The news comes to celebrate Dementia Action Week, which is taking place now until 25th May 2025.
What better way to learn/raise awareness for dementia than to hear about experiences first hand? This is exactly what the podcast ‘My life with dementia’ is working to achieve.
Launched in 2024, the podcast was previously hosted by actor Jim Broadbent. However, the second series, which is available to listen to from tomorrow (Wednesday 21st May), is set to be hosted by award-winning journalist Marianne Jones.
Marianne also works as a charity ambassador for Dementia UK – the organisation who brought the podcast to life.
‘I am thrilled to be involved with Dementia UK’s new podcast series,’ Marianne said. ‘It is important to listen to the voices of those who are living with dementia and those who care for and support their loved ones, as too often they are not heard.
‘Half of the UK population will be affected by dementia in some way during their lifetime – my lovely mum lived with it for five years and it affected the entire family. A podcast is such an easy, comforting way to absorb information that is sometimes difficult and emotional. I hope that by listening to the stories, shared experiences and advice on the podcast, it will help take away some of the fear and stigma.’
Each episode of the podcast will be comprised of stories from people who are living with dementia themselves, their families and people who care for dementia patients. What’s more, these tales will be followed by an episode that contains practical advice about the disease from the charity’s dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.
One of the stories, for example, focuses on Michaela Williams whose grandmother was diagnosed with vascular dementia. After the diagnosis, Michaela explains that she felt as though her world was caving in, however, in her grandmother’s honour, she founded The Spring Bleau Dementia Café.
‘I tell everyone that comes to the café to use dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses,’ Michaela said. ‘It’s a service that’s there, it’s a service that’s free and it’s a service that’s vital for helping people move through their journey with dementia.’
‘That is why I’m taking part in dementia UK’s new podcast. I want to share my story with others and bring attention to the brilliant service available through the charity,’ she added.
When the podcast premiers this week, it will be available to listen to on all major podcast platforms including, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
News of the new podcast comes to mark Dementia Action Week, which kicked off yesterday (Monday 19th may) and is due to last until Sunday 25th May.
Image by Will Francis
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