Dementia Caregiver’s Corner

Dementia in Africa: The Conversations We Need to Have | Julia Mogotsi

Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Dementia in Africa: The Conversations We Need to Have

In this episode, we explore the realities of living with dementia and caregiving in African communities through a heartfelt conversation with Julia Mogotsi from Gaborone, Botswana. The discussion highlights the different types of dementia, the lack of adequate support following diagnosis, and how families are often left to navigate the journey alone.

We reflect on the progression of dementia over time, especially during and after the COVID era, and the emotional impact it has on both the person living with dementia and their caregivers. The episode also examines the unique challenges dementia caregivers face — from wandering and aggression to hallucinations, emotional burnout, and balancing work responsibilities.

The conversation further focuses on the urgent need for dementia awareness across Africa, where stigma, misinformation, and cultural beliefs continue to place vulnerable older people at risk of neglect, abuse, and even death. Through real-life stories from Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, the episode calls for communities, leaders, neighbours, employers, and health professionals to work together in creating understanding, compassion, and protection for people living with dementia.

This is an emotional but important conversation aimed at encouraging awareness, support, and honest dialogue about dementia in African communities.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Dementia is not one condition
   Just like cancer, dementia comes in different types, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.
2. Families often feel unsupported after diagnosis
   Many caregivers receive little guidance, education, or emotional support once a loved one is diagnosed.
3. Caregiving for dementia is emotionally and physically demanding
   Caregivers often deal with wandering, aggression, confusion, hallucinations, and burnout while trying to balance everyday life and work.
4. Community awareness is urgently needed in Africa
   Misunderstanding dementia can lead to stigma, neglect, abuse, and harmful accusations such as witchcraft.
5. Education and compassion can change lives
   Involving neighbours, community leaders, employers, and health professionals can help create safer and more supportive environments for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Can Documentation Help Us Practice Anticipatory Grief? | Dr. Rachel Seidman

Episode Title: Can Documentation Help Us Practice Anticipatory Grief in Dementia Caregiving?

 

In this heartfelt episode of the Dementia Caregivers’ Corner Podcast, Juliah sits down with oral historian Dr. Rachel F. Seidman to explore anticipatory grief in dementia caregiving and the healing power of documentation.

Together, they discuss how preserving voices, memories, stories, playlists, videos, and everyday moments can help families navigate loss with intention, connection, and love.

Dr. Seidman shares her personal experience of recording a loved one’s oral history during terminal illness and explains why documenting family stories before loss can become a source of comfort for generations.

The conversation also explores dementia, fading memory, family dynamics, storytelling, and the emotional difference between documenting for preservation versus public consumption.

This episode is a gentle reminder that ordinary moments matter — and that it’s never too late to begin preserving the people we love.

Calming Dementia Behaviours Without Medication: Guided Meditation with Katie Fournier

Episode Title: Calming Dementia Behaviours Without Medication: Guided Meditation with Katie Fournier

 

Repost: In this episode of Dementia Caregivers’ Corner Podcast, we explore how to manage dementia-related behaviours without medication using guided meditation, mindfulness, and holistic dementia care approaches.

 

I’m joined by Katie Fournier (LPN, CDP) from Ember Holistic Care (USA) as we continue our discussion on non-pharmacological interventions for dementia care. Building on our previous conversation with co-founder Shari Flight, this episode focuses on practical, person-centred strategies that support both caregivers and individuals living with dementia.

 

If you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or supporting a loved one with dementia, this episode offers practical tools to reduce agitation, anxiety, and stress—while improving emotional connection and overall wellbeing.

 

We also explore how guided meditation for dementia can be used as a simple, accessible tool to create calm in everyday caregiving situations.

 

The episode includes a guided meditation practice for caregivers and individuals with dementia, designed to help you pause, reset, and reconnect.

 

Dementia Care. How deep is your love?

Dementia Care in Ethnically Diverse Communities: What Are We Missing? | Dr. Hannah Hussain

Episode Title:  Dementia Care in Ethnically Diverse Communities: What Are We Missing? | Dr. Hannah Hussain

Repost: In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Hannah Hussain, an economist at the Office of Health Economics, with a background in pharmacy and a PhD from the University of Sheffield.

We explore the barriers to dementia care in ethnically diverse communities, including delayed diagnosis, cultural expectations around family caregiving, and stigma—particularly within British Asian communities. Dr. Hussain also shares insights on the economic impact of unpaid caregiving and whether more support is needed for families.

We discuss the importance of culturally competent care, improved communication for non-English speakers, and the role of research in shaping better outcomes.

This episode highlights the need for more inclusive, accessible dementia care for all communities.

Seeing the Person Beyond Dementia: Empathy, Culture & Connection with Angel Hayes

Episode Title: Seeing the Person Beyond Dementia: Empathy, Dignity, and Connection with Angel Hayes

 

In this deeply insightful episode of the Dementia Caregivers’ Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Angel Hayes, a Namibian-born, Austria-based dementia trainer, Validation Therapy practitioner, and certified social care worker with over 13 years of experience.

 

Together, they explore how culture, empathy, and human connection shape the way we care for people living with dementia across different parts of the world.

 

Angel shares her journey from Namibia to Austria and reflects on the contrast between African cultural values—where respect for elders is deeply rooted—and Western care systems. The conversation highlights the importance of seeing the person beyond the diagnosis, understanding life stories, and responding to behaviours with compassion rather than judgment.

 

They also unpack the principles of Validation Therapy, the emotional realities caregivers face, and the transformative impact of truly understanding a person’s past in order to care for them in the present.

 

The episode does not shy away from difficult truths, addressing the stigma, abuse, and misunderstanding of dementia in some African communities, and calling for more honest, informed conversations.

 

This is a powerful discussion about dignity, identity, and what it truly means to care.

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

 

The role of culture in shaping dementia care practices

How Validation Therapy helps build emotional connection

Why understanding a person’s life story improves care

How to reframe so-called “challenging behaviours”

The emotional struggles caregivers face—and how to support them

 

5 Main Takeaways

1. Dementia care must be rooted in empathy, not just clinical knowledge

 

Understanding emotions and validating experiences can transform how we connect with people living with dementia.

 

2. Culture plays a powerful role in how we perceive and care for dementia

 

African values of respect for elders offer a strong foundation—but stigma and misunderstanding still need to be addressed openly.

 

3. “Challenging behaviour” is often unmet need or distress

 

What we label as difficult behaviour is often a form of communication that requires patience and understanding.

 

4. Knowing a person’s life story changes everything

 

Biographical knowledge allows caregivers to respond in ways that honour identity, history, and dignity.

 

5. Awareness and education are urgently needed in many communities

 

Misconceptions about dementia can lead to stigma, neglect, and even abuse—highlighting the need for advocacy and education.

 

Thank you for listening.

When My Father “Woke Up” From His Dementia — A Conversation with Dan Cohen

Episode Title: When My Father “Woke Up” From His Dementia — A Conversation with Dan Cohen

 

In this episode of Dementia Caregiver’s Corner, host Juliah speaks with Dan Cohen, entrepreneur, author of The Awakenings in Real Life, and host of the Awakenings In Real Life Podcast.

 

Dan shares the deeply personal story of caring for his father through dementia and the extraordinary moment when his father experienced what Dan describes as an “awakening.”

Unlike the brief moments of lucidity sometimes reported in dementia, Dan’s father seemed fully present and aware for nearly two days — an experience that profoundly changed how Dan understands memory, identity, and the human spirit at the end of life.

Together, they explore dementia not from a clinical perspective, but through the lived experience of family caregiving.

The conversation touches on caregiver exhaustion, missed moments, family dynamics, and the possibility of meaning and connection even in the most difficult stages of the disease.

Dan also discusses the inspiration behind his book and podcast, where he shares stories of people who have experienced life-changing awakenings through illness, trauma, loss, and other transformative events.

This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of dementia, moments of presence, joy, and connection can still emerge.

 

Key Takeaways From This Episode

 

1. Dementia does not erase the person completely.

Even when memory and communication change, many people living with dementia still experience moments of awareness, joy, and connection.

 

2. Caregivers need compassion too.

Exhaustion and stress are common in dementia caregiving, and missing certain moments is not a failure — it simply reflects how demanding caregiving can be.

 

3. Meaningful connection is still possible.

Simple experiences — familiar places, favourite songs, foods, or shared memories — can still bring comfort and joy to someone living with dementia.

 

Let me take this moment to thank you, our dear listeners, for tuning in to this episode.

If you enjoyed our conversation with Dan Cohen, or if you’re passionate about dementia care, please consider leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Your support helps us reach more people and raise awareness about dementia-related issues.

Until next time, thank you for listening. Take care, and bye for now—Tara!

Can Alzheimer’s Be Mistaken for Witchcraft in Africa? Berrie Holtzhausen’s Lived Experience

Can Alzheimer’s Be Mistaken for Witchcraft in Africa? Berrie Holtzhausen’s Lived Experience

 

Repost: In today’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Berrie Holtzhausen from Namibia, Africa. Berrie is the Founder and CEO of Alzheimer Dementia Namibia (ADN) and the visionary behind the Dementia Care Farm, a place of safety for people living with dementia, especially those wrongly accused of witchcraft.

 

Berrie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020 and has since become a dedicated advocate for people living with dementia (PLWD). In this episode, he shares his personal experiences, the challenges of stigma, and his innovative approach to prolonging life with dementia.

 

Key Topics Discussed:

 

Berrie’s personal updates on living with dementia and how he manages changes in memory and focus.

 

His concept of DNA for prolonging life with dementia – a philosophy emphasizing inclusion and quality of life.

 

The importance of cultural awareness in dementia care—understanding backgrounds, emotions, and communication styles.

 

His ongoing work on a dementia-friendly village—an initiative to educate families and traditional leaders on dementia to combat stigma and harmful beliefs.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

Do not disconnect me from life." A dementia diagnosis does not mean immediate incapacity—staying engaged is crucial.

 

Stigma isolates people. Many friends walk away due to misconceptions about dementia, making social support even more essential.

 

Senses play a vital role. While memory fades, sensory experiences (smell, touch, hearing) can help PLWD navigate their world.

 

Education can change communities. By involving traditional leaders, Berrie’s dementia-friendly village aims to shift harmful narratives and improve dementia care.

 

Resourced Mentioned

 

Berrie`s 1st Episode

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/breaking-stigma-building-community-berrie-holtzhausens/id1710778347?i=1000649023519

Painting Through Alzheimer’s: The Art That Held a Mother–Daughter Bond Together

Episode Title: Painting Through Alzheimer’s: The Art That Held a Mother–Daughter Bond Together

 

When we get Alzheimer’s, walk away.” Those were the words Marilyn Raichle’s mother once shared with her, long before both of Marilyn’s parents were diagnosed.

 

In this moving episode, Marilyn shares how introducing her mother to painting transformed their Alzheimer’s journey from fear and resistance to creativity, connection, and joy. What began as a simple art class led to international recognition, an Emmy Award–winning documentary, and the founding of The Art of Alzheimer’s.

 

We explore the power of language—“living with” vs “suffering from” dementia—care partner vs caregiver, the ethics of sharing a loved one’s story, and how creativity can preserve dignity and identity

 

3 clear main takeaways from this episode:

 

Creativity Can Unlock Connection

Even after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Marilyn’s mother discovered a new voice through painting. Art became a bridge, restoring confidence, preserving identity, and deepening their mother–daughter bond.

Language Shapes Dignity

The difference between “living with” vs “suffering from” dementia and “care partner” vs “caregiver” matters. Words influence how we see people with dementia and how they see themselves.

Sharing Stories Is Advocacy, Not Exploitation

By sharing her mother’s artwork with the world, Marilyn helped shift perceptions of dementia from decline alone to creativity and possibility. Her work reminds us that raising awareness can honour, not diminish, a loved one’s legacy.

 

Resources Mentioned

Marilyn Raichle’s book, Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey, is available on Amazon.

https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/can-love-and-loss-be-captured-on-film-kimberley/id1710778347?i=1000734014141

 

Thank you so much, dear listeners, for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed our conversation with Marilyn, or if you’re passionate about dementia care, please consider leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Your support helps us reach more people and raise awareness about dementia-related issues.