(January 7th 2026) — Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) has launched a ground breaking 12-part podcast series focused on dementia, offering a unique blend of patient stories and expert insights. The series features in-depth interviews with patients experiencing memory difficulties, along with specialists in the field of cognition & memory loss from the Hospital. Inspired by her father’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, former CNN and RTÉ journalist Fionnuala Sweeney, explores both the challenges and the constantly evolving therapies, for dementia, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the symptoms and how to live well longer.
One standout episode features a candid conversation with Breda Comiskey, a 69-year-old retired accountant from County Kildare, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. Breda, a mother of five adult children, shares her journey with the illness, starting with subtle signs like hearing difficulties. According to Professor Seán Kennelly, Consultant Geriatrician and Director of the Institute of Memory & Cognition at TUH, hearing problems can sometimes be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s, as they may result from cognitive challenges rather than physical hearing loss.
Breda has been attending the Institute of Memory & Cognition at TUH, where she is also involved in a clinical trial for new dementia treatments. She describes the valuable support she has received from her medical team, as well as from her family and advocates for early diagnosis, demonstrating how intervention by the Hospital’s Memory Clinic team has greatly delayed the progress of her symptoms.
“People who receive my diagnosis, and their families need to understand that there’s so much to be gained from seeking help,” Breda says. “It’s not the end of the road. It’s just a different stage. There’s still so much you can do with your life.”
She shares a touching personal story about a family holiday, explaining that her sisters now see a noticeable difference in her condition. “A few years ago, I was a burden on them during trips,” she recalls. “But now they tell me, ‘It’s amazing to see how much you’ve improved.’ I didn’t realise it at the time, but they’ve been my biggest support.”
Professor Kennelly elaborates on the exciting progress being made in dementia research, particularly at TUH. “We are entering a new era of treatment for dementia, similar to where cancer treatments were 30 years ago,” he explains. “There are over 160 clinical trials happening globally, including some that our patients here at TUH are taking part in, exploring new medications for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Recently, two new drugs were approved in the US, and we are hopeful that in the next couple of years, we will have treatments in Ireland that target the proteins responsible for the illness.”
Professor Kennelly also emphasises the importance of early lifestyle interventions. “Regardless of the stage of dementia, there is a lot we can do in terms of reducing risk and improving brain health. Simple changes like staying physically active, challenging your brain with new learning, and socialising regularly can reduce your risk by up to 45%.”
Hosted by Ms Sweeney, the series aims to reduce stigma about dementia and to encourage people to seek help sooner if they are experiencing cognitive difficulties. She says that after her father’s death, she was shocked to discover newspaper articles about mortality on his laptop and quizzes designed to “Find out if you have Alzheimer’s”, dated some six years before his diagnosis. She realised he had been afraid to seek help, such was the stigma of the disease.
TUH’s CEO, Barbara Keogh Dunne, added, “At Tallaght University Hospital, we believe in being a hospital without walls. This podcast series reflects our commitment to spreading awareness about brain health and the ways we can reduce dementia risk. As Professor Kennelly highlights, lifestyle choices like staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and managing existing health conditions can make a significant impact.”
The podcast series, which aims to educate and inspire those living with dementia, and their families and loved ones was produced and edited by Catriona Oliphant of ChromeRadio. “It was a privilege to work with the team at TUH and those in their care who generously shared their stories. The work being done by the TUH team is truly inspiring and I came away full of hope for the future of dementia care,” Oliphant says.
The podcast series is available on the TUH YouTube channel and all major podcast platforms.
For more information, visit this link.
Contributors to the series hosted by Fionnuala Sweeney include:
- Professor Seán Kennelly, Head of the Institute of Memory & Cognition at TUH & Consultant Geriatrician
- Patient Voice re Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Dr. Aoife Fallon, Consultant Geriatrician
- Dr. Naomi Davey
- Cathy McHale, Advanced Nurse Practitioner
- Breda Comiskey, re living with Alzheimer’s
- Derek Wilde, Administrator for the TUH Memory Service
- Ronan & Catherine Slater, living with Alzheimer’s
- Emma Nolan & Fiona Tobin, Occupational Therapists
- Lisa Sheridan & Megan Ryan, Speech & Language Therapists
- Dr. Garret McDermott, Principal Clinical Neuropsychologist
- Dr. Antoinette O'Connor, Consultant Neurologist
Music for the series was composed and performed by Jon Henderson (guitar).
