In a trailblazing move, Dementia Australia has today unveiled the nation's first podcast specifically designed to combat the profound loneliness and social isolation often experienced by those living with dementia.

Developed in close collaboration with individuals living with dementia, the podcast is co-hosted by Jim Rogers, who himself is navigating younger onset dementia, and acclaimed journalist Hamish Macdonald, whose father is living with dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease.

Spanning seven deeply insightful episodes, Jim and Hamish engage in candid conversations with fellow dementia sufferers, caregivers, and health professionals. Together, they delve into a range of topics including the emotional impact of a diagnosis, managing sleep disturbances and hallucinations, maintaining an active lifestyle, and the complexities of relationships under the shadow of dementia.

The narratives shared are a tapestry of raw, unfiltered experiences - often harrowing, yet there are moments of warmth and profound humanity. "I felt very lonely after my dementia diagnosis. It’s pretty scary, scary territory," Rogers candidly reflects.

“Being able to hear about others’ experiences in a positive way on a podcast like this would have been an amazing thing for me when I was diagnosed,” he adds, underscoring the podcast’s vital role in providing solace and connection.

Recent survey data released by Dementia Australia further underscores the podcast's necessity. Alarmingly, a third of respondents reported that people tend to avoid or exclude their loved ones living with dementia, and nearly half perceived a noticeable decline in communication with those affected.

“As a journalist, I’ve encountered many people living with dementia, but all of this hit close to home a few years ago when my dad was diagnosed with dementia,” Macdonald shares.

“The stories shared by all the people living with dementia involved will help to break down barriers that discourage people from seeking help and reduce the impact of social isolation. Receiving news of a diagnosis is huge, and at every step of this project, I’ve been in awe of all of the people living with dementia willing to share their often intensely personal experiences to help others.”

Joining Jim and Hamish on the podcast are a diverse group of voices: Heather Cooper, Catherine Daskalakis, Pam Eade, Juanita Hughes, Ann Pietsch, Anthony Pollock, and Kevyn Morris - all of whom are living with various forms of dementia. The podcast also features Dom O’Leary, who cared for her father with dementia, and experts such as Professor Nola Ries from the University of Technology Sydney’s Faculty of Law, Associate Professor Stephanie Rainey-Smith, a neuroscientist from Murdoch University, and Kristin, an advisor from the National Dementia Helpline.

Dementia Australia CEO, Professor Tanya Buchanan, praised the podcast, stating, "In Hold the Moment, you’ll share the podcasters’ struggles and triumphs as they rise to the challenges that come with a diagnosis of dementia. It is a powerful example of people continuing to live well while experiencing daunting changes and upheavals in their lives."

She added, “I want to thank each and every person who has contributed to the making of the podcast and acknowledge the support of the Australian Government. They have all been so generous in sharing their experiences and expertise to help others.”

Professor Buchanan also expressed her delight in welcoming Hamish Macdonald as an Ambassador for Dementia Australia. “Hamish has been extraordinary in his support for Dementia Australia, helping us to raise awareness about dementia and our organisation.”

Hold the Moment is available on all major podcast platforms. Listen to the trailer here.

Episodes one and two of the seven-part series are available from today, with further episodes dropping weekly, in the lead-up to Dementia Action Week, which is from 16-22 September.