Supporting Young Carers in Dementia

Dementia Researcher Vodcast

10/24/25

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42m

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In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, host Dr Anna Volkmer, Associate Professor at UCL and Speech and Language Therapist explores the experiences of young carers in families affected by dementia, the challenges they face, the support they receive, and what more could and should be done.

Anna is joined by Dr Patricia Masterson Algar a Lecturer at Bangor University, leading new research funded by Health and Care Research Wales to develop a peer support programme for young carers. Hannah Gardner a Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People at Dementia UK, advocating nationally for better awareness and support and Gareth and Euan Heslop, father and son who share their lived experience of caring for a wife and mother with young-onset dementia.

Together they discuss the often overlooked impact of dementia on children and teenagers, the stigma and isolation young carers face, and how families, schools, and professionals can work together to provide better understanding and support.

In this episode:

The hidden realities of growing up as a young carer.
Stigma, awareness, and the importance of talking openly about dementia.
How schools and communities can recognise and support young carers.
Why services must consider the whole family, not just the person diagnosed.
The role of peer support and what new research hopes to achieve.
Voices from lived experience — what young carers really need.

Listen to hear how families, researchers, and practitioners are working together to ensure young carers are seen, heard, and supported.

For information on the study, or to be involved Find Hannah on LinkedIn or email (hannah.gardner@dementiauk.org) / Find Patricia on LinkedIn or email (p.m.algar@bangor.ac.uk)

Sponsored by Famileo. Helping families living with dementia stay close with a personalised printed magazine, delivered monthly. Over a quarter of a million families already use Famileo to stay connected. First month free with code DR26. Visit the Famileo Website

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.

If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a ...

Previous Episode

Last Call: Submit Your AAIC Neuroscience Next Abstract

October 19, 2025

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A quick reminder from Adam Smith and the Dementia Researcher team — abstract submissions for AAIC Neuroscience Next are closing soon. This short audio message encourages researchers at all career stages to share their work, connect with the neuroscience community, and take part in this global virtual event. If you’ve been thinking about submitting, now’s the time. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of dementia and neuroscience research. Get abstract and registration details on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/aaic-neuroscience-next-2026-manchester-uk/ #AAICNeuro

Next Episode

Exploring Psychotherapy for People with Dementia

November 7, 2025

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43m

In this episode, host Dr Anna Volkmer is joined by Dr Alys Griffiths, Sophie Jeffery, and Esther Whittlesea Reed to explore a two-year Alzheimer’s Society project testing #psychotherapy for people with dementia.

Together, they discuss the importance of therapy in #dementia care, the barriers to access, the development of new therapist competencies, and the lived experience of psychotherapy from both clinical and personal perspectives.

Takeaways

Psychotherapy can provide meaningful outcomes for people with dementia.
Barriers to accessing therapy include stigma and lack of understanding.
Core competencies for therapists are essential for effective care.
Family therapy is crucial for supporting families affected by dementia.
Training for therapists should include specific skills for working with dementia patients.
Research findings highlight the need for better communication about therapy options.
The importance of lived experience in shaping research and therapy.
Future research should focus on improving access to therapy for families.
There is a need for a cultural shift in how dementia is perceived in therapy.

Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:Core competences frameworkUK Council for PsychotherapyBritish Association for Counselling and PsychotherapyRecent papers on the topic

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.

If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website.

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We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Associati...