The Dementia Connection

The Grief of Losing Someone Who Is Still Alive

In this episode, Anna and Jo have an honest conversation about anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, and the emotional reality of loving someone with dementia. Together, they explore the experience of grieving someone who is still alive — the heartbreak of watching a parent slowly change, the loss of reciprocity in relationships, and the confusing emotional tension of feeling both connection and distance at the same time. From navigating care homes and family dynamics to moments of lucidity, guilt, exhaustion, and unexpected humour, this episode sheds light on a form of grief that so many people experience but rarely talk about openly.  They also discuss the psychology behind ambiguous loss, drawing on the work of Pauline Boss, and reflect on how dementia impacts identity, attachment, caregiving, and emotional resilience. Whether you are supporting a loved one with Dementia or another progressive illness, caring for ageing parents, or struggling with anticipatory grief yourself, this conversation offers comfort, validation, practical insight, and a reminder that you are not alone in what can often feel like an isolating experience. Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

Why Dementia Is So Much More Than Memory Loss with Professor James Rowe

Dementia is so often spoken about as though it is simply memory loss, but in this compassionate and eye opening conversation, Professor James Rowe explains what is actually happening inside the brain during diseases like Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, why behaviour and personality can change so dramatically, and how families can better understand the people they love through these frightening and confusing experiences.  Together we explore diagnosis, anticipatory grief, paranoia, hallucinations, the loneliness of caring for someone with dementia and the urgent need for more humane, proactive support. Most importantly, this episode offers something many families are rarely given when it comes to dementia: hope. From groundbreaking blood tests to emerging treatments and practical ways to improve quality of life, Professor Rowe explains why dementia is not hopeless and why people living with it deserve far more care, dignity and support than they currently receive. Please subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @doiknowyoupod

The Dementia Connection

In this first episode of Do I Know You? Understanding Dementia, Dr Joanna King and Dr Anna Colton introduce the podcast and the personal stories behind it. As clinical psychologists who have both experienced dementia in their own families, they reflect on the emotional reality of caring for a parent with dementia, the shock of diagnosis, anticipatory grief, young onset Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, family roles, lack of support, and the moments of humour and connection that can sit alongside the heartbreak. This episode sets out the heart of the series: bringing together lived experience, psychological insight, evidence-based information and honest conversation to help people affected by dementia feel more informed, more understood and less alone. Follow Do I Know You? on Instagram: @doiknowyoupodcast Follow Anna: @drannacolton Follow Jo: @theemdrpsychologist

Trailer: Introducing Do I Know You? Understanding Dementia

Welcome to the first look at Do I Know You?, a podcast that bridges the gap between clinical expertise and the lived reality of dementia. Hosts Dr. Joanna King and Dr. Ana Colton share why they are stepping away from the clinic to have an honest, raw conversation about a condition that has touched both of their families. In this trailer, we define our mission: to provide clarity in the confusion. We discuss the "upside down" world of caregiving, the science behind the symptoms, and why finding humor in the dark moments is a vital part of the journey. Whether you are a caregiver, a professional, or someone seeking answers, this show is designed to help you find your footing.