How we can support you
Whether you have a question that needs an immediate answer or need emotional support when life feels overwhelming, these are the ways our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses can support you.
It’s official, season two is launching on Wednesday 21st May 2025!
Presented by award-winning journalist, editor, podcaster and Dementia UK Ambassador Marianne Jones, season two of 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.
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.
Season two
Episode one: “Community meant everything after Nan’s diagnosis” – Michaela’s story
Release date: Wednesday 21st May 2025
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 powerless and alone, Michaela yearned for community, and a place where dementia wasn’t taboo. A place where her nan could be herself.
When Michaela couldn’t find it, she created it. The Spring Bleau Dementia Cafe was born.
This is a story about finding strength in community after a dementia diagnosis.
Episode two: “Mum’s dementia has brought our family closer” – George’s story
Release date: Wednesday 28th May 2025
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 carer, and has supported his parents through some huge changes in how and even where they live.
In this episode, George shares his experience of being thrust into the role of a young carer, and the emotional journey that has followed.
Episode three: “I live alone, and I have dementia” – Julie’s story
Release date: Wednesday 4th June 2025
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 with shock that she burst into tears.
Julie lives on her own, and doesn’t have family members to care for her. It’s a situation many people with dementia find themselves in. She has found purpose in advocating for this community.
In this episode, Julie talks about maintaining her independence while living with dementia, finding the courage to ask for help, and the importance of amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.
Episode four: “Caring for Mum and Dad drove me to breaking point” – Chris’s story
Release date: Wednesday 11th June 2025
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 juggled parenting his own son, working full-time in the emergency services, and his caregiving role. And eventually, he reached breaking point.
In this episode, he talks about the constant battle with a system that was supposed to support him, and the importance of looking after yourself as a carer.
Episode five: “I was pushed into retirement after my diagnosis” – Phil’s story
Release date: Wednesday 18th June 2025
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 was forgetting names. Sometimes he would enter a room and forget why he was there. As his symptoms became more pronounced over the following year, an initial diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment was changed to dementia with Lewy bodies.
After initially having the full support of his employer, Phil saw firsthand the lack of understanding once the word ‘dementia’ entered the equation. He has since dedicated himself to ensuring people understand their rights when it comes to the crossover between work and dementia.
Episode six: “I agonised over Mum’s move into full-time care” – Penny’s story
Release date: Wednesday 25th June 2025
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 taught Penny to believe in herself, to try things and see things.
In 2016, Rosemary was diagnosed with mixed dementia. For the past eight years, Penny has been her mum’s primary carer. And while there have been plenty of heartbreaking moments, the hardest came when Penny had to move Rosemary into a care home.
Meet our presenter
Season two presenter, award-winning journalist, editor, podcaster and Dementia UK Ambassador, Marianne Jones
“I'm thrilled to be involved with Dementia UK's podcast. It is important to listen to the voices of people who are living with dementia and those who care for and support their loved ones, as too often they are not heard.”
Meet our Admiral Nurses
Admiral Nurses Vic Lyons (left) and Hilda Hayo (right)
“We know that families are often left to cope with a diagnosis alone, isolated and without the support they need, but we hope the podcast will allow people to find connection through shared experience.”
Presented by award-winning actor and Dementia UK Celebrity Ambassador Jim Broadbent
“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.”
Episode one: “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 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 create moments of joy.
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Episode two: “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. He knew the future he had imagined for himself and his partner Christine would 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.
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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.
Episode three: “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 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, Lizzie discusses how the diagnosis led to drastic changes in family roles, why compassion was so important, and how she is coping with her grief for her dad, who died a few months before this recording.
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Episode four: “Being a husband and a carer was a big adjustment” – James’ 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 that followed her diagnosis. James tried to strike the balance between maintaining his wife’s independence while ensuring her safety. It was a balance that became increasingly difficult.
In this episode, he shares his perspective on caring for Maria, from noticing early signs through to grappling with the move into full-time care. He also touches on the vital support he received from their dementia specialist Admiral Nurse.
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Episode five: “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.
After several frustrating appointments with health professionals, Harbaksh was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in her 80s. Ricky was thrust into a caring role and set about learning everything he could about her condition.
This episode touches on the difficulties many people face in getting a diagnosis of dementia, the importance of culturally tailored care and the unpredictable nature of grief.
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Episode six: “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 many emotions – confusion, sadness and anger.
With the help of her dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, Gail was able to shift her focus to what she can do, rather than what she can’t. She decided to pursue passions she’d always held but never pursued – photography, arts, crafts and exploring nature.
This episode is about Gail’s approach to living well with dementia and maintaining an identity beyond her diagnosis.
