Heartwarming. Heartbreaking: New podcast explores living with dementia

Deadset Studios together with Dementia Australia are today releasing a new podcast that aims to alleviate the loneliness and social isolation experienced by people living with dementia.

The podcast is hosted by Jim Rogers, who lives with younger onset dementia and well known journalist Hamish Macdonald, whose father has dementia.

Throughout seven episodes Jim and Hamish explore the experiences of people living with dementia, carers and health experts – from being diagnosed to managing sleep disturbance and hallucinations, travelling, staying active and managing relationships.

Their stories are honest, raw, sometimes harrowing, heartwarming and at times heartbreaking.

“I felt very lonely after my dementia diagnosis. It’s pretty scary, scary territory,” Jim says.

“Being able to hear about others’ experiences in a positive way on a podcast like this would have been an amazing thing for me when I was diagnosed.”

Hamish says “As a journalist I’ve met many people living with dementia, but all of this hit close to home a few years ago when my dad was diagnosed with dementia.”

“The stories shared by all the people living with dementia involved will help to break down barriers that discourage people seeking help and reduce the impact of social isolation.”

Jim and Hamish are joined on the podcast by Heather Cooper, Catherine Daskalakis, Pam Eade, Juanita Hughes, Ann Pietsch, Anthony Pollock and Kevyn Morris – who all live with different forms of dementia, as well as Dom O’Leary, who cared for her father with dementia.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan says “In Hold the Moment, you’ll share the podcasters’ struggles and triumphs as they rise to the challenges that come with a diagnosis of dementia.”

“It is a powerful example of people continuing to live well while experiencing daunting changes and upheavals to their lives.”

Hold the Moment is being officially launched at the Sydney Opera House this morning by patron Ita Buttrose.

Episodes available here.