Associate Professor Samantha Loi is an old age psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist working at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Neuropsychiatry service and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. Sam is the current Victorian Chair of the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age of the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and Chair of the Young-Onset Dementia Special Interest Group.

Growing up, Samantha had little direct interaction with older individuals, but her perspective shifted dramatically during her placement in old age psychiatry. It was here that she encountered the remarkable resilience of older people and was deeply moved by their ability to navigate life's challenges. Samantha quickly came to admire how these individuals have crafted their lives, despite the complexities of ageing. She explains that Old Age Psychiatry is dedicated to addressing a wide range of conditions that affect older adults, from mood disorders to dementia and other medical issues. This field not only aims to enhance the quality of life for older individuals but also recognises the importance of their personal relationships and community connections.

Samantha’s passion extends into her research from her PhD where she explored ageism and the often misguided attitudes people hold towards older adults. Her current research also tackles the misconceptions older people themselves might have about ageing. She emphasises how our views on ageing and the process of growing older evolve as we age, highlighting a dynamic shift in perception that occurs over a lifetime.

In her description of neuropsychiatry, Samantha discusses how this interdisciplinary field bridges neurology and psychiatry, offering a holistic approach to patient care. Neuropsychiatry is crucial for individuals who experience both neurological disorders and psychiatric symptoms, providing comprehensive support that addresses both dimensions of their health.

Specialising in young onset dementia, Samantha describes the unique challenges faced by her patients. Some of them, she notes, might present with new mental health symptoms that could signal the onset of dementia. Others might have lived with chronic mental health issues since youth, only to develop cognitive impairments as they age. Her research focuses on improving care pathways for those with young onset dementia, aiming to create dementia-friendly communities that diminish stigma and support people in living well with dementia. Samantha concludes with a powerful call to action: as a community, we must strive to build a society that is supportive and inclusive for individuals with dementia, ensuring they can lead fulfilling lives.

"“Some people don’t have dementia, and that’s fantastic, but people then obviously have to come to terms with the fact of well, 'what’s then been going on'? And there is actually a lot of stress with that. All the anger, grief and loss that comes with giving a diagnosis of dementia, [is also there when] not giving a diagnosis of dementia, so I think as psychiatrists we are well placed to do that”"

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.