The BBC is kicking off a special “Memories and Dementia: Starting the Conversation” season across its TV, iPlayer, and radio platforms. It aims to encourage dialogue between people living with dementia and their support networks by using the BBC’s archive to trigger memories. The season starts on Monday, March 24.
Here’s the Lowdown: Led by Dr. Punam, the season features curated content collections and a pop-up channel on BBC iPlayer, special segments on Morning Live and The One Show, and dedicated radio programming. EastEnders is also contributing with a storyline about young-onset dementia. The BBC iPlayer collections will be grouped by decade (60s, 70s, 80s) and include programs like the 1969 moon landing coverage, a 1964 film called The Colony, ABBA’s 1974 Eurovision win, and a 1987 cooking series Floyd on France.
What This Means Now: This initiative recognises the power of reminiscence therapy in dementia care. By providing access to familiar content from the past, the BBC hopes to create moments of connection and joy for those living with dementia and their loved ones. It also provides practical advice and support.
The Bigger Picture: The BBC is partnering with numerous dementia-related organisations, including Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK. The season addresses a significant societal issue, as dementia prevalence is expected to rise dramatically. Morning Live will feature segments about young-onset dementia’s impact, resources for carers, and unique activities for those living with dementia. The One Show will feature a film about a care home. BBC Sounds offers related podcasts and playlists, and radio stations will feature discussions, personal stories, and information on local support. The overall campaign promotes conversation and understanding around a condition affecting a growing number of people.
