Discovering Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Society’s latest campaign in the UK is called The Long Goodbye.It centres around the potential feelings of grief and loss that it says both carers and those living with dementia can feel through the course of the disease.Penny explores what this means and talks to carers Ame Chauhan and Candy Morris to hear their stories. She also speaks to Marion Child from the Alzheimer’s Society to find out why the campaign was launched.CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains conversations about loss, grief and dying.Alzheimer’s Society https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/The Dementia Support line can be reached by calling 0333 150 3456https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/contact-usFor more information about The Long Goodbye campaign https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/dementia-news-and-media/long-goodbye#:~:text=This%20moving%20portrayal%20offers%20a,how%20devastating%20it%20can%20be.Hosted and produced by Penny BellTheme Music by Leila Mitwally@discoveringdementia@dementiapodcast

Fundraiser extraordinaire Manny Singh Kang is a Volunteer Ambassador for Dementia UK.He's also a Wolverhampton Wanderers football fan who launched and now runs a popular samosa stand at home games, through which he's raised thousands for charities. As you'll hear, he's also inspired many people along the way.The Samosa Saturday event featured here raised an incredible £6567.94 for Dementia UK.Links for Manny:To donate - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mkangInstagramX (Twitter)FacebookDementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses (specialist dementia nurses) for families affected by dementia.https://www.dementiauk.orgTo speak to an Admiral Nurse, call the Dementia UK Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org

This Autumn, thousands of people are signing up for free to do an Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk. The sponsored walks raise money which will go towards supporting those affected by dementia. But who are the people behind that support? Dementia Adviser, Charlotte Murray, tell us about her work for Alzheimer's Society and explains what she does in her role. The Memory Walk brings together people who understand the impact of dementia, mixing the buzz of the crowd along with quiet moments of remembrance. To find out more, go to www.memorywalk.org.uk Alzheimer's Society also runs a support line, which Charlotte mentions. If you are affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis, or you are a carer you can call for more information. Dementia support - 0333 150 3456 Opening hours: Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat and Sun: 10am – 4pm To get in touch with the podcast – www.discoveringdementia.co.uk Insta - @discoveringdementia X -@dementiapodcast Theme music - original composition by Leila Mitwally

In the first episode of this mini series, Helen Pike generously shares her story, talking about caring for her husband Geoff, who has a form of dementia called Primary Progressive Aphasia. She also shares her experience of Memory Walk, which she and Geoff did together last year. Memory Walk is a series of sponsored walks held in September and October across the UK by the Alzheimer's Society. It's free to sign up and open to all. The events bring together people who understand the impact of dementia, mixing the buzz of the crowd along with quiet moments of remembrance. Every pound raised goes towards funding vital research and support for those affected by dementia. To sign up and find out more, go to www.memorywalk.org.uk CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content some listeners may find upsetting Alzheimer's Society also runs a support line. If you are affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis or a carer you can call for more information. Dementia support - 0333 150 3456 Opening hours: Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat and Sun: 10am – 4pm To get in touch with the podcast – www.discoveringdementia.co.uk Insta - @discoveringdementia X -@dementiapodcast Theme music - original composition by Leila Mitwally

In her role at Alzheimer's Society, Kelly Inwood manages a team of people who work directly with those affected by dementia. She sees on a daily basis the importance of the help the Society can offer. That is why she supports the Memory Walk, a series of 24 sponsored walks across the country, aimed to raise funds for research, services and to give hope to people living with dementia now. To find out more, go to www.memorywalk.org.uk Alzheimer's Society also runs a support line. If you are affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis, or you are a carer you can call for more information. Dementia support - 0333 150 3456 Opening hours: Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat and Sun: 10am – 4pm To get in touch with the podcast – www.discoveringdementia.co.uk Insta - @discoveringdementia X -@dementiapodcast Theme music - original composition by Leila Mitwally

In the last of this mini series of seasonal interviews, Brian Gamble, a Volunteer Ambassador for Dementia UK, talks about how important it is to share as much information as possible on dementia, particularly on things that can affect finances, from the very start, as soon as a diagnosis is made. He also shares some of the things that worked for him and his late wife when it came to celebrating Christmas. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion about dying and the death of a loved one. With original music by Leila Mitwally. www.dementiauk.org Dementia Helpline Number is 0800 888 6678 – open Monday to Friday 9am-9pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm. Open Bank Holidays, except 25 December. To get in touch – www.discoveringdementia.co.uk @discoveringdementia @dementiapodcast

In this mini series of seasonal interviews, we hear from dementia organisations and others with their own stories and tips on how best to manage celebrations like Christmas. Maureen Winfield has first hand experience of dementia, after spending many years caring for her late husband, Michael. She generously shares what she has learnt and how she has approached Christmas. She also talks about her role as a Volunteer Ambassador for Dementia UK, as well as her love of crafting. With original music by Leila Mitwally. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion about death and dying, and the loss of a daughter to cancer www.dementiauk.org Dementia Helpline Number is 0800 888 6678 – open Monday to Friday 9am-9pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm. Open Bank Holidays, except 25 December. To get in touch - @discoveringdementia @dementiapodcast

In this mini series of seasonal interviews, we hear from dementia organisations and others with their own stories and tips on how best to manage celebrations like Christmas. Caring for someone living with dementia can mean you sometimes find yourself in situations where you’re not sure of what to say, or how best to respond. How you react can make all the difference. Adria Thompson, from Be Light Care, is a speech language pathologist from the USA who provides regular content on social media platforms with dementia care tips. If you have any tips you’d like to share, do get in touch at @discoveringdementia or @dementiapodcast. To find Adria, look for: @belightcare or www.belightcare.com With original music by Leila Mitwally