Hello and welcome back to The Herb Doctor Podcast with Caitríona Hegarty and Dr. Dilis Clare.
In this episode, Caitríona and Dr. Clare explore memory changes and ageing, using a real-life case history to look at how memory concerns can arise and how they are often shaped by lifestyle, stress, sleep, and overall wellbeing rather than a single cause.
The discussion is framed around “Anna,” a 67-year-old woman who became concerned about everyday memory lapses. Through her story, Dr. Clare explains how common memory changes are with age, why population statistics around dementia are often misunderstood, and how fear can sometimes outweigh the facts.
Rather than focusing on diagnosis or disease labels, this episode looks at the broader picture of health, including the role of chronic inflammation, cardiovascular health, metabolic balance, mental wellbeing, and daily habits. Dr. Clare also discusses why reassurance, proper assessment, and perspective are often as important as test results.
This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Part Two will explore herbal traditions and lifestyle considerations in more depth.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Common memory changes that can occur with ageing
- Why dementia statistics can be misleading without context
- How lifestyle patterns influence overall cognitive wellbeing
- The role of inflammation and long-term health conditions
- Why reassurance and assessment matter when memory concerns arise
- The importance of sleep, movement, nourishment, and stress awareness
- How small, realistic changes can support long-term wellbeing
Important Note
This episode is shared for general educational and informational purposes only.
It is not medical advice, and nothing discussed is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.
If memory concerns or other symptoms are persistent or worrying, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Links
Buy Dr Clare’s book – Uprooted Medicine
https://joinedupmedicine.com
Dr Clare’s Apothecary
https://drclareapothecary.com
Dr Clare Clinic
https://drclare.ie