Defy Dementia – The podcast for anyone with a brain, by Baycrest

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. Resources Music Therapy at BaycrestVoices in motion choir – from Voices in MotionPersonalized music for people living with dementia: Music project – from Alzheimer’s SocietyMusic and memories: The iPod program – from Alzheimer’s SocietyMusic helps patients with dementia connect with loved ones – from Northwestern UniversityIn conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia – from Medical News Today   Music as medicine for Alzheimer's disease and dementia – from Northwestern MedicineMusic and dementia – from Dementia UK

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. Resources Is it ok to lie to someone with dementia? – from Alzheimer’s SocietyDifficult questions and telling the truth to a person with dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society·3 tips to help you avoid therapeutic lying in dementia care – from Positive Approach to Care

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. Note: The full report of the Lancet Commission can be accessed here. Resources A reminder: Have a regular eye exam – from The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research FoundationOlder adults with vision problems face higher dementia risks – from Harvard Health PublishingCholesterol and the risk of dementia – from Alzheimer’s SocietyCholesterol and dementia risk – from Alzheimer’s Research UKBrain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society 

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. Resources Flipping Stigma Toolkit – from Canadian Institutes of Health Research   Stigma Against Dementia – from Alzheimer’s SocietyWhat does Stigma and Dementia Look Like? – from Alzheimer’s SocietyOvercoming Stigma – from Alzheimer’s AssociationDealing with stigma and discrimination against people affected by dementia – from Alzheimer’s UKThe Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society

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. Resources Why is dementia different for women? – from Alzheimer’s SocietyDid you know? Women are at higher risk – from Alzheimer’s Society Women and Alzheimer's – from Alzheimer’s Association Women and dementia: A global research review – from Alzheimer’s Disease International Why are women more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease? – from Harvard Health PublishingVideo: A discussion on women, brain health and dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society 

This episode of Defy Dementia explores the role of genetics in dementia risk. First, caregiver advocate Marva Smart shares how she is taking steps to manage her genetic risk and protect her brain health in light of prior dementia diagnoses in her family. Then, Dr. Tricia Woo, a clinician expert on genetic dementia risk from Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University, discusses the research on the link between specific genes and dementia. She also shares science-backed ways to reduce your risk, no matter your DNA. Tune in to this empowering new episode for practical strategies to help you protect your brain, no matter your genes. Note: Shortly after we recorded this episode, a scientific article was published in the journal Nature Medicine (Fortea et al., 2024) strengthening the potential link between individuals' genetics and Alzheimer's disease. However, these new results do not change the recommendations for healthy lifestyle changes presented in this episode on how to reduce your dementia risk. Additional resources  Your risk of dementia: Do lifestyle and genetics matter? – from Harvard Health Genes and dementia – from Alzheimer’s UKAlzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet – from the National Institute on Aging 

In this two-part special, Defy Dementia focuses on stress and caregiving. First, find out how stress can negatively affect brain health. Jay and Allison speak to “Zoe”, a 53-year-old who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder since being almost killed during a random attack, and Dr. William Malarkey (Ohio State University), an expert on stress and brain health. Then, the second episode focuses specifically on the stress of being a caregiver, and how this can increase dementia risk. Tune in to both episodes for practical advice to help you protect your brain today.

This is the second episode of our two-part special on stress and caregiving. With one in two Canadians expected to become caregivers in their lifetime, Defy Dementia unpacks the significant effects of caregiving on brain health. First, Dr. Ho Yu (University of Toronto) discusses the various factors that increase caregivers’ dementia risk. Then, Katie Brandt shares her journey as a caregiver for her husband and father, both diagnosed with dementia when she was just 29. Drawing from her experience, Katie offers invaluable advice for caregivers both new and seasoned. Whether you are currently a caregiver or may become one in the future, don’t miss this new episode for critical insights and guidance to help defy dementia.

This episode of Defy Dementia helps you sort through everything you’ve learned about dementia risk factors and identify those factors you can tackle in your life. First, meet Ravi Venkatesh, an active 62-year-old who recently started making multiple lifestyle changes to improve his brain health after discovering this very podcast. Then, you’ll meet Dr. Sylvie Belleville (University of Montreal) who provides simple and practical advice to reduce your dementia risk. Wherever you are in your brain health journey, don’t miss this empowering new episode to help you defy dementia.   Visit defydementia.org for more episodes and resources. Tell us what you think! Provide feedback about the Defy Dementia podcast, video and infographics by filling out a short survey. Resources Community programs: Baycrest’s Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and WellnessCanadian Institute for Social Prescribing Practical tools and tips: 15 Things You Can Do Now To Reduce Your Risk Of Dementia: #5 Stimulating Activities – video by BaycrestTrain Your Brain – by Harvard Health  About the effects on lifestyle on dementia risk: Lifestyle behaviors can lower your risk of dementia – from the CDCHealthy lifestyle behaviors reduced dementia risk despite family history of dementia – from the American Heart Association

Join podcast co-hosts Dr. Allison Sekuler and Jay Ingram for Defy Dementia Episode 8 as they unravel the intricate connection between sleep and dementia. Meet Mary Hynes, a retired special education teacher who leads an active, brain-healthy life but continues to struggle with her sleep. Then, hear from Dr. Andrew Lim, a brain health expert from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto, to learn how poor quality sleep may affect brain health and increase dementia risk. Don’t miss this fascinating new episode for practical strategies to help you keep your mind sharp.  Visit defydementia.org for more episodes and resources. Tell us what you think! Provide feedback about the Defy Dementia podcast, video and infographics by filling out a short survey. Resources Practical tips: The Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep – from BaycrestCaregiver training: Sleep disturbances [video] – from the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program More information about the link between sleep and dementia: Good sleep for good health: Get the rest you need – from the National Institutes of HealthSleep and dementia risk – from the UK Alzheimer’s SocietyUnderstanding the connection between sleep and dementia – from Harvard Pilgrim Health CareSleep problems and dementia - from WebMD Studies on sleep and dementia: Deep sleep may mitigate Alzheimer's memory loss – from Berkeley News- Seven to eight hours: The goldilocks of sleep – from Cognitive Vitality