My life with dementia | A Dementia UK podcast
We're a British Podcast Award 2025 finalist!
One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime – whether by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. Yet too often, the voices of people who are facing the many complex challenges of dementia go unheard.
Presented by award-winning journalist, editor, podcaster and Dementia UK Ambassador Marianne Jones, Dementia UK’s podcast, ‘My life with dementia’, takes listeners on a personal journey through the world of dementia, as told by people who have experienced it themselves. People living with the diagnosis. People who have found themselves in a caring role they never expected. And people who are grieving a loved one.
Through their stories, and with practical advice from our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, we gain a deeper understanding of the condition from multiple perspectives – as well as invaluable insights, empathy and hope.
This series was produced by Arlie Adlington.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Update frequency
- every 4 days
- Average duration
- 22 minutes
- Episodes
- 20
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
"I agonised over Mum's move into full-time care" | Penny's story
Growing up, Penny didn’t have to look far for her hero. It was Rosemary – her mum.
Rosemary had a confidence about herself. A warmth and kindness for others. And a smile that lit up a room. She taugh…
Two dementia nurses discuss Penny's story
This episode features two of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses – Hilda and Vic. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who provide free advice and support to the whole family, as well as the person…
“I was pushed into retirement after my diagnosis” | Phil’s story
A registered nurse for over 40 years, Phil found his dream role in lecturing graduate and undergraduate nurses at a university. In teaching, he had found his calling.
In 2015, Phil began to notice he …
Two dementia nurses discuss Phil's story
This episode features two of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses – Hilda and Vic. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who provide free advice and support to the whole family, as well as the person…
"Caring for Mum and Dad drove me to breaking point" | Chris's story
Over the span of a decade, Chris cared for his parents, who both had dementia.
An only child with very little extended family, Chris assumed the role of primary carer without much discussion. He juggl…
Two dementia nurses discuss Chris's story
This episode features two of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses – Hilda and Vic. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who provide free advice and support to the whole family, as well as the person…
Two dementia nurses discuss Julie's story
This episode features two of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses – Hilda and Vic. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses, who provide free advice and support to the whole family, as well as the perso…
"I live alone, and I have dementia" | Julie's story
Julie received her dementia diagnosis at just 54 years old. In the space of a few minutes, the doctor delivered the news, handed her a medication prescription and said goodbye. Julie felt so overcome…
Two dementia nurses discuss George's story
This episode features two of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses – Hilda and Vic. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses, who provide free advice and support to the whole family, as well as the perso…
"Mum's dementia has brought our family closer" | George's story
George's mum Linda was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when she was just 57. George was 22 at the time.
The years since have been characterised by adjustment. He's seen his dad become a full-time c…
Two dementia nurses discuss Michaela’s story
This episode features two of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses – Hilda and Vic. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses, who provide free advice and support to the whole family, as well as the perso…
“Community meant everything after Nan’s diagnosis” | Michaela’s story
When her grandmother, Vanda, was diagnosed with vascular dementia, Michaela felt her world come crashing down. This was the woman who raised her, a role model she’d always looked up to. Feeling power…
Season two of My life with dementia
One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime.
In Dementia UK’s podcast, ‘My life with dementia’, real people share their experiences of living with, caring for, or losing someone to…
"Life doesn't stop when you get your diagnosis" | Gail's story
On Valentine’s Day in 2019, Gail's world changed forever. At 54 years old, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Initially, she felt numb. But in the following weeks and months, there were so ma…
“I thought I knew what grief would feel like” | Ricky’s story
Ricky and his gran, Harbaksh, always shared a special bond. He describes her as more of a third parent than a grandmother. She lived next door, and relished being able to talk to Ricky in Punjabi.
Aft…
"Being a husband and a carer was a big adjustment" | James's story
James's late wife Maria was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer's disease when she was 56 years old.
As a couple, they found themselves on an unexpected path – moving through the different stages tha…
“I never expected to care for Dad in my 20s” | Lizzie’s story
When 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 lau…
“I didn’t think you could get dementia at 52” | Andy’s story
When 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.
F…
"We've learnt to work together, for Mum" | Aqib and Shahbanu’s story
Siblings 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 ad…
Introducing... My life with dementia, a podcast from Dementia UK
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 someon…