MY MUM HAS YOUNG ONSET DEMENTIA… THIS IS WHAT NO ONE PREPARES YOU FOR | Love, Loss & Finding Hope

What happens when the person who once looked after you suddenly needs you to look after them?

In this episode of Becoming Lucy, Tiff shares the deeply personal story of her mum’s young onset dementia diagnosis and the life-changing journey that followed. From the subtle early warning signs that were easy to dismiss to the emotional reality of becoming a caregiver, this is an honest conversation about love, grief, resilience and hope.

Together, we explore the challenges of getting a diagnosis, the impact dementia has on the whole family, and the heartbreaking moments that stay with you forever, including when Tiff’s mum went missing and had to be guided safely home.

But this episode isn’t just about loss.

It’s about finding light in the darkest moments. Tiff shares how she’s transformed heartbreak into purpose by raising awareness through fundraising, community events, silent discos and even taking on Mount Kilimanjaro. Her mission isn’t just to raise money for dementia and Alzheimer’s charities, but to help people better understand the reality of living with the disease. Her story is a powerful reminder that while dementia changes lives, it never takes away the importance of connection, dignity or creating meaningful memories together.

Whether you’re caring for a parent, supporting someone with Alzheimer’s, worried about the early signs of dementia, or simply want to better understand what families experience behind closed doors, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, understood and, above all, hopeful.

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In This Episode

• The early signs and symptoms of young onset dementia

• The journey to receiving a dementia diagnosis

• The emotional impact on families and caregivers

• Guilt, grief and navigating life after diagnosis

• Care homes, support networks and asking for help

• Dementia awareness and breaking the stigma

• How music, community and fundraising can bring moments of joy

• Finding hope, purpose and resilience after heartbreak

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Follow & Support

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❤️ Following the podcast

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📤 Sharing this episode with someone who may need to hear that they are not alone

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Resources & Links

Tiff’s Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tiff.kilimanjaro26?igsh=MXdzdmxxajM4NjBxcg==

Becoming Lucy Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/becominglucy?igsh=dXdtNTdqbjB4MG5u

Support Tiff’s Kilimanjaro Fundraiser

https://givestar.io/gs/tiff-climbs-kilimanjaro-for-ftd-brothers-foundation?fbclid=PAVERFWATRt5ZwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp09sCd2eXITTfgadMJn5fcLe_1vjPr9DhkHlzTvkT0MOMPJoxjgk0Tp2H_vW_aem_U5RGl3wzgjGBRBfKrWpSBQ

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Chapters

00:00 – Young Onset Dementia: Tiffany’s Mum’s Story

02:02 – The Early Dementia Symptoms Everyone Missed

04:11 – Why Doctors Thought It Was Depression

07:59 – Dementia Explained: The Christmas Lights Analogy

12:07 – How Lockdown Accelerated Dementia Symptoms

15:00 – The Hidden Reality of Being a Dementia Carer

19:52 – Finding Support After a Dementia Diagnosis

24:59 – Why Early Dementia Diagnosis Matters

30:14 – What Happens During a Dementia Assessment?

36:05 – Raising Dementia Awareness Through Social Media

39:02 – The Day My Mum Went Missing with Dementia

44:59 – Finding Hope After a Dementia Diagnosis

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⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer

• Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise).

• No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared.

• Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations.

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