The Fighting Dementia Podcast
The Fighting Dementia Podcast
Podcast Description
A helpful guide to families facing Dementia. Chatting with medical and tech experts, carers, and those diagnosed with the disease.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes related to dementia care, treatment advancements, and the emotional impact on families, with episodes exploring specific journeys such as Fran's inspirational story of courage and community engagement, along with discussions about emerging technologies that aid dementia patients.
Hosted by Fran & Tom who live with Dementia, we’re a podcast & community for those impacted in the early to middle stages – offering expert insights, honest stories & support. For those diagnosed, carers & families who need to feel seen, informed & less alone 🤝 **New Episodes Weekly On Mondays!**
We want to take viewers on a journey to see what behaviours can be adapted, changed or moulded to support good brain health, and fight the progression of Dementia 🥊
On the Fighting Dementia Podcast, Leon is joined by co-hosts Fran and Tom, who live with mixed dementia, and guest Anne Forrester, a chartered legal executive, to discuss why families should arrange lasting powers of attorney (and eventually wills) as early as possible. Anne explains how powers of attorney help trusted people make financial and health/welfare decisions, avoid social services or court involvement, and keep control for longer through clear, personalised instructions, including care preferences and end-of-life guidance.
She outlines choosing attorneys, handling disagreements, safeguarding via Office of the Public Guardian registration (taking 12–16 weeks), and the risks and delays of deputyship if capacity is lost. Fran and Tom share how family conversations and early planning bring peace of mind and allow focus on living well with dementia.
Resources & Further Reading:
Meditation & Dementia Research:https://news.med.miami.edu/worried-about-alzheimers-meditate-and-mingle-study-says/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-subtle-impact/202506/meditation-could-reverse-brain-aging
SURF (Service Users Reference Forum): https://surfdementia.org/
Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/
Reddit Dementia Communities: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia/
Powers of Attorney Info (UK): https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:38 Why Legal Planning Matters
02:08 Anne’s Dementia Story
03:29 Family Struggles Without Paperwork
06:25 Choosing Attorneys Together
10:07 Health and Welfare Decisions
12:39 DNR and Personal Wishes
15:16 How Many Attorneys to Appoint
16:49 When Families Disagree
19:16 Fran’s Power of Attorney Setup
21:44 Talking It Through as a Family
22:13 Talk Early Together
23:30 Power Of Attorney Steps
26:11 Safeguards And Registration
27:30 No LPA Deputyship Costs
28:28 Choosing Trusted Attorneys
29:34 Complaints And Investigations
31:40 DIY Vs Solicitor Help
33:05 Living Well After Diagnosis
35:17 Acceptance And Peace Of Mind
37:38 Insurance Policy Wrap Up
38:18 Final Thanks And Disclaimer
Disclaimer
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