Alzheimer's Society Podcast

For our latest Dementia together podcast we spoke to Philip Angrave, in Kent. Phil worked in the NHS for over 40 years and was a lecturer for more than 20 years, teaching undergraduate nurses and doctors. Phil decided to step back from work following a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia. He's now using his experience for a different purpose – calling on his local decision-makers to make dementia a priority in his area. Listen to hear how Phil is campaigning for change and his top tips for others who want to campaign. Also in this episode, Kath Falconer, National Influencing Officer at Alzheimer's Society, explains why campaigners like Phil are so important. 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 brothers Adam and Neil Joesbury and their dad Bob, in Birmingham. Bob has vascular dementia and the family works together to support each other. Adam has a learning disability and cares for Bob. This means Neil can continue to go to work and all three can be independent. At first, it was difficult to find the right support for Adam. He knew something was wrong with his dad, but found it difficult to understand. This changed when a dementia adviser from Alzheimer's Society gave him the support he needed. Since then, Adam has been using his voice to try to change things for the better for carers with a learning disability – he doesn’t want anyone to face the same challenges he did. 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 retired teacher Nellie Suffolk, aged 82, in Bristol. Nellie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease around six years ago. This diagnosis came as a shock because Nellie had put her symptoms down to getting older. Nellie was born in Zambia when it was still under British rule and was one of the few girls to complete primary education at the time. She spent her life in education, teaching and studying across the UK and in several African nations. Nellie tells us how she remains as independent and active as she can following her 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 Gill Taylor, aged 70, in County Durham. Gill was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s when she was 58. At the time, she says she 'never even considered' that she could have dementia, because of her age. Contrary to her initial diagnosis, Gill has now been told she may have a rarer type of dementia. She’s undergoing more tests to find out. A lack of local activities for people affected by dementia prompted Gill to start an arts group called Let’s Meet Up and she tells us more about the importance of the group. 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 Ananga Moonesinghe, aged 76, in Luton, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019. Ananga sees dementia as 'a different journey' and is a strong advocate for people with a dementia diagnosis. He recently helped to deliver an open letter - signed by 36,000 people - to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Ananga and his wife Joanna also tell the story of how they met during his time in the RAF. 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 Kath Sutherland, who is 82, lives in Wigan and has dementia. Kath tells us about making a new home for herself at Belong Wigan, a care village in Greater Manchester. She also discusses her earlier life in Liverpool and Australia, the impact dementia has had on many relatives, and life since her own 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 Michael Keenan, who is 62, lives in Omagh in Northern Ireland, and has young-onset Alzheimer’s. We chatted to Michael twice – in mid-2021 and early 2022 – to find out more about his life and the challenges he’s been facing during the pandemic. Despite enduring a difficult time, Michael believes that better days aren’t too far away and can’t wait to get back involved. 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.