The Dementia: Understand Together campaign recently partnered with IRS local radio stations across Ireland. Twenty people shared their experience of dementia, including people who have a diagnosis of dementia themselves, people who care or cared for family members who have dementia, and a number of people who are working to make their local community dementia inclusive.
There was a particular focus this year on the importance of connection, friendship and social interaction for people and families who are living with dementia.
You can listen back to the interviews below.
Clare FM interview with Leahnora Clohessy
Leahnora is an Occupational Therapist and Manager of the Clare Memory Technology Resource Room
East Coast Radio interview with Nuala Paley
Nuala speaks about her experience of supporting her husband who is living with dementia.
East Coast Radio interview with Ciarán McKinney
Ciarán is the manager of the Engage Programme with Age & Opportunity.
Highland Radio interview with Dawn Thompson
Dawn is the Dementia Advisor for Donegal.
Highland Radio interview with Mary Toland
Mary speaks about her experience of supporting her husband
KCLR FM interview with Mary Hickey
Mary is the co-founder of the Kilkenny Memory Support Group.
KFM interview with Johanne Murphy
Johanne is a physiotherapist and works on dementia-inclusive projects in Kildare.
Midlands Radio interview with Helen Rochford Brennan
Helen is a member and former Chair of the European Dementia Working Group. Helen is living with dementia.
Midlands Radio interview with TP O’Gorman
TP talks about the work of Kilbeggan Men’s Shed
MWR FM interview with Eileen Ridge
Eileen is a volunteer with Western Alzheimers’ Befriending service. Eileen’s husband lived with dementia
MWR FM interview with Tom McCann of Western Alzheimers
Tom is a Dementia Nurse Specialist with Western Alzheimers, supporting people who are living with dementia and guiding them on local services
Ocean FM interview with Anna McTiernan
Anna works with Leitrim Development Company on dementia-inclusive activities.
Ocean FM interview with Carmel Geoghegan
Carmel is the founder of Dementia Ireland and was a carer for her mother who lived with dementia
Radio Kerry interview with Kevin Quaid
Kevin is a member of the Irish Dementia Working Group and is living with Lewy Body dementia.
Radio Kerry interview with Sarah O’Farrell
Sarah is the Collections & Documentation Officer at Kerry County Museum and works on dementia-inclusive initiatives locally.
Shannonside Northern Sound interview with Maureen Hartmann and Mary Armstrong
Maureen and Mary speak about their experience of supporting their husbands.
Shannonside Northern Sound interview with Carole Beattie
Carole is the Chair of Cavan Alzheimers’ branch and also cared for her late husband and her late mother who both had dementia.
South East Radio interview with Anne Marie Hayes
Anne Marie is a public health nurse and works on dementia-inclusive projects in her local area.
Tipp FM interview with Marguerite Keating
Marguerite is living with dementia and is a member of the Irish Dementia Working Group.
Tipp FM interview with Fiona Crotty
Fiona is manager of the Age Friendly Programme and supports local dementia-inclusive initiatives.