My life with dementia | A Dementia UK podcast

When Andy was diagnosed with young onset dementia in his early 50s, it felt like a door was suddenly slammed shut. The life he'd imagined with his partner Christine was going to look very different.

For months after his diagnosis, Andy withdrew from the world. He felt that he had no future. But over time, with the support of Christine and their dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, Andy found a purpose again. Through sporting events, campaigning and raising awareness, he wants people to see that people with dementia can still live full lives. 

This episode contained a reference to suicidal ideation and other themes relating to mental health. If this has caused you distress, free mental health support is available from Mind. You can call their confidential Infoline on 0300 123 3393. 

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65 
• Learn more about employment and young onset dementia 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends 

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Siblings Aqib and Shahbanu care for their mum, Shama, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease when she was 70 years old.   

The years following have been a steep learning curve. They have had to adopt new ways to interact with their mum. They've realised it's not always helpful to contradict her when she makes mistakes or forgets things. And they're careful not to let her feel shame over those things; or let those moments erode the trust that exists between them.  

This episode explores the ways dementia can test family dynamics, the importance of communication and how you can continually create moments of joy. 

Further resources:  

• Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  
• Learn more about how dementia can affect relationships and roles 
• Discover ways you can look after yourself as a carer 
• Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime.  

In Dementia UK’s new podcast, ‘My life with dementia’, real people share their experiences of living with, caring for, or losing someone to dementia. Through their stories, presented by actor Jim Broadbent, we gain a deeper understanding of this complex condition, and the challenges faced by those affected. 

Subscribe to ‘My life with dementia’ to listen to new episodes as soon as they come out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.