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3. “I never expected to care for Dad in my 20s” | Lizzie’s story
30:15||Season 1, Ep. 3When it comes to father-daughter relationships, Rob and Lizzie’s couldn’t have been stronger. They shared a love for the outdoors, music and sport, and were always finding ways to make each other laugh. When Rob began to struggle with driving in his mid-50s, the family knew something was wrong, but the prospect of dementia didn’t cross their minds. A few years later, Rob was diagnosed with young onset frontotemporal dementia. He was 58 years old, and Lizzie was just 24. Lizzie suddenly found herself navigating young adulthood while also adapting to her new role as a part time carer to her dad. In this episode, she discusses the drastic change in family roles, the importance of compassion and processing the loss of her dad, who died a few months before this recording. 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 Read tips and advice to help parents support children and adolescents when the other parent has young onset dementia Find young onset dementia support groups and services Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends
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2. “I didn’t think you could get dementia at 52” | Andy’s story
29:11||Season 1, Ep. 2When 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
1. "We've learnt to work together, for Mum" | Aqib and Shahbanu’s story
31:52||Season 1, Ep. 1Siblings 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
Introducing... My life with dementia, a podcast from Dementia UK
03:00|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.