63: HealthTech Hour with Steve Roest - Episode 6363: HealthTech Hour with Steve Roest - Episode 63
UK Health Radio Podcast
Steve Roest chats with Devika Wood about her journey from caring for her grandmother to leading Brain Plus in revolutionising dementia care with CST.
54:54•2 Sept 2025
Devika Wood: A Journey of Resilience and Innovation in HealthTech
Episode Overview
- Devika Wood shares her inspiring journey from young carer to HealthTech entrepreneur.
- Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) offers non-drug interventions for dementia care.
- The importance of faster diagnosis and effective treatment options for dementia.
- Integration of CST into care homes can transform dementia care delivery.
- Challenges faced by female founders in HealthTech.
“"I was crying on a floor in Old Street with my mum because I was going through an exit and negotiating my terms."”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? Get ready to be moved by real-life accounts of those who have battled addiction and found strength in their journey to sobriety. In this episode of the UK Health Radio Podcast, Steve Roest, CEO & Founder of PocDoc, invites Devika Wood, a prominent figure in the HealthTech sector, to share her remarkable journey.
From caring for her grandmother with dementia at a young age to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Devika's story is one of resilience and innovation. She opens up about her experiences with Vida, a care platform she founded, and the mental health struggles she faced as a young female founder. Her candid discussion on the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship offers listeners a raw and honest perspective on the challenges behind the scenes.
Devika also talks about her current venture, Brain Plus, which aims to revolutionise dementia care with cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). CST provides non-drug interventions that improve communication and mood in dementia patients. With the alarming statistics on dementia's impact, Devika stresses the importance of innovative solutions like CST in transforming care for those affected. This episode sheds light on the complexities of dementia diagnosis and care, highlighting the need for faster diagnosis and effective treatment options.
Devika's passion for making a difference shines through as she discusses the potential for CST to be integrated into care homes and community settings, offering hope and support to both patients and informal carers. As Steve and Devika delve into the intersection of dementia and women's health, they raise thought-provoking questions about investment and research priorities in healthcare. Devika's journey is not just about overcoming obstacles but about creating meaningful change in the health sector.
Her story serves as a reminder that perseverance and community support can lead to transformative outcomes. Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? Dive into this engaging episode that combines personal anecdotes with broader insights into healthcare innovation.

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