Prof Julie Williams (UK DRI at Cardiff) has launched a brand-new podcast alongside psychotherapist and journalist, Justine Pickering, aimed at answering the questions everyone asks about understanding, caring and living with dementia.
‘In Two Minds’ covers the human stories related to care and counselling, as well as offering insights from a range of scientists working at the forefront of dementia research.
The podcast, launched with a 12 episode first series, is hosted by Justine Pickering, MBE along with Prof Julie Williams, CBE. Prof Williams was the founding Director of the UK DRI at Cardiff, establishing the centre as an exceptional research facility that has made significant advances in unravelling the complexities of neurodegenerative disease, before stepping down from the role last year.
Justine came up with the initial idea for the podcast after caring for her late mother, Ann, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 55.
The podcast features a poignant interview with a campaigning carer, a range of talks with people directly involved in dementia care, and insights into the causes and latest research findings.
In one episode, Prof Vincent Dion (UK DRI at Cardiff) explains his work on finding new therapeutic treatments for Huntington’s and other diseases.
In another, the former Wales rugby Head Coach, Warren Gatland and his wife, Trudi discuss how to cope with the impact of having a close relative diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Prof Williams said:
“I firmly believe that scientists have an important role in informing people about where we are in the research journey on diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s and other brain disorders.’
We are making enormous progress in discovering the causes of these diseases and within a few years valid treatments will start to emerge. It is important for scientists to share this knowledge as widely as possible.”
Justine Pickering said:
“I know from personal experience how many unanswered questions everyone has when dementia comes into your life whether it is because you or a close friend, relative or neighbour has been diagnosed.It can be a very lonely, confusing and even frightening time so I want our podcast to offer clear and valuable advice so that some of the mysteries are explained.
Most families these days have some kind of link to someone with dementia or have a personal interest in finding out more and at In Two Minds we are focused on the issues and details which really help people understand and cope.
We want people with worrying questions about any aspect of dementia or other brain disorders to get in touch so that we can offer advice from people in the know.”
The series is produced by the award-winning Cardiff based Bengo Media audio and visual company which has created some podcasts for the World Health Organisation, The Open University and Macmillan Cancer Support amongst others.
Bengo Media’s Creative Director, Steve Austins, said:
“We are already getting fantastic feedback for series one which does not surprise me because Justine and Julie are delivering a product of true quality.
There are some heartwarming stories being told and the information being packaged in each episode is so focused and useful.”
The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, along with video clips and behind-the-scenes content in its Instagram account, @intwomindspod.
