S7 E11 - The Conversations We Need to Have: Aimee Owens on Dementia and Alzheimer's disease, Family & Supporting Children Through Change

"We don't talk about ageing with children - but children notice everything."

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, ageing, memory loss, caregiving, grief, and family illness.

This week's conversation is a deeply moving one about family, memory, love and the difficult realities that so many families quietly navigate behind closed doors.

I'm joined by primary school teacher and dementia advocate Aimee Owens, who shares her family's journey after her father was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

As a teacher of over 20 years, Aimee sees first-hand how important grandparents are in children's lives. Yet when dementia enters a family, many children are left trying to make sense of confusing emotions and changes without the language or support they need.

We talk about growing up in Monaghan, the pressure of perfectionism, family life, music, teaching and the life-changing moment when Aimee realised something wasn't quite right with her dad.

This is a conversation about compassion, resilience and why we need to create more space for honest conversations about dementia - especially with children.

✨ In this episode: Growing up in Monaghan with three older sisters Music, competitions and the pressure of perfectionism Becoming a primary school teacher Missing out on her dream college course and learning resilience Why failure isn't really failure The early signs of her father's dementia Living with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's How dementia affects family relationships Supporting a parent who no longer recognises you The role grandparents play in children's lives Why we need to talk to children about ageing and illness Caring for loved ones with dignity and compassion The emotional impact on spouses and caregivers Writing a children's book about dementia Learning to be kinder to yourself

You can find Aimee here: Instagram | Interview with Claire Bryne on Newstalk You can find Aisling Ní Domhnaill here and Sound Quality Gifts here. ____

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