Alzheimer's Society Podcast

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Dawn Davies in Swansea. Around two years ago, Dawn was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s. It came as a massive shock and Dawn retreated from the world, even the idea of leaving the house terrified her. But with support from her family and the Dementia Hwb in Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre, Dawn turned things around. Dawn now works at the Hwb, helping others deal with a dementia diagnosis. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Teresa Davies, in north-east Wales. Just over a decade ago, Teresa was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s. This came as a shock and left the usually positive Teresa in a dark place. She says she ‘didn’t know how to cope’ after her diagnosis and wasn’t given the right support. But a chance meeting turned things around and helped Teresa to find a new purpose. She now lives as well as she can with dementia and supports others affected by the condition. You can visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications for our range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia. For personalised information and advice, call our Dementia support line on 0333 150 3456, or for Welsh speakers call 03300 947 400.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to retired nurse and youth worker Anne Hoad in Deal, Kent. Anne was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) in 2021. Anne's PCA was missed by her GP at first. They initially prescribed her anti-depressants. After speaking to friends who had experienced depression, Anne's husband Tony realised that her symptoms were quite different. They returned to Anne's GP and were able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Anne and Tony tell us how life has changed following this diagnosis and how they cope with the daily challenges of living with a rare dementia. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Rashmi Paun, aged 77, in Brighton. Rashmi, a former physics teacher, initially put his memory problems down to age but was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Rashmi had always had a way with numbers, but his wife Maggie soon had to take on more daily tasks, including the couple's finances. Maggie says it was difficult to navigate life after a diagnosis, with 'no clear roadmap', and she is grateful for support from local groups and charities. Listen to find out more about Rashmi and Maggie's experience. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Warren Berman, aged 70, in Leeds. He was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2019 – the same type of dementia as Bruce Willis. Warren's neighbours were the first to notice his dementia symptoms. He has seen mental health issues from both sides, having experienced them himself and through supporting others. His happy childhood memories have remained with him and he believes staying active is the key to living well with dementia. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Andy Paul in Deeside, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019, aged just 60. Andy, who remains an avid Leeds United fan, has valued setting some important things in place for the future, such as a will and power of attorney, while also being focused on enjoying the present. He’s keen to raise awareness, having had to address stigma over his diagnosis. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Shirley Williams, who is 80, lives in Brighton, and has Alzheimer’s. Shirley tells us about coming from British Guyana to England in the early 1960s, to work as a nurse. She also discusses her dementia diagnosis, and how she is doing all she can to keep her mind as sharp as possible, while refusing to let dementia spoil her life. Your donations play a vital role in ensuring people affected by dementia are aware of the services offered by Alzheimer’s Society, especially in what is a difficult time for everyone. To donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk/give or call 0330 333 0804.

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Pete Middleton, who is 67 and lives with his wife Pam near Kettering in the East Midlands. Pete was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in January 2019, which forced him into early retirement. As Pete explains, he bounced back by using his experiences of dementia to support the work of Alzheimer’s Society, even though some of this has been disrupted, like so much else, by the COVID pandemic.