Lifestyle risk factors, like poor sleep, social isolation, and a lack of exercise may have a significant impact on dementia risk. The best evidence tells us that if we make healthy changes to key lifestyle risk factors, we could reduce dementia cases worldwide by at least 45 per cent. On this episode, Defy Dementia hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler report back on their own brain-healthy resolutions – changes they tried in our own lives – and their learnings, trials, and tribulations. Plus, they share cutting-edge brain health news, some from the recent Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2025, on topics ranging from new drug trials and blood tests for detection, to a major lifestyle study, to the role of lithium in Alzheimer’s disease, to the potential impact of wildfire smoke exposure on dementia risk, to the shingles vaccine, and more. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

In 2021, Diana De Faveri’s life turned “upside down, real fast” when her mother was diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome, a rare form of dementia. As a sole caregiver, she took care of her household, her business, her parents, and her parents’ home. She recounts this difficult and stressful time in her life, sharing the lessons she’s learned and her thoughts on why it’s so important to seek help and support. Dr. Nicole Didyk, Clinical Assistant Professor at McMaster University, geriatrician, internist, passionate patient and family education advocate and creator of The Wrinkle — a YouTube channel and website for older adults and their families — shares tips on how to navigate challenging behaviours, in the face of dementia. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts. 

In this special Pride episode, we learn about the increased risk of dementia facing the 2SLGBTQI communities, and about the tools, techniques, and resources available to mitigate that risk. We follow the story of Susan Gapka, the first openly trans person to receive a key to the City of Toronto in recognition for her work as an advocate, researcher, community organizer, and human rights activist, who also overcame mental health challenges, and alcohol and drug use. And we learn from geriatrician, clinician scientist, and proud 2SLGBTQI community member Dr. Samir Sinha as he shares insights as a dementia advisor and researcher, and elaborates on his work to enhance support for 2SLGBTQI people living with dementia and their care partners. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts. 

This episode explores the connection between untreated vision loss and brain health. We follow 78-year-old Walter Kuntz, a retired Canada Post employee, as he recounts his vision challenges – and consequent triumphs – and the steps he undertook to alleviate deteriorating eyesight caused by cataracts. He also shares his experiences with eye surgery and the life-changing benefits afterwards. Dr. Walter Wittich, Associate Professor at the School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, and Québec’s first Certified Low Vision Therapist, shares his work with older adults facing vision and hearing loss, exploring dual sensory impairment and acquired deafblindness. Dr. Wittich shares how vision loss can impact the brain and tangible strategies and resources on how everyone can protect their vision and reduce their dementia risk.

In this episode of Defy Dementia, we speak with Ian, a Toronto father and husband who has worked in the media for over 30 years. Ian shares with us his sobriety journey of nearly 11 years, hoping his story will support those facing similar challenges. We delve into the underlying brain mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, and prompt discussion on the role of alcohol in certain diseases – like dementia – and how individuals can think about reducing alcohol intake to reduce their risk of dementia.

This episode of Defy Dementia explores the relationship between developmental disabilities and dementia. Guests Dewlyn and Anna Lobo, a daughter-mother duo who live in Ottawa, share their personal journeys as they navigate the health challenges that people with Down syndrome and their carers may experience. Then, Dr. Yona Lunsky (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; CAMH) discusses why it’s so important for our physical and mental health to increase awareness of and fight stigmas surrounding developmental disabilities.

What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Nicole McLachlan shares her experience suffering from a heart attack as a fit and healthy 42-year-old and her subsequent road to recovery. Then, Dr. Paul Oh (Toronto Rehabilitation Institute) discusses the latest research on how our heart health impacts our brain health. 

Moving a family member or friend to long-term care can be very difficult. The newest episode of Defy Dementia explores practical ways to help make the transition easier for everyone. Liane Pelissier shares her experience moving her father to long-term care following his dementia diagnosis. Then, Dr. Jasneet Parmar (University of Alberta) encourages us to define the term “caregiver” more broadly and outlines the benefits of a team-based, caregiver-centred approach to care, with tips for caregivers and healthcare providers. Tune in to discover strategies to improve outcomes for residents, their families and the broader healthcare system. 

Resources

• Moving in to Long-Term Care – from the Alzheimer Society of Canada
• Making the Move to Long-Term Care – from Family Council Ontario
• Preparing For the Move into Long-Term Care; A Checklist – from the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa
• Caregiver-Centered Care – Initiative co-led by podcast guest Dr. Jasneet Parmar

In this episode of Defy Dementia, learn how traumatic brain injuries like concussions may increase your dementia risk. First, Jane Enright shares her inspiring journey recovering from a traumatic brain injury that almost left her unable to speak. Then, Dr. Carmela Tartaglia (University Health Network, University of Toronto) dives into the latest research on brain injury and how it can affect brain health in the long term and one’s dementia risk. Tune in for an insightful discussion and practical tips to safeguard your brain health.

Resources

• Concussion Education – from the UHN Krembil Brain Institute
• Traumatic Brain Injury – from Alzheimer’s Society
• Head Injury 25 Years Later - Penn Study Finds Increased Risk of Dementia – from Penn Medicine News
• Head Injury and Dementia Risk – from Alzheimer’s Research UK

This episode of Defy Dementia explores how well-being, including positive emotions, life satisfaction and social connectedness, impacts brain health and reduces dementia risk. Family physician Dr. Agnes Chinelo shares her personal journey of balancing caregiving and self-care to improve her mental health. Then, Dr. Emily Willroth (Washington University, St. Louis) shares the latest research linking well-being to cognitive function as we age. Lastly, Dr. Martin Picard (Columbia University) explains the fascinating role of mitochondria—our cells' energy powerhouses—in connecting well-being with preserved brain function. Don’t miss this episode for strategies to improve your well-being and protect your brain health.

Resources

• Supporting the well-being of an Aging Global Population: Associations between Well-being and Dementia – from World Happiness Report
• Low psychological wellbeing may raise risk of dementia, study suggests – from The Guardian International
• How does our mental wellbeing affect our brain health? – from Alzheimer’s Research UK