[Resource] Defy Dementia Podcasts

Defy Dementia Episode 5: Boost Your Brain One Bite at a Time - DECEMBER 2023

Defy Dementia is back with a new episode! In episode 5, you’ll learn how your diet can impact your brain health. First, hear from Anjali Gupta, a retired dietician who has made several changes to her diet to reduce her dementia risk following her mother’s dementia diagnosis. Then, find out how food can affect the brain with Dr. Thomas Holland, a physician and nutrition expert from Rush Institute for Healthy Aging at Rush University Medical Center. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts, for practical tips to help you make brain-healthy food choices. To accompany this episode, the Defy Dementia team has also developed a one-minute animated video and infographic. 

Defy Dementia Episode 6: Resolutions to Reduce Your Dementia Risk in the New Year - JANUARY 2024

In this special episode of Defy Dementia, co-hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler reflect on what they have learned so far on the podcast and discuss resolutions to make for the new year to reduce their dementia risk. They also explore ways to make it easier to stick to resolutions beyond the first few days of January. Tune in at defydementia.org or anywhere you get your podcasts 

Defy Dementia Episode 13: Mind the Gap – Women’s Higher Dementia Risk - Episode 13

This episode of Defy Dementia explores why women may face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease than men. First, caregiver Angeleta Cox shares the story of her mother, Sonia, a former personal support worker (PSW) who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017. Then, Dr. Natasha Rajah (Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute and Toronto Metropolitan University) discusses the latest research on the increased risk of dementia in women, and what women can do to protect their brain health. Don’t miss this episode full of practical brain health tips for you and the women in your life.

Defy Dementia Episode 14: Stick it to Stigma - Episode 14

This episode of Defy Dementia explores stigma and dementia – what stigma looks like, the emotional toll it takes and its potential impacts on the health of individuals living with this diagnosis. Guests Myrna Norman and Jim Mann share their personal dementia journeys, recount experiences of hurtful prejudice they have faced and discuss their tireless efforts to combat stigma for everyone living with cognitive decline. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and practical tips to fight stigma in your own community.

Defy Dementia Episode 15: The Why Behind Defy Episode 15

A 2020 report from the Lancet Commission initially helped inspire our hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler to start the Defy Dementia podcast and help people reduce their dementia risk. In this special episode, they dive into the groundbreaking findings from the latest Lancet Commission report, published in August 2024. Joined by lead author Dr. Gillian Livingston, they explore how nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by addressing key lifestyle factors. Discover the two new risk factors identified in the report, and gain practical insights on how you can take action today to protect your brain health.

Defy Dementia Episode 16: Lying for Love

As dementia progresses, individuals may forget pivotal moments, like the death of a loved one. Repeatedly learning this painful truth can cause significant emotional distress, but caregivers may also feel guilt at the thought of lying. This episode of Defy Dementia explores the ethics and benefits of compassionately reshaping the truth when communicating with a person living with dementia. Catherine Mulvale shares her experiences grappling with this challenge when caring for her mother, Anne. Then, Registered Nurse Ben Hartung discusses his research on “ethical lies” in dementia care. Tune in for an insightful discussion on this challenging topic and gain practical tips to provide comfort while managing the complexities of dementia care.

Defy Dementia Episode 17: Music, Memories and the Mind

In this episode of Defy Dementia, explore the beneficial effects of music on the brain – whether you’re playing music yourself or listening to it. Hear David Chase’s inspiring story of caring for his wife Rena following her Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, and how music remained an important source of connection and comfort as her condition progressed. Then, discover the science behind music’s ability to enhance memory and cognitive health with expert guests Dr. Debra Sheets (University of Victoria) and Dr. Julene K. Johnson (University of California, San Francisco). Don’t miss this episode to learn how music can enrich the mind at every stage of life.

Defy Dementia Episode 18: Well-Being for Brain Health

This episode of Defy Dementia explores how well-being, including positive emotions, life satisfaction and social connectedness, impacts brain health and reduces dementia risk. Family physician Dr. Agnes Chinelo shares her personal journey of balancing caregiving and self-care to improve her mental health. Then, Dr. Emily Willroth (Washington University, St. Louis) shares the latest research linking well-being to cognitive function as we age. Lastly, Dr. Martin Picard (Columbia University) explains the fascinating role of mitochondria—our cells' energy powerhouses—in connecting well-being with preserved brain function. Don’t miss this episode for strategies to improve your well-being and protect your brain health.

Defy Dementia Episode 19: Brain Injury and Dementia Risk

In this episode of Defy Dementia, learn how traumatic brain injuries like concussions may increase your dementia risk. First, Jane Enright shares her inspiring journey recovering from a traumatic brain injury that almost left her unable to speak. Then, Dr. Carmela Tartaglia (University Health Network, University of Toronto) dives into the latest research on brain injury and how it can affect brain health in the long term and one’s dementia risk. Tune in for an insightful discussion and practical tips to safeguard your brain health.

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