Defy Dementia – The podcast for anyone with a brain, by Baycrest
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Podcast Overview
<p>Defy Dementia is an empowering new podcast by Baycrest that is dedicated to helping you reduce your dementia risk. Join us on a captivating exploration of key dementia risk factors as we interview experts, hear inspiring stories from persons with lived experience, and share practical advice to help you optimize your aging journey. Tune in and subscribe at <a href="http://defydementia.ca/" target="_blank"><b>defydementia.ca</b></a> or anywhere you get your podcasts, and unlock the power to age fearlessly and defy dementia.</p> <p>Each episode will be complemented by a short video, infographic, and related resources to help you take control of your brain health.</p> <p>Defy Dementia is hosted by Jay Ingram (Canadian author and broadcaster) and Dr. Allison Sekuler (President and Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation). The podcast is generously funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.</p>
Language
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Publishing Since
7/20/2023
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Recent Episodes
June 30, 2026
When Blood Meets Brain
<p>What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Across your lifespan, there are many ways for blood supply to your brain to be compromised - some are covert. It is estimated that up to 20 percent of people over 80 experience blood vessel damage in the brain. In this episode, we explore vascular dementia and how problems with blood vessels can increase dementia risk over time.</p> <p>Dr. Eric Smith, Professor of Neurology, Radiology and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, explains how vascular health affects brain function and what steps can help reduce dementia risk. Christine Aiken shares her lived experience, offering insight into life after a vascular dementia diagnosis and the importance of advocacy, support and finding meaning. Together, they highlight prevention, the warning signs to watch for and recovery after stroke.</p> <p><b>Christine Aiken</b></p> <p>Diagnosed with vascular dementia at 56, Christine is an advocate, speaker and author who promotes living well after diagnosis. Based in Canada, she shares her experiences and works to improve access to dementia resources, guided by her motto, “I’m not done yet.” </p> <p><b>Dr. Eric Smith</b></p> <p>Professor of Neurology, Radiology, and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, and the holder of the endowed Kathy Taylor Chair in Vascular Dementia. He is a member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the Cumming School of Medicine. </p>
May 27, 2026
Personality Unraveled: Frontotemporal Dementia
<p>Could personality changes in a loved one be more than a midlife change? In this episode, we explore frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a less commonly known form of dementia that often begins between ages 45 and 65 and can be mistaken for a “mid-life crisis.” Symptoms may include disinhibition, overspending and other uncharacteristic behaviours. Ashley Sharma shares her lived experience as a young caregiver supporting her grandmother after an FTD diagnosis, while Dr. Robert Laforce, behavioural neurologist and neuropsychologist (CHU de Québec, Université Laval), explains what FTD is, how it progresses and what families need to watch for. Together, they unpack early signs, practical steps to caring for someone living with FTD and how brain-healthy behaviours may help support quality of life.</p> <p>Ashley Sharma, 26, born and raised in Abbotsford, B.C., is a full-time social worker. At the age of 20, she found herself slipping into a part-time caregiver role for her grandmother, who was diagnosed with FTD. </p> <p>Dr. Laforce, Behavioural Neurologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist at CHU de Québec, Université Laval. Trained in neurology and neuropsychology, he has published 200+ papers and leads international research on atypical dementias and primary progressive aphasia.</p>
April 30, 2026
A Shot at Prevention? The Shingles Vaccine & Dementia Risk
<p>If you've been listening to our Defy Dementia podcast, watching our videos, or exploring our infographics, we'd love to hear what you think. We are asking our audience to complete a short survey to share how you have used the information we provide, as well as provide your feedback and help us improve the show. Everything you share is completely confidential, and it's entirely voluntary — you can stop at any time. You can find the survey here: <a href="https://redcap.link/Defy_Dementia" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/Defy_Dementia</a></p> <p>Could a routine vaccine help protect your brain? In this episode, we explore emerging research on the association between shingles vaccination and reduced dementia risk. Ron Swan shares his perspective as a community advocate focused on aging and accessibility, while Dr. Dawn Bowdish (Professor, McMaster University) breaks down what the science says, and what it doesn’t, about how vaccines may influence brain health. Together, they unpack what shingles is and what “promising but early” research about shingles vaccination could mean for reducing dementia risk. Tune in at defydementia.org, or wherever you get your podcasts.</p> <p>Guests:</p> <p>Ron Swan is a retired business development professional and entrepreneur with a strong focus on accessibility and aging-in-place. He founded Home Safe Living, a company that provided independent living and accessibility solutions across the Maritime region before selling the business to Lawton’s Drugs, a Sobeys company. A passionate advocate for older adults, Ron continues to contribute through leadership roles, including Chair of the Board of CARP Nova Scotia and past Chair of the Seniors’ Advisory Council of Nova Scotia. He is frequently called upon to speak on aging, accessibility and community well-being.</p> <p>Dr. Bowdish is a Professor at McMaster University and Executive Director of the Firestone Institute of Respiratory Health. Her research focuses on how aging affects the immune system, particularly how inflammation alters immune cell function and increases susceptibility to infections. Her work also examines how the aging immune system interacts with the microbiome and how these processes influence healthy and unhealthy aging. Dr. Bowdish leads the Preclinical Studies in Aging Laboratory and serves on the Board of Directors of the Lung Health Foundation, where she advocates for improved lung health and research funding for older adults.</p>
38 total episodes available
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- What is Defy Dementia – The podcast for anyone with a brain, by Baycrest?
<p>Defy Dementia is an empowering new podcast by Baycrest that is dedicated to helping you reduce your dementia risk. Join us on a captivating exploration of key dementia risk factors as we interview experts, hear inspiring stories from persons with lived experience, and share practical advice to help you optimize your aging journey. Tune in and subscribe at <a href="http://defydementia.ca/" target="_blank"><b>defydementia.ca</b></a> or anywhere you get your podcasts, and unlock the power to age fearlessly and defy dementia.</p> <p>Each episode will be complemented by a short video, infographic, and related resources to help you take control of your brain health.</p> <p>Defy Dementia is hosted by Jay Ingram (Canadian author and broadcaster) and Dr. Allison Sekuler (President and Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation). The podcast is generously funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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