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.
⸻
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
⸻
Follow & Support
If this episode resonates with you, please consider:
❤️ Following the podcast
⭐ Leaving a review
📤 Sharing this episode with someone who may need to hear that they are not alone
⸻
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
⸻
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
⸻
⚠️ 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.
• No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.
• External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.
