Listen to our conversation with Dr. Madeleine Healy, a passionate geriatrician and general physician supporting people living with dementia. Madeleine works across Monash Health and HammondCare, bringing her expertise to memory clinics, acute and subacute services, residential aged care, and Dementia Support Australia.

In this episode, Madeleine shares her journey into dementia diagnosis and care, particularly for individuals with Down syndrome. She reveals how her passion for helping those with intellectual disabilities led her to pursue a PhD focused on designing a specialised memory clinic for dementia diagnosis for people with Down syndrome. Her PhD is focused on working with people with Down Syndrome to design a memory clinic that meets their needs. She shares about the symptoms of dementia to be aware of in people living with Down Syndrome and the importance of regular screening to understand changes in memory, thinking and function. People living with Down syndrome now live up to 60 years and are the largest population group that are genetically predisposed to developing dementia. Learn why innovative service models are crucial for providing the care and support this community needs. Tune in to hear Madeleine's insights and the vital work being done to improve dementia care for those most at risk

“We need better cognitive services for people with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, so that we have equal access to dementia diagnosis and to management and to post diagnostic support.”

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.

Associate Professor Yen Ying Lim is a clinical psychologist and researcher. Her primary research interests are in integrating and translating the effects of genetic, biological, and lifestyle factors on cognitive decline and clinical disease progression in Alzheimer’s disease. She is also interested in the development and validation of web-based cognitive tests for the early detection of cognitive dysfunction in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.

Yen dedicates her dementia research work to people in their midlife (ages 40-70) who have a family history of dementia. She focuses on detecting early signs of Alzheimer's Disease, even in individuals who currently show no symptoms of dementia. This early detection presents a fascinating dilemma. While these individuals can't be officially classified as having early-onset Alzheimer's, they are intriguing cases to study. They might face a heightened risk of developing dementia in the future, though there's also a possibility they may never experience it. Tracking their progress could provide invaluable insights into the onset and progression of dementia.

Yen explains the world of cognitive assessments and how the tests evaluate memory, executive function, attention, language, and processing speed. These assessments offer a window into the brain's intricate workings, capturing a spectrum of cognitive domains to better understand cognitive health.

With the onset of COVID-19, Yen is at the forefront of pioneering online cognitive assessments, responding to the need for flexible, accessible testing. The traditional face-to-face evaluations often require travel, which can be a significant barrier for many. Yen weighs the advantages and limitations of both online and in-person assessments, highlighting how online options can reduce logistical hurdles but may lack the controlled environment of in-person testing.

Yen explains the comprehensive nature of neuropsychological tests and the reasons behind their sometimes unconventional design. However, many existing tests were created for highly educated, Western populations, leading to potential disadvantage among diverse groups. Hence people may score worse on a test, not because of cognition, but because a word in the test is unfamiliar. Yen is deeply committed to dementia research across culturally and linguistically diverse populations. She strives to ensure that cognitive assessments and related advice are both culturally appropriate and sensitive, enhancing their relevance and effectiveness.

"The most important modifiable dementia risk factor is the one that you are willing to address”

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.

Associate Professor Michael Woodward is Head of Aged Care Research and the Memory Clinic at Austin Health in Melbourne, Victoria. He is a specialist in geriatric medicine with major interests in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias. He is Principal Investigator for numerous research trials of new therapies for AD and related disorders.

Michael describes working in aged care as a uniquely holistic approach to medicine, addressing not just the symptoms but the entire well-being of the patient. Michael’s journey into geriatrics and dementia care came through his involvement in various clinical trials where he developed a profound passion for the field. Michael's role involves evaluating patients referred for dementia assessments as a geriatrician and also managing cases in his capacity as a rehabilitation physician, where he often encounters patients who reveal memory issues that predate their surgeries.

When faced with the question, "Is this dementia?" Michael starts with a thorough patient history, engaging with both the patient and their family. This is followed by a series of clinical assessments, cognitive screenings, and routine tests. Michael is fortunate to work at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, where he has access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools such as amyloid PET scans and specialised blood tests. These advanced facilities allow him to detect biomarkers indicative of Alzheimer’s Disease, ensuring a high level of diagnostic accuracy.

In addition to his clinical work, Michael is dedicated to shaping the future of dementia care by mentoring the next generation of doctors. The field of geriatrics is the fastest growing speciality within the Australasian College of Physicians, yet Michael notes a significant need for specialised dementia training among general practitioners and other specialists, like cardiologists, who work with older people. He also points out the uneven distribution of geriatricians, with a concentration in metropolitan areas compared to rural regions in Australia.

Michael observes that our understanding and management of dementia have evolved significantly over the years. While the time required for a diagnosis has increased compared to twenty-five years ago, the accuracy of diagnoses has improved, allowing for more personalised care. He emphasises the growing importance of dementia support services, such as dementia navigators, to guide individuals through the complex diagnostic and management process.

"I want to have better treatments, and I want the journey for those with dementia to be much better than it is for many of them now."

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.

Associate Professor Samantha Loi is an old age psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist working at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Neuropsychiatry service and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. Sam is the current Victorian Chair of the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age of the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and Chair of the Young-Onset Dementia Special Interest Group.

Growing up, Samantha had little direct interaction with older individuals, but her perspective shifted dramatically during her placement in old age psychiatry. It was here that she encountered the remarkable resilience of older people and was deeply moved by their ability to navigate life's challenges. Samantha quickly came to admire how these individuals have crafted their lives, despite the complexities of ageing. She explains that Old Age Psychiatry is dedicated to addressing a wide range of conditions that affect older adults, from mood disorders to dementia and other medical issues. This field not only aims to enhance the quality of life for older individuals but also recognises the importance of their personal relationships and community connections.

Samantha’s passion extends into her research from her PhD where she explored ageism and the often misguided attitudes people hold towards older adults. Her current research also tackles the misconceptions older people themselves might have about ageing. She emphasises how our views on ageing and the process of growing older evolve as we age, highlighting a dynamic shift in perception that occurs over a lifetime.

In her description of neuropsychiatry, Samantha discusses how this interdisciplinary field bridges neurology and psychiatry, offering a holistic approach to patient care. Neuropsychiatry is crucial for individuals who experience both neurological disorders and psychiatric symptoms, providing comprehensive support that addresses both dimensions of their health.

Specialising in young onset dementia, Samantha describes the unique challenges faced by her patients. Some of them, she notes, might present with new mental health symptoms that could signal the onset of dementia. Others might have lived with chronic mental health issues since youth, only to develop cognitive impairments as they age. Her research focuses on improving care pathways for those with young onset dementia, aiming to create dementia-friendly communities that diminish stigma and support people in living well with dementia. Samantha concludes with a powerful call to action: as a community, we must strive to build a society that is supportive and inclusive for individuals with dementia, ensuring they can lead fulfilling lives.

"“Some people don’t have dementia, and that’s fantastic, but people then obviously have to come to terms with the fact of well, 'what’s then been going on'? And there is actually a lot of stress with that. All the anger, grief and loss that comes with giving a diagnosis of dementia, [is also there when] not giving a diagnosis of dementia, so I think as psychiatrists we are well placed to do that”"

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.

Mark Yates is a geriatrician in Ballarat, Victoria and Associate Professor at Deakin University. He is Clinical Lead for Safer Care Victoria’s Age Friendly Health Services 4Ms Program, lead geriatrician in the Grampians Region Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service CDAMS and is involved in many research projects.

Mark takes us into the intriguing world of geriatrics, a field dedicated to addressing the complex needs of older adults with multiple health conditions. Mark emphasises the critical nature of timely diagnosis in geriatrics, particularly when cognitive changes begin to interfere with daily life. In his practice, he approaches the question of whether someone has dementia with a selective focus, addressing it only when specifically asked. He investigates through the lens of the "four Ds"—Delirium, Depression, Drugs, or Dementia—carefully evaluating each factor to determine the root cause of cognitive issues.

He also contrasts the challenges of driving risk in rural versus urban settings, balancing the potential for increased social isolation in remote areas against inherent driving risks of early dementia. Additionally, Mark underscores the pivotal roles of general practitioners, practice nurses, and receptionists in primary care in detecting cognitive changes early, given their long-term relationship with patients.

Mark's decade-long collaboration with colleagues to develop a cognitive impairment identifier for hospital settings exemplifies his commitment to improving care. This initiative involved co-designing a tool with patients and families to enhance how hospital staff recognise and respond to cognitive impairment, ultimately aiming to ensure more effective and person-centred care.

"Older people are the canary in the mine of complex health systems because if an older person comes into something as complex as a hospital they tend to use all aspects of that hospital. Their experience in that hospital is only as good as the worst link in a series of a chain of support that they need to get from being an in-patient to successfully returning to the community"

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.

Professor Amy Brodtmann is a cognitive neurologist, with a research background in stroke, neuroimaging and dementia.

Amy sheds light on the intricate world of dementia, revealing it as more than just a blanket term for memory loss. Just as heart disease signifies heart failure and kidney disease points to kidney failure, dementia represents brain failure that goes beyond forgetfulness. It disrupts multiple cognitive domains, profoundly altering how a person interacts with the world.

Amy, a cognitive neurologist, talks about the extraordinary complexity of the brain, and how its breakdown manifests in dementia. She illuminates the role of neurology and its various subspecialties, detailing how cognitive neurologists like herself tackle the challenging task of diagnosing and managing dementia. Understanding whether a memory issue is indicative of dementia or merely a 'bad day' requires a deep dive into a patient’s history, neurological examination, cognitive tests, brain imaging, and neuropsychological evaluations.

The conversation extends to the broader need for community education and support about dementia. Amy's research is at the forefront of improving the diagnostic journey for dementia, investigating life factors that influence the likelihood of developing the condition, and pioneering brain health optimisation strategies, including tailored exercise prescriptions.

She also addresses the nuances between different types of dementia, such as the variations between vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and how symptoms can differ. Amy explains how strokes can lead to cognitive impairment or dementia and underscores the critical importance of managing risk factors post-stroke to improve brain function. Her insights offer a comprehensive understanding of dementia, highlighting both the challenges and advancements in this vital field.

“Don’t worry about worrying about your thinking, do something about it.”

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.

Professor Dimity Pond is a general practitioner and has honorary Professor positions at Newcastle University, University of New England and the University of Tasmania with the Wicking Dementia Research and Teaching Centre. Dimity has a passion and interest in dementia and aged care.

Dimity emphasises the pivotal role of general practitioners (GPs) in diagnosing dementia and guiding patients through the complex pathway of referral and care. Having a regular GP is invaluable; someone who knows you well can spot subtle changes in memory and function and offer support when you need it most. GPs play a crucial role in connecting patients with community services early on, such as registering with My Aged Care. Importantly, Dimity highlights that a dementia diagnosis doesn’t diminish one's individuality or choices; with the right support systems, individuals can continue pursuing their passions and maintaining a fulfilling life. She advocates the role of secondary prevention where diet, exercise, and social engagement can slow dementia's progression. Family members are encouraged to voice concerns about potential dementia symptoms to a GP. We also discuss with Dimity the role of cognitive screening in primary care and the importance of ensuring screening is in response to raised concerns or known risk factors.

"If you have seen one person with dementia, you have seen one person with dementia. Because dementia presents in many many different ways. And people with dementia have different strengths, different abilities and different ways in which that disease affects them. We need to work with them as individuals."

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.

Professor Scott Ayton is the Director of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis (CREEDD) and head of the Dementia Mission and the Translational Neurodegeneration Group at The Florey Neuroscience Institute.

Professor Scott Ayton shares with us the intriguing world of neuroscience, shedding light on how it intertwines with psychology, biochemistry, and physiology to unlock the mysteries of the brain. He offers a glimpse into a typical day for a neuroscientist, from pioneering research on diagnosing neurological conditions using cutting-edge imaging and blood tests to hands-on work in the lab, where neurons are grown and exposed to various chemicals to unravel the complexities of dementia.

Scott passionately discusses the transformative biomedical revolution currently underway and highlights how recent breakthroughs in dementia research are set to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. As the Director of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis, he plays a crucial role in translating innovative research diagnostic tests into clinical practice, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy and bolster doctors' confidence.

Listeners will gain insight into the evolving understanding of Alzheimer's disease pathologies and the impact of new blood tests in detecting these conditions. Scott underscores how increased investment in dementia research has fuelled these advancements, emphasising their critical role in the ongoing development of diagnostics and treatments that promise to reshape our approach to dementia care.

“I really believe in the power of research to change the world.”

“Dementia is a disease. It's an abnormality. It's not what happens during aging. It is something abnormal. And that's the good news, because if it is a disease, we can intervene, as we have for countless other diseases.”

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.

Welcome to “Is This Dementia?”—a podcast brought to you by the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis. In our debut episode, hosts Darsh and Sarah share the compelling inspiration behind this series. After conducting interviews with individuals across Australia who have gone through the journey of a dementia diagnosis either as a patient or as a significant person (spouse, partner, sibling, child, friend), they uncovered a common thread of confusion and a hunger for clearer information. Season one is dedicated to unravelling the complexities of dementia diagnosis, exploring the roles of various doctors and the tests and assessments they use to decode what’s happening in the brain. Join us as we navigate these crucial topics, aiming to shed light on the dementia journey.

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.