This World Alzheimer’s Month (September 2024), specialist dementia nurse charity Dementia UK launches its first ever podcast – ‘My life with dementia’ which will be presented by celebrity ambassador Jim Broadbent.
One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime. Either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. However, too often the voices of those impacted by the condition go unheard.
Dementia UK’s brand new podcast will be available on all major podcast platforms from Friday 20th September. The podcast features the stories of people who have experienced the condition themselves, people living with a diagnosis, people who have found themselves in a caring role they never expected, and people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Through their stories, and with practical advice from the charity’s dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the condition from multiple perspectives – as well as invaluable insights, empathy, and hope.
Andy Moxon is one of the storytellers who features in the podcast. He was diagnosed with young onset dementia in March 2023 at just 52 years old:
“I hope people who have a diagnosis and listen to my story find some strength in themselves to try and continue to do things that they love to do. Whether that’s knocking golf balls down the driving range or going to the pub to watch football, just continue living life as best they can.”
Jim Broadbent has supported Dementia UK for a number of years, with the charity’s cause being close to his heart. In 2002 he won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of John Bayley in the film Iris which depicted the relationship between John and novelist Iris Murdoch, throughout their youth and then into older age, as Iris lived with Alzheimer’s disease.
Celebrity ambassador, Jim Broadbent said: “It is a privilege to present Dementia UK’s new podcast and I am delighted to be a part of it. Not only does the series allow audiences to get a glimpse into the lives of the courageous people affected by dementia, but it shows just how wonderful the charity’s Admiral Nurses are in delivering vital support.”
Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO at Dementia UK, said: “We are so excited to be launching our first ever podcast series, amplifying the voices of those who have been affected by dementia. We know that families are often left to cope with a diagnosis alone, isolated and without the support they need, but we hope the series with allow people to find connection through shared experience.”
Subscribe to ‘My life with dementia’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to listen to new episodes as soon as they come out.
You can find out more about the podcast on the Dementia UK website: dementiauk.org/dementia-podcast/
If you need advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org
Image depicts Jim Broadbent