A dementia diagnosis has a ripple effect across families. So where can you turn for information and support? This bonus episode is packed with tips for families who want to know more about how to support themselves and a family member living with dementia. Whether you live close to your loved one or further afield, Dementia Australia has many helpf…

When Millie Rogers first discovered her dad, Jim Rogers (co-host of Hold the Moment), had received a diagnosis of younger onset dementia, she felt like a rug had been pulled from beneath her feet. “I just froze. I just couldn’t believe what he was saying.” In this candid episode, Millie and her sister Daisy open up to journalist Hamish Macdonald ab…

If you’re looking for new ways to get around town or travel further afield with a dementia diagnosis, this episode is full of tips and resources on how you can do just that. If you’d like tailored support on travelling with dementia, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can call 24 hours a day or request a callback, s…

Jim Rogers was once ‘captain organised’ when planning overseas trips with his husband Tyler. But after his diagnosis of younger onset dementia, he’s learnt to get Tyler to assist with online check-in, packing and itinerary planning. And it’s not just setting off overseas that’s changed. Getting around town has become trickier now that Jim’s lost hi…

Getting a restful night’s sleep when you’re living with dementia can be an elusive task. This episode contains tips on managing your changing sleep patterns. If you’d like tailored support to tackle sleep issues, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can call 24 hours a day or request a callback, start a webchat or sen…

Ann, a former nurse, struggles to sleep because of the symptoms of her Lewy body dementia. Most nights, Ann experiences intense, multi-sensory hallucinations. Meanwhile, Jim Rogers takes us through some of the long nights he’s experienced since his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Sleep is vital to both mental and physical health, and it’s disrupt…

Your close relationships enter new territory once you’ve been diagnosed with dementia. Roles change, people might pull away but, for the most part, your loved ones just want to know how to be there for you. This episode helps you navigate these changes. If you’d like tailored support you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. Y…

For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. This episode was produced by Liam Riordan. Sound design by Sean Holden. …

Whether you’ve always been a marathon runner or just love getting out in your garden, staying active is an important way to manage symptoms of dementia. Here’s your quick guide on building physical activity into your routine in a way that suits your lifestyle. If you’d like support to stay active with dementia, you can contact the National Dementia…

If you take a long walk around Bealiba in regional Victoria, you might spot the occasional water bottle, perched under a tree. Those would be Heather’s. Heather’s always been a keen athlete and, even now at 80 years old, she loves long-distance running. That hasn’t changed since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but she’s had to adapt her…

Feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of writing or updating a will? Want to better understand things like power of attorney and enduring guardianship? Help is at hand! This episode breaks it down so you can start planning with confidence. Dementia Australia also has a webinar on ‘Future Planning’ you can watch online and other resources to help get …

“I was diagnosed early, so I got what I call my ‘active dying plan’ out of the way. And now I’m on my ‘active living plan’ and my adventure with dementia.” Pam was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia in her late 50s. Although the diagnosis at such a young age was a shock, Pam wasted no time making arrangements for her own funeral so that whe…

A dementia diagnosis can be a shock and it also can be a relief. If you’re looking for support, resources and guidance on what to do after you or someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia, this bonus episode is your simple how-to guide. If you’d like personalised support on what to do once you’ve been diagnosed, you can contact the National…

Jim Rogers didn’t see it coming. “It was almost like an out-of-body experience,” he says. “It was as though time stood still.” Only a few months earlier, life for Jim was as it had always been. He and his husband Tyler were both busy, focused on their careers and very social. But Jim’s colleagues noticed he would occasionally forget important detai…

"You could’ve knocked me off my chair. It was like time stood still." Jim Rogers was blindsided by his diagnosis of younger onset Alzheimer’s disease in his 50s. He didn’t see a dementia diagnosis coming, and yet it changed almost everything. The way you sleep, exercise, travel around, and even how you interact with your loved ones will change afte…

Dr Marita Long speaks with neuropsychologist and researcher, Prof Caroline Gurvich about the interplay between gender and dementia, with a particular focus on what happens during the menopause. Australian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/images/stories/infosheets/docs/AMS_Oestrogen_and_cognition_in_the_perimenopause_and_menopause.pdf …

Our team of Dementia Training Australia’s GP Educators, Steph Daly, Marita Long and Hilton Koppe discuss the strengths and weaknesses of cognitive assessment tools, and how they can be optimally used in the assessment of people with possible cognitive impairment. Standardised Mini Mental State Exam (SMMSE) The test: https://www.ihacpa.gov.au/sites/…

In this episode, Dr Hilton Koppe speaks with Spencer Ratliff whose father died from younger onset dementia. We hear about the challenges his family overcame and how they were able to create a legacy as a result of their experiences. Able Foods Ready made foods for people living with disabilities https://ablefoods.com.au/ Dementia Australia – About …

Dr Steph Daly speaks with speech pathologist Kim Torresi about her insights into how implementing strategies for improving communication can result in improved quality of life for people living with dementia. Dementia Training Australia Providing education for GPs and other health practitioners GP resource page - https://dta.com.au/general-practiti…

Dr Marita Long speaks with Prof Nicholas Ashton from Sweden about the development of blood tests which may be able to detect changes of Alzheimer’s Disease before a person develops symptoms. Australian Dementia Network A network of leading scientists and researchers working to establish a dementia registry, guidelines for memory clinics and screeni…

Our roving reporter, Dr Marita Long spoke with Prof Maria Eriksdotter from Sweden and our good friend Prof Kaarin Anstey at the 2023 Australian Dementia Research Forum. Prof Eriksdotter explained the benefits of having a national register for people with dementia and other chronic conditions, while Prof Anstey discusses ways in which we can use the…

In our first episode of Dementia in Practice for Season 3, Dr Marita Long caught up with Prof Henry Brodarty and A/Prof Michele Callisaya at the 2023 Australian Dementia Research Forum. They discuss the role of training for the brain and the body, and a re-enablement approach to assisting people with dementia or cognitive impairment. Australian Dem…

In many ways dementia in younger people is similar as in older age, however there are differences the GP needs to consider. Hilton, Steph and Marita meet with Professor Amy Brodtmann to discuss the similarities and differences in the identification and post-diagnostic care of younger onset dementia. SHOW NOTES: Telephone Interview for Cognitive Sta…

Neuropsychology assessments are often thought to be a necessary component of making a dementia diagnosis but Professor Sharon Naismith returns to talk with the team about the role of the neuropsychologist and how and when they can assist GPs in the diagnosis and post-diagnostic care of people living with dementia. SHOW NOTES: Telephone Interview fo…

Dr Eddy Strivens meets with the team to discuss his research work in the Torres Strait Islands and the specific needs of first nations people living with dementia. SHOW NOTES: Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) Administration and Scoring Manual: https://d1vhafmemgbnf1.cloudfront.net/sites/cheba2/files/_local_upload/pdf/groups/Neuroim…

Social and community connections provide invaluable support to people living with dementia. Professor Dimity Pond joins Hilton, Steph and Marita to discuss how GPs can utilise social prescribing strategies to optimise the quality of life for people living with dementia. SHOW NOTES: Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) Administration an…

Part 2 of the 2 part Sleep Matters episode. Professor Sharon Naismith and the team explore sleep and sleep disturbance in people living with dementia. SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information and services for people living with dementia, carers, family and health professionals National Dementia Helpline – 1800100500 https://www…

In the first of this two part episode the team talk with Professor Sharon Naismith to discuss the importance of good sleep and the impact that poor sleep can have on cognition, health and wellbeing. SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information and services for people living with dementia, carers, family and health professionals Nat…

The team meet with dementia consultant Jason Burton to discuss what can be done to support the person with dementia live their best life possible. SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information and services for people living with dementia, carers, family and health professionals National Dementia Helpline – 1800100500 https://www.dem…

A person with dementia continuing to drive is often a challenging and sensitive area for GPs to navigate. Occupational Therapy Driving Assessors are ideally placed to assist GPs in this. In this episode the team talks with Matt Underwood, OT Driving Assessor, who discusses driving assessments and how they can assist the GP as well as the person liv…

In this second part of episode 3 talking Dementia Podcasters Heckle and Jeckle expand on their personal experiences living with Early Onset Dementia and provide some fascinating insights, both professionally and personally for the GPs. Laugh, cry and learn from these wonderful ladies as they share their stories and lived experience with us and unde…

People with dementia often report experiencing a loss of respect, dignity and autonomy. In this two-part episode the team talk with Talking Dementia Podcasters Heckle and Jeckle, two health professionals who have both been diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia. Heckle and Jeckle talk with the team about the importance of respect, dignity and autonomy…

The impact on GPs supporting people with dementia can be profound. Hilton, Marita and Stef provide insights into their experiences, professional and personal, of GP’s walking alongside a person living with dementia throughout their journey. SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information and services for people living with dementia, c…

In this episode Hilton, Stef and Marita discuss the importance of GP practices being dementia friendly and share their ideas, tips and guidance on ways this can be achieved SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information and services for people living with dementia, carers, family and health professionals National Dementia Helpline – …

Covid-19 has had a profound effect on people living with dementia, both in the community and in residential aged care. Professor Dimity Pond chats with the team about what this means for people living with dementia, their GPs, their families, and carers. SHOW NOTES: Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) Administration and Scoring Manual…

End of life care has unique challenges for people living with dementia, their family and carers and the GP involved. In this episode, we speak with Dr Karen Savery who shares her insights into what might help to make the final part of a journey with dementia as smooth as possible for all concerned. Show Notes: Dementia Australia Providing support, …

The team and Professor Lee-Faye Low discuss the importance of GPs’ applying a cultural and linguistic lens to the diagnosis and care of people living with dementia who are part of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information and services for people living with dementia, carers, fam…

Part two of this two-part episode where Hilton, Marita and Steph continue their discussion on post diagnosis strategies and interventions that GPs can implement to support and optimise care and quality of life of people living with dementia. SHOW NOTES: STOPP-START Tool: www.cgakit.com/m-2-stopp-start Delirium Action Plan example: www.hnc.org.au/wp…

Part one of this two-part episode. Hilton, Marita and Steph discuss post diagnosis strategies and interventions that GPs can implement to support and optimise care and quality of life of people living with dementia. SHOW NOTES: STOPP-START Tool: www.cgakit.com/m-2-stopp-start Delirium Action Plan example: www.hnc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D…

The built or living environment can greatly enhance the independence of a person living with dementia and GPs can play an important role in assisting families and carers to create a supportive and enabling living environment. Hilton chats with architect Nick Seemann about what advice a GP can give to assist the person and their family create a supp…

GP's play an important role in the prevention of many chronic illnesses and dementia is no exception. Marita talks with Dr Kate Gregorovic about the importance of discussing this with patients in their 40s and 50s, particularly the importance of doing so with women. SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information and services for peop…

More is understood about the factors which can contribute to a person developing dementia. Marita and Professor James Vickers discuss the known risk factors for dementia and the GP’s role in managing and reducing these. SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information and services for people living with dementia, carers, family and hea…

Family and friends are central to the care of people living with dementia. Their GP also has a vital role in supporting and maintaining the welfare of family carers. Hilton chats to Helen, who’s father lived with dementia. She describes his journey and the impact on her and their family. SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information…

A podcast by GPs for GPs and anyone who is interested in improving the care that people living with dementia receive. Listen and learn as our GPs - Hilton Koppe, Marita Long and Steph Daly - share their professional and personal experiences with dementia with you. Gain insight into what dementia is and how to diagnose, manage and live with it. Deme…

The team talks about their experiences and the process of diagnosing dementia in general practice, including how to detect signs of dementia, taking a collaborative history and keeping the patient central to the process. Learn which tests are available, other conditions to consider and how to tell a person that they have dementia. Dementia Training…

Hilton, Marita and Steph discuss the challenges for General Practitioners of diagnosing dementia and offer some simple diagnostic frameworks to help overcome those challenges. Dementia Training Australia We provide dementia-specific accredited and non-accredited education, training, and professional development for aged and health care professional…

Most people become more forgetful as they age, so when is mild cognitive impairment (MCI) a normal part of getting older, and when is it a sign of dementia? Marita chats to neurologist Dr Matthew Kirkcaldie from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and the team discusses the different causes of MCI. Dementia Training Australia We prov…

Ann Pietsch started to notice she was getting muddled. Tasks that used to come easily to her started to seem more difficult. She thought, "Oh, gosh, something's going on”. Ann tells Dr Steph Daly what it’s like to live with Lewy Body Dementia, and the team discuss the benefits of an early diagnosis of dementia. SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Provid…