Talking Life

Rukiya Mukadam’s sense of purpose has always been centred on family. Since being diagnosed with a dementia, she feels her purpose is now to raise more awareness of dementia, both in her community and society in general. Rukiya lives with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Ronan Smith’s ambition and work ethic have driven his professional life, which is still a huge part of his identity. Now this drive has manifested itself in his dementia advocacy work. Ronan lives with Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (fAD).

Mike Parish and partner Tom Hughes’ experiences as part of the LGBT community have shaped their lives and are still very much part of their identity. Tom lives with a dementia caused by HIV-associated neurological disorder (HAND).

Tracey Shorthouse is resolved to live positively with dementia. She decided not to shy away from expressing her experiences and writing became a powerful vehicle for her to share her voice. Tracey lives with an early-onset dementia called Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA).

Veronica Williams-Laing’s willpower got her through tougher times when she came to the UK at nine years old, and she has harnessed this in the face of dementia.

Joycelyn Grieves has always had pride in her home and appearance and this remains a big part of her life. She continues to find beauty in all aspects of life.

Being outside among nature brings Margaret McCullum joy and peace of mind, and closer to the people in her life.

Roberta McKee-Jackson has found support groups immeasurably valuable – a chance for people experiencing dementias to come together and share their experiences. Her husband Noel lived with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) and has sadly passed since this podcast was recorded.

When her mum Audrey was diagnosed with dementia, Caroline Kitcatt went on a journey with her that enriched both of their experiences and taught Caroline new ways to connect with others.