34 where I speak to Grania McKittrick.

Dementia risk isn't as "genetic" as most people think — and what you eat may play a bigger role than you realise. Registered nutritionist   Kate Taylor   explains the   six key trajectories   behind cognitive decline and shares realistic, everyday changes you can start this week.   👉  www.eatthinkdrinknutrition.co.uk

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 29 where I speak to Pete Middleton.

What if the real damage of dementia isn't always the diagnosis — but how people respond to it?   Lynne Hagan , living with mixed dementia, shares the early signs she couldn't ignore, the friendships she's lost (and why), and what it means to live   in spite of dementia . Honest, funny, and deeply human — this one will shift your perspective.

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 18 where I speak to Aisha Dalal.

A single moment in a hospital bay revealed Dave was still "in there" — and his daughter, nurse  Vicky Brown , couldn't ignore what followed.   In this episode, Vicky shares her dad's dementia journey, the failures that nearly robbed their family of a proper goodbye, and how those experiences became  Dave's Legacy — a training tool designed to change dementia care from the inside out.

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 27 where I speak to Beth Jones.

What happens when your partner's sporting career becomes the reason for a life-changing diagnosis?   In this episode, Jen Coates shares the reality of caring for her husband Rich, who is living with young onset dementia caused by CTE, and why she co-founded Marshalling CTE to fight for better awareness, support, and change. A powerful conversation about love, loss, and refusing to stay silent.  ...

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 33 where I speak to Beth Britton.

How much do people   really   understand about dementia — and what can we do to protect our brain health? In this episode,   Emma Taylor breaks down the biggest misconceptions from the Dementia Attitudes Monitor and shares practical, evidence-based steps to reduce risk.   We also chat about hearing, heart health, social connection and how ARUK's   Think Brain Health Check-in   can help you start w...

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 26 where I speak to Drew Hunt.

When dementia is misunderstood as witchcraft or madness, families suffer in silence.  In this episode, dementia advocate   Ruth Memeza Ncube   shares the realities of dementia in Zimbabwe, the cultural barriers families face, and what both Zimbabwe and the UK can learn from each other about dignity, care, and community.

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 32 where I speak to Ruth Thompson.

When dementia enters a family, children and teenagers often become the "forgotten grievers" – watching everything change, while trying to carry on as normal. In this episode, Consultant Admiral Nurse   Hannah Gardner   shares how her mum's young onset Alzheimer's shaped her work, what children tell her that they can't tell their parents, and why early, honest conversations matter. We explore young...

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 22 where I speak to June Harris.

One year on, Matt returns to share what truly changed — for him, for his mum, and for their relationship. His honesty, growth, and hard-won lessons might be exactly what you need to hear today.

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 31 where I speak to Will Dean.

Behaviour is communication — but are we really hearing it? In this deep, practical conversation, behaviour specialist Andy Baker explains why distress happens, how our own reactions shape it, and how small shifts in communication can transform day-to-day life. One of our most insight-packed episodes yet.

In this week's magic moment, we go back to episode 11 where I speak to Rachel John.

When Nicky was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 56, Paul had to hold work, kids, money and caring together overnight. He talks candidly about delayed diagnosis, the lack of support, the power of music and running, and why asking for help – even from strangers – has changed everything for their family.