“I never expected to care for Dad in my 20s” | Lizzie’s story

When it comes to father-daughter relationships, Rob and Lizzie’s couldn’t have been stronger. They shared a love for the outdoors, music and sport, and were always finding ways to make each other laugh.   When Rob began to struggle with driving in his mid-50s, the family knew something was wrong, but the prospect of dementia didn’t cross their minds. A few years later, Rob was diagnosed with young onset frontotemporal dementia. He was 58 years old, and Lizzie was just 24.   Lizzie suddenly found herself navigating young adulthood while also adapting to her new role as a part time carer to her dad. In this episode, she discusses the drastic change in family roles, the importance of compassion and processing the loss of her dad, who died a few months before this recording. Further resources:  Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses  Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65 Read tips and advice to help parents support children and adolescents when the other parent has young onset dementia Find young onset dementia support groups and services Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

We're a British Podcast Award 2025 finalist!One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime – whether by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. Yet too often, the voices of people who are facing the many complex challenges of dementia go unheard.Presented by award-winning journalist, editor, podcaster and Dementia UK Ambassador Marianne Jones, Dementia UK’s podcast, ‘My life with dementia’, takes listeners on a personal journey through the world of dementia, as told by people who have experienced it themselves. People living with the diagnosis. People who have found themselves in a caring role they never expected. And people who are grieving a loved one.Through their stories, and with practical advice from our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, we gain a deeper understanding of the condition from multiple perspectives – as well as invaluable insights, empathy and hope.This series was produced by Arlie Adlington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.