The Morning Edition
Episode Title: After the Flood: Exploring the Link Between Disasters and Dementia
Date: March 29, 2026
Host: Samantha Selinger-Morris
Guest: Benjamin Price, Regional Editor
Podcast: The Age and Sydney Morning Herald

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the emerging connection between natural disasters—particularly catastrophic floods—and increased rates of cognitive decline and dementia among older Australians. Through the story of Brian and Glenys Mulcahy of Rochester, Victoria, host Samantha Selinger-Morris and regional editor Benjamin Price explore how the trauma and upheaval of the 2022 Victorian floods contributed to Brian’s rapid decline into dementia and death. The discussion expands to global research, community impact, and urgent recommendations for post-disaster care for vulnerable populations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Mulcahys and the 2022 Flood in Rochester

• Personal Experience

  • Brian and Glenys Mulcahy, long-term residents of Rochester, experienced severe flooding in 2022, with water reaching 10 inches above their floor (03:05, 03:19).
  • Reporter Benjamin Price met the couple during the disaster, briefly recounting the emotional intensity of the moment:

    "We were wading through probably knee deep flood water...Brian...was pumping water out of his front yard and he'd set up a kind of like a sandbag defense and he was essentially just trying to save his home from being flooded." — Benjamin Price (01:17)

• Aftermath

  • The couple relocated to a caravan while awaiting repairs.
  • Glenys noticed Brian’s rapid decline:

    "He lost a fair bit of motivation and things like that and it seemed like he wasn't really getting that much enjoyment from the things that he really used to, he used to love." — Benjamin Price (05:35)

  • Brian collapsed, was briefly hospitalized, spent time in a mental health facility, and was then diagnosed with dementia (06:27, 06:34).

2. Community Patterns and Brian’s Decline

• A Common Theme
  • Benjamin Price observed at Brian’s funeral and via ongoing reporting that:

    "A lot of people mentioned it to me. The more phone calls I made afterwards, the more people had similar stories." — Benjamin Price (08:01)

  • The wider impact on older members in the flood-affected community was striking, indicating a pattern rather than isolated incidents.

3. Scientific Evidence Linking Disasters and Dementia

• Research Overview

  • Benjamin references a 2025 Monash University and China study showing increased dementia risk post-flood, especially drawing on data from the UK and studies in Japan (09:58, 13:40).
  • Cautions from geriatricians like Dr. Kate Gregorovich stress correlation rather than direct causation; floods may “unmask” preexisting but undiagnosed dementia (12:18).

• Mechanisms Explained

  • Prolonged stress, broken routines, poor nutrition, and social dislocation are cited as pathways—these factors contribute to cognitive decline in people already at risk (09:58, 12:11).
  • Example: Losing a partner or regular structure can reveal previously unnoticeable symptoms, as support systems deteriorate (12:18).

4. The Challenge of Undiagnosed Dementia

• Regional Disparities

  • Dementia is often underdiagnosed in rural/remote communities due to reduced access to health services (15:26).
  • Misattribution of dementia symptoms (like apathy and disinterest) to aging is common, delaying proper diagnosis and care.

• Need for Change

  • Experts and Benjamin advocate for greater awareness and training in disaster responses:

    “We need to have people who are trained in recognizing the symptoms and the ways in which people might be struggling.” — Benjamin Price (16:41)

  • The importance of supporting elders in the aftermath of disasters is emphasized, especially as climate change raises the frequency and intensity of events (16:41).

5. Practical Advice for Families

• Early Warning Signs
  • Dr. Kate Gregorovich highlights “apathy” as the most common first symptom of dementia—often missed:

    “If you realize that a loved one is not excited or interested in the things that you see to interest them, then maybe it’s worth starting to dig a little bit deeper into that.” — Benjamin Price relaying Dr. Gregorovich (18:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 01:17 | "We were wading through probably knee deep flood water...Brian...was pumping water out of his front yard and he'd set up a kind of like a sandbag defense and he was essentially just trying to save his home from being flooded." | Benjamin Price | | 06:09 | "He was down in the caravan and he couldn't sleep and one morning he got up and he collapsed...they said, well, he hasn't had a heart, heart attack or a stroke..." | Glenys Mulcahy | | 08:01 | "A lot of people mentioned it to me. The more phone calls I made afterwards, the more people had similar stories." | Benjamin Price | | 09:58 | "The research...suggested that there is an increased risk of dementia after a flood...it's possible that the flood has unmasked some of these things, or floods do that in general." | Benjamin Price | | 12:18 | "If somebody is already in the early stages of dementia, then the fallout from a flood, the social dislocation, the disruptions to routine, all those things...shine a light on symptoms that were not that obvious beforehand." | Benjamin Price, paraphrasing Dr. Kate Gregorovich | | 16:41 | “We need to have people who are trained in recognizing the symptoms and the ways in which people might be struggling. How do we make their lives better for them?” | Benjamin Price | | 18:35 | “Apathy is one of those things that people don't realize may be a symptom of dementia. So she said to me, it's probably the most common first symptom.” | Benjamin Price (relaying Dr. Kate Gregorovich) |

Important Timestamps

• Brian and Glenys’s story and the flood: 00:55–05:36
• Brian’s collapse and diagnosis: 05:35–06:44
• Community observations and patterns: 08:01–09:11
• Research and scientific background: 09:58–15:26
• Implications for disaster response: 16:27–18:12
• Early warning signs and practical advice: 18:12–19:07

Tone & Style

The podcast maintains a compassionate, empathetic, and investigative tone—combining moving personal narratives with clear explanations of scientific research. The conversation is frank, clear, and attentive to the challenges of aging, trauma, and community resilience.

Summary Insights

• Natural disasters can cause or exacerbate cognitive decline, particularly in older populations.
• Floods create prolonged stress and disruption which, alongside existing risk factors, may “unmask” undiagnosed dementia.
• There’s growing evidence globally linking disasters and higher dementia rates; Australia must respond with greater awareness and specialist support within emergency responses.
• Families should discuss and monitor cognitive and behavioral changes in loved ones post-disaster—especially signs of apathy or withdrawal—which could signal early, otherwise invisible, dementia.
• Communities and decision-makers must prioritize the care, well-being, and wisdom of elders in the era of climate-intensified disasters.