From Carer to Diagnosis: Michael Booth on Living with Young Onset Dementia

What happens when the person you once cared for… becomes the person you are? In this deeply moving and insightful episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Michael Booth – dementia educator, author, and advocate – who brings a rare dual perspective to the conversation. Michael first cared for his mother, Christine, through young onset dementia. Then, just months after she passed away, he received the same diagnosis himself, at just 46 years old. Now 51, Michael is defying expectations. He’s speaking out, mentoring others, and sharing his powerful message: dementia is not the end. This conversation challenges misconceptions about identity, memory, and diagnosis – and offers practical guidance for anyone supporting a loved one with dementia. If you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode will help you better understand distress behaviours, communication, and how to stay present when everything feels uncertain. 📚 Resources Mentioned 📖 Dementia: You Are Not Alone by Michael Booth – Order on Amazon 🏥 Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust – Website 🌐 Able Training Podcast Archive – able-training.co.uk/podcast 💬 Three Key Messages Dementia is not the end – A diagnosis does not erase who someone is. Behaviour is communication – Even ‘aggression’ often signals distress, confusion, or unmet need. Perspective matters – Understanding dementia through both the eyes of a carer and the person living with it changes everything. ⏱️ Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 – What if the person you cared for became you? 03:00 – What it feels like to live with dementia day to day 06:20 – Lessons from caring for his mum Christine 10:40 – Receiving his own diagnosis at 46 17:00 – What people get wrong about identity and dementia 22:00 – Can you still enjoy life after a dementia diagnosis? 26:00 – What really helps on a good day 30:00 – Writing Dementia: You Are Not Alone 36:00 – How services need to change 50:00 – If you’ve just had a diagnosis: Michael’s message to you 🎧 Why Listen to This Episode? Gain insight into young onset dementia from both carer and lived experience Understand how language, environment, and expectations shape support Learn how to build emotional safety when words are lost but feelings remain Be inspired by Michael’s resilience, clarity, and practical wisdom This is a must-listen for anyone navigating dementia – professionally or personally. 🔗 Connect with Michael Booth 📘 Dementia: You Are Not Alone – Buy on Amazon 💼 Michael Booth on LinkedIn 🔗 Connect with Able Training & Podcast 🌐 Website & Podcast Hub 📸 @AbleTraining 💼 Able Training