Brain Health: Unpacking The Latest Insights and Tips

Janet always wanted to be a writer, but life got in the way, until a diagnosis of  Alzheimer’s disease changed everything.  Janet began writing again, and it’s become a source of silence, self-reflection and even a means of preserving her brain health for as long as possible. Now, she’s running writing workshops for other people living with dementia, including people who were dragged along at first but came to the second session with a stack of fresh stories.  Dr Suraj Samtani, a clinical psychologist and researcher at UNSW, says that alongside engaging mental activities, social interaction is one of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to protecting our brains. Jim and Hamish unpack Dr Suraj’s research and his work on the National Geographic documentary, A Road Trip to Remember, in which Suraj helps actor Chris Hemsworth and his father undergo ‘reminiscence therapy.   +++    Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald.    ABOUT THE GUESTS  Janet worked as a teacher, then in women’s education, before completing a PhD in creative writing in her late 50s. Today, Janet lives with Alzheimer’s disease and runs creative writing workshops for other people living with dementia. Dr Suraj Samtani is a clinical psychologist and researcher at UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, whose research explores the link between social connection and brin health.     NEED SUPPORT?   Contact the National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - funded by the Australian Government.    SERVICES & RESOURCES   Find links, services and information from this episode → https://www.dementia.org.au/episode-brain-health   EPISODE CREDITS  Produced by Liam Riordan | Sound design by Slade Gibson Executive producers: Sarah Dabro and Kellie Riordan | Production manager: Ann Chesterman    FOLLOW DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA   Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn    Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative.