Defy Dementia – The podcast for anyone with a brain, by Baycrest
Episodes
The Science of Giving Back
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Volunteering has been associated with better self-reported health and reduced loneliness. Now, science is suggesting that it may also boost brain heal...
# 31
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Be Pet Smart!
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Brain
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everything is connected. Like the connection between oral hygiene and brain health. In this episode of Defy Dementia™, we’ll join Dr. James Noble,...
Never Quit Quitting – Healing the Smoker’s Brain
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores how quitting smoking can transform both heart and brain health. Connor Dorr, lived-experience advisor at the Centre for Addictio...
Jay & Allison’s Excellent Brain Health Adventure
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lifestyle risk factors, like poor sleep, social isolation, and a lack of exercise may have a significant impact on dementia risk. The best evidence te...
Coping with Challenging Behaviours
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 2021, Diana De Faveri’s life turned “upside down, real fast” when her mother was diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome, a rare form of dementi...
Living with Pride in the Face of Dementia
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Pride episode, we learn about the increased risk of dementia facing the 2SLGBTQI communities, and about the tools, techniques, and res...
In Focus – Vision Loss & Brain Health
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the connection between untreated vision loss and brain health. We follow 78-year-old Walter Kuntz, a retired Canada Post employe...
On the Rocks - How Alcohol Affects Brain Health
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Defy Dementia, we speak with Ian, a Toronto father and husband who has worked in the media for over 30 years. Ian shares with us hi...
No Brain Left Behind
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Defy Dementia explores the relationship between developmental disabilities and dementia. Guests Dewlyn and Anna Lobo, a daughter-mothe...
The Heart of a Healthy Brain
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Nicole McLachlan shares her experience suffering from a heart attack as a fit and healthy 42-year-o...
Teaming Up For Transitions to Long-Term Care
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Moving a family member or friend to long-term care can be very difficult. The newest episode of Defy Dementia explores practical ways to help make the...
Brain Injury and Dementia Risk
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Defy Dementia, learn how traumatic brain injuries like concussions may increase your dementia risk. First, Jane Enright shares her ...
Well-Being for Brain Health
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Defy Dementia explores how well-being, including positive emotions, life satisfaction and social connectedness, impacts brain health a...
Music, Memories and the Mind
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Defy Dementia, explore the beneficial effects of music on the brain – whether you’re playing music yourself or listening to it....
Lying for Love
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As dementia progresses, individuals may forget pivotal moments, like the death of a loved one. Repeatedly learning this painful truth can cause signif...
The Why Behind Defy
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A 2020 report from the Lancet Commission initially helped inspire our hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler to start the Defy Dementia podcast and ...
Stick It to Stigma
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Defy Dementia explores stigma and dementia – what stigma looks like, the emotional toll it takes and its potential impacts on the he...
Mind the Gap – Women’s Higher Dementia Risk
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Defy Dementia explores why women may face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease than men. First, caregiver Angeleta Cox shares the st...
Dementia Risk – What’s DNA Got to Do With It?
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Defy Dementia explores the role of genetics in dementia risk. First, caregiver advocate Marva Smart shares how she is taking steps to ...
Reduce Your Stress for Brain Health
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this two-part special, Defy Dementia focuses on stress and caregiving. First, find out how stress can negatively affect brain health. Jay and Allis...
Take Good Care – Brain Health for Caregivers
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is the second episode of our two-part special on stress and caregiving. With one in two Canadians expected to become caregivers in their lifetime...
Reducing Your Risk: Keep It Simple
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Defy Dementia helps you sort through everything you’ve learned about dementia risk factors and identify those factors you can tackle...
Sleep Solutions for a Sharp Mind
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join podcast co-hosts Dr. Allison Sekuler and Jay Ingram for Defy Dementia Episode 8 as they unravel the intricate connection between sleep and dement...
Let’s Clear the Air – Reducing Air Pollution for Brain Health
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Defy Dementia focuses on outdoor and indoor air pollution and its impact on brain health. First, we speak to Dr. Mark Weisskopf (Harva...
Resolutions to Reduce Your Dementia Risk in the New Year
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of Defy Dementia, co-hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler reflect on what they have learned so far on the podcast and disc...
Boost Your Brain One Bite at a Time
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 5 of Defy Dementia, you’ll learn that what you eat can impact your brain health. First, hear from Anjali Gupta, a retired dietician who h...
Let’s Get Physical – Pumping Up Brain Health
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 4 of Defy Dementia focuses on exercise and its critical role in reducing dementia risk. We first speak to Ernestine Shepherd, an 87-year-old b...
Live with Joy, Learn with Purpose
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 3 of Defy Dementia, we dive deep into the role of cognitive engagement in protecting brain health. Join co-hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison...
Live to Be Social – Be Social to Live
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Defy Dementia! This exciting new episode explores the role of social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for dementia. Hosts Jay ...
Lightening the Load with Vision and Hearing
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first episode of Defy Dementia! Join hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler as they provide essential insights on dementia, with a sp...