Defy Dementia – The podcast for anyone with a brain, by Baycrest

Volunteering has been associated with better self-reported health and reduced loneliness. Now, science is suggesting that it may also boost brain health. As we celebrate the spirit of giving at this time of year, we’re celebrating how volunteering not only benefits others, but can also help protect your brain and reduce your dementia risk. We’ll speak to lifelong volunteer Rev. Dianne Parker and learn how volunteering may have shaped her brain health. Later, we’ll hear from researcher Dr. Nicole Anderson, who has examined the link between volunteerism and brain health, and how volunteering supports physical activity, cognitive engagement and social interaction, each known to support healthy aging. Tune in at defydementia.org or anywhere you get your podcasts.

While the companionship of pets has been studied in the context of cardiovascular health, their role in protecting brain health is less studied. Join us to investigate how an everyday dog walk may boost brain health through dementia risk-reduction factors including physical activity, well-being, social connection, and cognitive engagement. Co-host Jay Ingram – and author of The Science of Pets – joins psychologist and aging-brain expert Dr. Theone Paterson (University of Victoria) to explore how pets can help you defy dementia, while Dr. Lillian Hung (University of British Columbia; Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute) discusses innovations in dementia care technology, including robotic pets. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Learn more about our guests: Dr. Lillian Hung is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Nursing and Clinician Scientist at Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and the founder of the IDEA Lab. She leads a dynamic team of academics and patient and family partners dedicated to advancing dementia and aging research. Through co-designed projects and collaborative research, the IDEA Lab fosters innovation, emphasizing shared benefits and meaningful engagement to improve care and support for those affected by dementia. She focuses on patient-oriented research and innovative care for people living with dementia and their caregivers.  Dr. Theone Paterson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Victoria; an Affiliated Investigator at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Affiliated Researcher at Fraser Health; and a Registered Psychologist with practice in Neuropsychology. She is the Past Chair of the Clinical Neuropsychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association; and is currently a Co-Investigator and Local Site Principal Investigator for the UVic Data Collection Site of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Her research interests include improving understanding of the interplay between cognition and psychosocial functioning and predicting real-world cognitive health outcomes as we age. 

Everything is connected. Like the connection between oral hygiene and brain health. In this episode of Defy Dementia™, we’ll join Dr. James Noble, Professor of Neurology and author of Navigating Life with Dementia, as he discusses how poor oral health and inflammation could increase dementia risk, and just how important oral care is for brain health. We’ll also follow 65-year-old Ben Schaub, a journalist specializing in science and technology – and a Defy Dementia producer – as he shares how he keeps his brain healthy by taking care of his oral health. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Key Messages: Gum infections are common, especially in older adults. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums benefits your overall health and may reduce your dementia risk. Key Actions: Brush and floss daily.If available, visit your dental professional for regular cleaning and check-ups or if you are experiencing issues with your teeth or gums. About our guests: Ben Schaub is an award-winning science journalist and Defy DementiaTM’s writer and chase producer. Ben researched episodes of CBC’s The Nature of Things and produced interviews and documentaries for Discovery Channel Canada's Daily Planet.  Dr. James Noble is a Professor of Neurology in the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He was the first to discover an association between the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivitis and impaired memory, and leads a project exploring the relationship of oral health conditions and cognitive trajectories. He is also the author of Navigating Life with Dementia.

This episode explores how quitting smoking can transform both heart and brain health. Connor Dorr, lived-experience advisor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, shares his journey with nicotine addiction, recovery, and advocacy.  We also hear from Dr. Adrienne Johnson, an expert on smoking and dementia risk, and Dr. Andrew Pipe, a global leader in smoking cessation. Together they discuss the science of addiction, the resilience needed to quit, and the brain’s capacity to heal.  Tune in at defydementia.org or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Lifestyle risk factors, like poor sleep, social isolation, and a lack of exercise may have a significant impact on dementia risk. The best evidence tells us that if we make healthy changes to key lifestyle risk factors, we could reduce dementia cases worldwide by at least 45 per cent. On this episode, Defy Dementia hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler report back on their own brain-healthy resolutions – changes they tried in our own lives – and their learnings, trials, and tribulations. Plus, they share cutting-edge brain health news, some from the recent Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2025, on topics ranging from new drug trials and blood tests for detection, to a major lifestyle study, to the role of lithium in Alzheimer’s disease, to the potential impact of wildfire smoke exposure on dementia risk, to the shingles vaccine, and more. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

In 2021, Diana De Faveri’s life turned “upside down, real fast” when her mother was diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome, a rare form of dementia. As a sole caregiver, she took care of her household, her business, her parents, and her parents’ home. She recounts this difficult and stressful time in her life, sharing the lessons she’s learned and her thoughts on why it’s so important to seek help and support. Dr. Nicole Didyk, Clinical Assistant Professor at McMaster University, geriatrician, internist, passionate patient and family education advocate and creator of The Wrinkle — a YouTube channel and website for older adults and their families — shares tips on how to navigate challenging behaviours, in the face of dementia. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts. 

In this special Pride episode, we learn about the increased risk of dementia facing the 2SLGBTQI communities, and about the tools, techniques, and resources available to mitigate that risk. We follow the story of Susan Gapka, the first openly trans person to receive a key to the City of Toronto in recognition for her work as an advocate, researcher, community organizer, and human rights activist, who also overcame mental health challenges, and alcohol and drug use. And we learn from geriatrician, clinician scientist, and proud 2SLGBTQI community member Dr. Samir Sinha as he shares insights as a dementia advisor and researcher, and elaborates on his work to enhance support for 2SLGBTQI people living with dementia and their care partners. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts. 

This episode explores the connection between untreated vision loss and brain health. We follow 78-year-old Walter Kuntz, a retired Canada Post employee, as he recounts his vision challenges – and consequent triumphs – and the steps he undertook to alleviate deteriorating eyesight caused by cataracts. He also shares his experiences with eye surgery and the life-changing benefits afterwards. Dr. Walter Wittich, Associate Professor at the School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, and Québec’s first Certified Low Vision Therapist, shares his work with older adults facing vision and hearing loss, exploring dual sensory impairment and acquired deafblindness. Dr. Wittich shares how vision loss can impact the brain and tangible strategies and resources on how everyone can protect their vision and reduce their dementia risk.

In this episode of Defy Dementia, we speak with Ian, a Toronto father and husband who has worked in the media for over 30 years. Ian shares with us his sobriety journey of nearly 11 years, hoping his story will support those facing similar challenges. We delve into the underlying brain mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, and prompt discussion on the role of alcohol in certain diseases – like dementia – and how individuals can think about reducing alcohol intake to reduce their risk of dementia.

This episode of Defy Dementia explores the relationship between developmental disabilities and dementia. Guests Dewlyn and Anna Lobo, a daughter-mother duo who live in Ottawa, share their personal journeys as they navigate the health challenges that people with Down syndrome and their carers may experience. Then, Dr. Yona Lunsky (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; CAMH) discusses why it’s so important for our physical and mental health to increase awareness of and fight stigmas surrounding developmental disabilities.

What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Nicole McLachlan shares her experience suffering from a heart attack as a fit and healthy 42-year-old and her subsequent road to recovery. Then, Dr. Paul Oh (Toronto Rehabilitation Institute) discusses the latest research on how our heart health impacts our brain health. 

Moving a family member or friend to long-term care can be very difficult. The newest episode of Defy Dementia explores practical ways to help make the transition easier for everyone. Liane Pelissier shares her experience moving her father to long-term care following his dementia diagnosis. Then, Dr. Jasneet Parmar (University of Alberta) encourages us to define the term “caregiver” more broadly and outlines the benefits of a team-based, caregiver-centred approach to care, with tips for caregivers and healthcare providers. Tune in to discover strategies to improve outcomes for residents, their families and the broader healthcare system.  Resources Moving in to Long-Term Care – from the Alzheimer Society of CanadaMaking the Move to Long-Term Care – from Family Council OntarioPreparing For the Move into Long-Term Care; A Checklist – from the Alzheimer Society of OttawaCaregiver-Centered Care – Initiative co-led by podcast guest Dr. Jasneet Parmar

In this episode of Defy Dementia, learn how traumatic brain injuries like concussions may increase your dementia risk. First, Jane Enright shares her inspiring journey recovering from a traumatic brain injury that almost left her unable to speak. Then, Dr. Carmela Tartaglia (University Health Network, University of Toronto) dives into the latest research on brain injury and how it can affect brain health in the long term and one’s dementia risk. Tune in for an insightful discussion and practical tips to safeguard your brain health. Resources Concussion Education – from the UHN Krembil Brain InstituteTraumatic Brain Injury – from Alzheimer’s Society Head Injury 25 Years Later - Penn Study Finds Increased Risk of Dementia – from Penn Medicine NewsHead Injury and Dementia Risk – from Alzheimer’s Research UK

This episode of Defy Dementia explores how well-being, including positive emotions, life satisfaction and social connectedness, impacts brain health and reduces dementia risk. Family physician Dr. Agnes Chinelo shares her personal journey of balancing caregiving and self-care to improve her mental health. Then, Dr. Emily Willroth (Washington University, St. Louis) shares the latest research linking well-being to cognitive function as we age. Lastly, Dr. Martin Picard (Columbia University) explains the fascinating role of mitochondria—our cells' energy powerhouses—in connecting well-being with preserved brain function. Don’t miss this episode for strategies to improve your well-being and protect your brain health. Resources Supporting the well-being of an Aging Global Population: Associations between Well-being and Dementia – from World Happiness Report Low psychological wellbeing may raise risk of dementia, study suggests – from The Guardian InternationalHow does our mental wellbeing affect our brain health? – from Alzheimer’s Research UK

In this episode of Defy Dementia, explore the beneficial effects of music on the brain – whether you’re playing music yourself or listening to it. Hear David Chase’s inspiring story of caring for his wife Rena following her Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, and how music remained an important source of connection and comfort as her condition progressed. Then, discover the science behind music’s ability to enhance memory and cognitive health with expert guests Dr. Debra Sheets (University of Victoria) and Dr. Julene K. Johnson (University of California, San Francisco). Don’t miss this episode to learn how music can enrich the mind at every stage of life. Resources Music Therapy at BaycrestVoices in motion choir – from Voices in MotionPersonalized music for people living with dementia: Music project – from Alzheimer’s SocietyMusic and memories: The iPod program – from Alzheimer’s SocietyMusic helps patients with dementia connect with loved ones – from Northwestern UniversityIn conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia – from Medical News Today   Music as medicine for Alzheimer's disease and dementia – from Northwestern MedicineMusic and dementia – from Dementia UK

As dementia progresses, individuals may forget pivotal moments, like the death of a loved one. Repeatedly learning this painful truth can cause significant emotional distress, but caregivers may also feel guilt at the thought of lying. This episode of Defy Dementia explores the ethics and benefits of compassionately reshaping the truth when communicating with a person living with dementia. Catherine Mulvale shares her experiences grappling with this challenge when caring for her mother, Anne. Then, Registered Nurse Ben Hartung discusses his research on “ethical lies” in dementia care. Tune in for an insightful discussion on this challenging topic and gain practical tips to provide comfort while managing the complexities of dementia care. Resources Is it ok to lie to someone with dementia? – from Alzheimer’s SocietyDifficult questions and telling the truth to a person with dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society·3 tips to help you avoid therapeutic lying in dementia care – from Positive Approach to Care

A 2020 report from the Lancet Commission initially helped inspire our hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler to start the Defy Dementia podcast and help people reduce their dementia risk. In this special episode, they dive into the groundbreaking findings from the latest Lancet Commission report, published in August 2024. Joined by lead author Dr. Gillian Livingston, they explore how nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by addressing key lifestyle factors. Discover the two new risk factors identified in the report, and gain practical insights on how you can take action today to protect your brain health. Note: The full report of the Lancet Commission can be accessed here. Resources A reminder: Have a regular eye exam – from The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research FoundationOlder adults with vision problems face higher dementia risks – from Harvard Health PublishingCholesterol and the risk of dementia – from Alzheimer’s SocietyCholesterol and dementia risk – from Alzheimer’s Research UKBrain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society 

This episode of Defy Dementia explores stigma and dementia – what stigma looks like, the emotional toll it takes and its potential impacts on the health of individuals living with this diagnosis. Guests Myrna Norman and Jim Mann share their personal dementia journeys, recount experiences of hurtful prejudice they have faced and discuss their tireless efforts to combat stigma for everyone living with cognitive decline. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and practical tips to fight stigma in your own community. Resources Flipping Stigma Toolkit – from Canadian Institutes of Health Research   Stigma Against Dementia – from Alzheimer’s SocietyWhat does Stigma and Dementia Look Like? – from Alzheimer’s SocietyOvercoming Stigma – from Alzheimer’s AssociationDealing with stigma and discrimination against people affected by dementia – from Alzheimer’s UKThe Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society

This episode of Defy Dementia explores why women may face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease than men. First, caregiver Angeleta Cox shares the story of her mother, Sonia, a former personal support worker (PSW) who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017. Then, Dr. Natasha Rajah (Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute and Toronto Metropolitan University) discusses the latest research on the increased risk of dementia in women, and what women can do to protect their brain health. Don’t miss this episode full of practical brain health tips for you and the women in your life. Resources Why is dementia different for women? – from Alzheimer’s SocietyDid you know? Women are at higher risk – from Alzheimer’s Society Women and Alzheimer's – from Alzheimer’s Association Women and dementia: A global research review – from Alzheimer’s Disease International Why are women more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease? – from Harvard Health PublishingVideo: A discussion on women, brain health and dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society