Nine To Noon

There are serious concerns for the wellbeing of people with dementia being unable to access adequate care right now - let alone be safely catered for in the next few years. Dementia NZ says the services and resources are stretched, inadequate and lacking the scope to assist people who have dementia. Also, some rest homes are closing and care staff are in short supply. Canterbury DHB Psychiatrist and academic, Matthew Croucher has co-authored a review of the sector and he says based on demographic trends the issue will only intensify. Currently, 70,000 New Zealanders have dementia. That's set to rise to 170,000 by 2050.

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Science commentator Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to talk about a new study that's challenging the inevitability of aging. Boston scientists have found how to reverse age decline in mice. He'll also look at why chocolate tastes so irresistible and some incredible photos of the billions of objects in the Milky Way - you can see it for yourself here.

RNZ Political editor Jane Patterson

Ann-Marie Bird set up in business when long-term chronic illness prevented her from doing what she loves: reading. Ann-Marie was diagnosed with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome five years ago. A former music teacher and orchestra chellist, the limitations of Anne-Marie's condition meant she couldn't get out to the library, and her supply of books dried up. So she set up on-line store Books for Less which offers a wide range of discounted second hand books, delivered to your door. Anne-Marie and husband Moses run the business from their Hamilton home. They also have a monthly stall at Tamahere markets, for which they're winners in BNZ's Market Made competition. Anne-Marie tells Kathryn she also has another helper at home, Brodey the golden retriever labrador service dog.

RNZ Business editor Gyles Beckford

Kathryn speaks with RNZ Otago reporter Tess Brunton about the controversial changes to Dunedin Hospital, with a reduction in beds, operating theatres and space for staff to work. She'll also talk about the new mayor's push to restore groynes at a popular city beach and the return of the first royal albatross chick camera stars.

Louise O'Brien reviews three of her favourite books from last year: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, published by Tinder Press; Eden by Jim Crace published by Picador and The Trees by Percival Everett published by Influx Press

Conn Iggulden has written many historical fiction books set in the ancient world. His latest book, Lion is set in and follows the fortunes of Pericles, a famous statesman of Athens. Other works include : the Emperor Series based around the life of Julius Caesar, and the Conqueror Series, based on the life of Mongol warlords and also The War of the Roses series. In a departure from that he also co-authored with his brother Hal the extremely popular The Dangerous Book for Boys. With 20 years as a published and prolific author, it's not unusual for him to release a book a year, and often two.

Australia correspondent Chris Niesche joins Kathryn to preview inflation figures out this week - has it peaked? Debate over Australia Day continues, with some choosing to forgo observing the public holiday and take another day off instead. He'll also look at a string of incidents - albeit unrelated - plaguing Qantas.

Oil from manuka trees grown in East Cape is being used to develop treatments for skin infections that are usually only cured by antibiotics. Manuka was used as a traditional medicine by Maori, and in the last few decades numerous studies have been done into its anti-microbial, antifungal and antibacterial benefits. One company driving the research is Manuka Bioscience, which manages six manuka plantations in partnership with Iwi landowners, some of whom are shareholders in the company. It produces a range of products, including its ManukaRX skincare brand, while the outcome of trials into manuka oil's efficacy in treating mild to severe eczema and impetigo - or school sores - is expected later in the year. Kathryn is joined by Stuart Cairns, co-founder and CEO of Manuka Bioscience.