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)
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.
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We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.
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