The Memories Podcast

Episode 11: Early Diagnosis, Lasting Identity - Insights from Dr. Anila Medina, Internist and Geriatrician at UMass Memorial Medical Center

In today's episode, I had the pleasure to speak to Dr. Anila Medina, a board-certified internist and geriatrician from UMass Memorial Health. This episode was very meaningful to me as I was able to first-hand learn from a physician and hear about her unique insights and perspectives regarding dementia care, a field I am longing to pursue. Dr. Medina shared with us her remarkable journey into medicine and geriatric care extending all the way back from Pakistan. She highlighted the existing stigma surrounding dementia care, and the importance for our society to work together to reduce that stigma. She also emphasized the importance of early dementia diagnosis as that could open our door to numerous diagnostics, testing, and treatment options. Last but not least, she offered us numerous healthy and lifestyle changes to take better charge of our brain health today!   It is incredible physicians like Dr. Medina that inspires and gives me so much hope for the future of geriatric care. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Anila Medina 03:14 Inspiration Behind a Medical Career 05:03 Understanding Dementia: A Personal Perspective 06:24 Stigma and Misconceptions Surrounding Dementia 10:21 Cultural Awareness and Diagnosis of Dementia 11:35 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Dementia 13:17 Tailoring Care Approaches for Individuals 16:03 The Role of Non-Pharmacological Interventions 19:20 Hope for a Future Cure 22:05 The Multi-Specialty Aging Brain Initiative 25:10 Advice for Brain Health and Dementia Prevention 29:16 Changing the Approach to Dementia Care 30:02 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

Episode 10: Namaste Care: Honoring the Spirit Within — Featuring Nicola Jacobson-Wright, Dementia Practice Development Coach at the Association for Dementia Studies, University of Worcester (United Kingdom)

In our final episode of 2025, it is my greatest honor to welcome our third international star: Nicola Jacobson-Wright, a dementia practice development coach and professor at the University of Worcester based in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Nicola is a gifted dancer and she shared with us her lovely journey into dementia care. Our conversation touched on her initiative, Dance and Dementia, where she aims to engage those living with dementia through movement and dance. Moreover, we discussed the state of dementia and care in the UK as well as the infamous Namaste Care approach that Nicola and her colleagues developed at the Association for Dementia Studies. Nicola shared the latest research, implementation techniques, and delivery approaches of Namaste Care. Looking forward to you joining our lovely conversation! 🤍 #dementia [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/dementia/] #dance [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/dance/] #namaste [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/namaste/] #sensory [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sensory/]

Episode 9: Uncovering the Forgotten Mutiara: Insights from Dr. Cecilia Chan, an Imaginative Gerontologist and Dementia Activist from Malaysia

In this episode, I am pleased to welcome our second international guest: Dr. Cecilia Chan, an imaginative gerontologist, dementia advocate and activist based in Malaysia. Our conversation focused on the rising aging population in Malaysia, the stigmatized discourse surrounding dementia in Malaysia, and how innovative community-based projects that she lead such as the Forgotten Mutiara Café plays a key role to transform the perception and culture of dementia care. I also had the privilege to learn about her other beautiful initiatives including the Totsu-Totsu Therapeutic Arts and Dancing with Dementia Retreat, which have been featured in national and international media. You surely do not want to miss this beautiful conversation! ✨ Together, let’s uncover this majestic but forgotten Mutiara! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Cecilia Chan and Her Work 04:29 Understanding Aging in Malaysia 09:50 The Stigma Surrounding Dementia in Malaysia 14:31 Community-Based Advocacy Initiatives 16:40 The Forgotten Mutiara Cafe 21:02 Therapeutic Arts and Dance Retreats 22:10 Pharmaceutical vs Non-Pharmaceutical Approaches 24:42 Building Relationships in Care 25:59 Supporting Families in Dementia Care 27:01 Mindfulness and the Future of Dementia Care

Episode 8: Australia’s Approach to Aged Care — Insights from Dr. Dimity Pond, GP Clinician-Researcher and Head of General Practice at University of Newcastle (Australia)

In this episode, I am delighted to welcome our very first international guest: Dr. Dimity Pond, a renowned general practitioner and dementia researcher from the University of Newcastle, Australia. Dr. Pond shared her beautiful journey into aged care and dementia research. We discussed existing challenges and innovations in Australia’s healthcare system, including implications of the new Aged Care Act. We discussed how respect and dignity play a key role in dementia care. Dr. Pond also shared exciting research into preventive activities for dementia care and offered invaluable clinical perspectives. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Constance Dimity-Pond 02:38 Journey into General Practice and Research 08:04 Understanding Dementia: Personal and Professional Perspectives 12:36 The Stigma of Dementia and Societal Views 17:33 Communicating a Dementia Diagnosis with Compassion 20:12 Tailoring Care Approaches for Dementia Patients 22:26 Navigating Non-Pharmaceutical vs. Pharmaceutical Interventions 26:59 Cultural Perspectives on Dementia Care 30:52 The New Age Care Act: A Paradigm Shift 33:40 Preventive Activities in Dementia Care 38:05 Respect and Dignity are Key Link to Website: The Memories Podcast [https://thememoriespodcast.transistor.fm/]

Episode 7: Innovations in Alzheimer’s Research and Diagnostics — Perspectives from Dr. Courtney Kloske, Director of Scientific Engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association

In today's episode, I had the pleasure to interview Dr. Courtney Kloske, director of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association. She discussed her journey into Alzheimer’s research, the significance of the APOE4 gene, advancements in diagnostic tools, and the importance of early diagnosis. She shared novel insights from the US Pointer study on lifestyle interventions and their impact on cognitive health, as well as the Alzheimer’s Association’s role in pushing the boundaries of Alzheimer’s science through research. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Alzheimer's Research and Dr. Kloke's Role 03:28 Inspiration Behind Pursuing Alzheimer's Research 06:20 Understanding the APOE4 Gene and Its Impact 09:05 Advancements in Alzheimer's Diagnosis and Biomarkers 11:40 Importance of Early Diagnosis in Alzheimer's 14:26 Insights from the US Pointer Study 17:07 Lifestyle Interventions for Cognitive Health 19:36 Alzheimer's Association's Role in Research Funding 22:28 Future Directions in Alzheimer's Research 25:08 Hope for a Cure and Changing Care Approaches