Mempathy

Memory loss makes people particularly vulnerable to scams, fraud and other dishonest behaviour. In this episode, Sonia and I are joined by a very special guest, Marc Cananur (Hunted, and BBC Morning Live). Marc is a leading expert in scams and fraud. He is also an ambassador for Dementia UK and has parents living with dementia. Together, we consider the extra vulnerability faced by people with memory loss - how they can be exploited by professional fraudsters and even sometimes by people closer to home. As always, we discuss the underlying science and provide many tips for protecting not only our loved ones, but also ourselves.

What do you do when someone tells the same story over and over again, and why does it happen? This episode discusses the tendency for repetition in people with memory loss, how it can get difficult, but also why it can be important and helpful. As always, we explore the underlying neuroscience and finish with concrete tips on how to react in a way that is positive and may even boost remembering.

Why is it that a person with dementia-related memory loss can still seem to be affected by something that they can't remember? Jenny asks whether there is any point in taking her sister out for a nice day, if her sister doesn't remember anything about what she's done? In this episode, we explain why the effects of experiences (positive and negative) can linger in someone, even when they are unable to recollect or describe that event. We end with some simple tips for recognising the effects of unconscious memories and using it to our advantage.

Episode 6 of Mempathy is all about the power of music. Our listener (who is supporting his sister with dementia) asks, “What is it about music that makes it so powerful? And do you have any tips on how to capitalize on it?” And of course, yes, we do! We discuss the science behind music and memory, focussing particularly on why it is that music from teenage years is so evocative. As always, we look at evidence-based tips for putting this into practice – capturing and curating the songs that really stimulate memory and nostalgia. An important take-home message is that it is never too early and never too late.

The way we speak to people with memory loss really matters - not just what we say, but how we say it.  In this episode Sonia and Catherine explore the concept of "elderspeak". Research shows that most of us do it, without even realising it. We discuss how to recognise it, why it matters, and what we can do to reduce it.