Having a loved one diagnosed with dementia causes great distress. Social worker Welma Geldenhuys from ADASA discusses the symptoms of this progressive, incurable illness, its causes and 7 stages, and whether dementia is a normal part of ageing. She offers guidelines for communicating with individuals with dementia, creating a safe environment, and caring for the carer.

If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Welma and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.

In ep. 181 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, senior social worker Welma Geldenhuys from ADASA touches on:

• the stigma attached to dementia, and its consequences

• what dementia entails and whether there’s a cure

• whether dementia is a normal part of ageing

• 100+ different kinds of dementia, with Alzheimer's being the most well-known

• 3 causes of dementia

• signs of dementia, including short-term memory loss, diminished ability to plan activities, communication difficulties, general confusion, disorientation, lapses in judgement, difficulties performing familiar activities, and behaviour and personality changes

• which professionals can diagnose dementia

• screening tests, including the Mini-Mental State Examination and the MoCA Test

• how medication may help

• how to handle the diagnosis: the grieving cycle

• the 7 stages of dementia

• brain and sensory limitations someone living with dementia can experience

• changes in emotional response

• advice regarding family holidays

• when your loved one with dementia fails to recognise you

• advice on caring for the carer and preventing burnout, daycare and respite care

• practical advice on communicating with an individual with dementia

• tips on creating a safe environment for someone living with dementia.
  Scroll down to About for more info on ADASA, including contact details.
  

An enthusiastic supporter showing this year’s RAD (Run Against Dementia) T-shirt. Anyone interested in taking part can register on https://www.adasa.org.za/

The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm – I hope you’ll subscribe!

About ADASA

The Association for Dementia and Alzheimer's of South Africa NPC (ADASA) promotes well-being and best practices in dementia care. They are dedicated to upskilling, equipping, enriching, and supporting individuals, families, and care facilities working with people living with dementia.

Website: https://www.adasa.org.za/

National Helpline: 0860 102 681

Email: info@adasa.org.za

FB: Alzheimer's South Africa (Adasa)

Instagram: asasa_npc

X: ADASA NPC

LinkedIn: ADASA NPC

Also listen to caregiver advocate Meriam Boldewijn share her own caregiving story and offer a simple self-care system.

Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman

Thumbnail image: Unsplash

Photographs of Welma Geldenhuys and Run Against Alzheimer’s: supplied