Alzheimer's Society Podcast

As part of activities being held to mark our 'Celebration of Involvement' throughout July at Alzheimer's Society, Trevor Salomon (Co-Chair of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel) and Simon Lord (Head of Innovation)reflect on how people affected by dementia have been involved with the Longitude Prize.

From tasks undertaken to adjustments made to ensure the LEAP feel empowered and supported, this honest conversation discusses both the real life challenges and benefits of involving people with lived experience of dementia in projects, as well as advice for anyone looking to do the same.

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.

In this episode we hear from Debs Ogden, Dementia Adviser, and Pete Greaves, Legacy Partnerships Officer, as they share their stories of being involved in our Bespoke events - Trek26 and Memory Walk. Debs, who trekked 13 miles for the Society last year, shares what it was about Trek26 that made her want to sign up for a second year! Whilst Pete shares his first experience of volunteering at Memory Walk, the emotion of witnessing the effort people put in to remembering loved ones, and the comradery with fellow volunteers.

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.

Handling money can be difficult for many, but for people with dementia, financial mistakes can be devastatingly costly. New banking app and debit card Sibstar is designed specifically to help people affected by dementia remain financially independent for longer.

Sonam Zamir, Innovation Impact and Communication Specialist, speaks to Sibstar Co-Founder and CEO Jayne Sibley about the inspiration behind this innovative new banking app and how our Accelerator Programme helped bring this product to life. Plus, discover how you could win a luxury shopping trip courtesy of Sibstar and Mastercard!

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 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 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 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 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.