Dementia Caregiver’s Corner

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

 

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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Take Charge of Your Brain Health: Reducing Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Teryn Clarke (USA)

Repost: Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Teryn Clarke, a leading expert in preventive medicine and healthy aging, as we explore the power of lifestyle changes to improve long-term health outcomes. In this episode, we dive into the science-backed strategies that can help you live a longer, healthier life—starting today.

 

Dr. Clarke shares practical advice on three key areas:

 

Diet: How small tweaks to your eating habits can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Exercise: The types and amounts of physical activity that deliver the most benefits as we age.

Alcohol: Understanding the impact of alcohol consumption and how moderation can play a role in maintaining health.

 

But that’s not all—Dr. Clarke also offers invaluable insights into managing dementia with empathy and compassion. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or working in healthcare, you’ll learn actionable tips to support individuals living with dementia while preserving their dignity and quality of life.

 

Tune in to discover how the choices you make today can shape your future—and how you can help others along the way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their health and make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

 

 

 

 

Enjoyed this episode? Remember to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit!

 

Dementia Caregivers` Corner Podcast streams from the following platforms, and more…

 

Connect with Dr Teryn Clarke

 

https://www.clarkeneurology.com/

 

https://www.instagram.com/brainhealthactionplan/

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teryn-clarke-b166a314a/

 

 

And find her book here

 

https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Health-Action-Plan-Science-Backed-ebook/dp/B0D79KXD7Y?ref_=ast_author_mpb

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementiacaregiverscorners-podcast/id1710778347

 

https://www.youtube.com/@DementiaCaregiversCorner

 

https://open.spotify.com/show/6JeVOQteK08zsc7PTkRNTT

 

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6e17ee2-f194-4eae-b906-a854078dd530

 

https://feed.podbean.com/dementiacaregiverscorner/feed.xml

 

https://iheart.com/podcast/125013574

 

https://player.fm/series/3517995

 

https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/dementiacaregiverscorners-podc-5494017

 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087493920768]

 

 

Follow and connect with Dementia Caregivers’ Corner Podcast on the following social media channels

 

https://www.youtube.com/@DementiaCaregiversCorner

 

https://instagram.com/dementiacaregiverscorner?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliah-ratladi-dementia-care-awareness/

 

https://twitter.com/DementiaCorner

 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087493920768]

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@dementiacaregiverscorner?_t=ZG-8t2YpBR5llR&_r=1

 

Do you want to be a guest? email us on: dementiacaregiverscorner@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode Title: Dementia Caregiving: The One Question That Helped a Mother and Daughter Reconnect with Glenna Hecht

 

What if one simple question could bring laughter, connection, and joy back into life with dementia?

 

In this episode of Dementia Caregiver’s Corner, Juliah speaks with Glenna Hecht, two-time author, speaker, and advocate about the powerful game she created with her mother, “How Old Are You Today?” What began as a way to cope with confusion became a daily ritual that preserved identity, sparked humour, and strengthened their bond through every stage of dementia.

 

Glenna shares honest reflections on recognising the early signs of dementia, navigating guilt and grief as a caregiver, and why humour, repetition, and presence matter more than memory. Together, they explore how caregivers can stay connected, protect their own wellbeing, and find moments of joy, even in the hardest seasons.

 

A heartfelt, hopeful conversation for anyone caring for, loving, or supporting someone living with dementia.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Connection is still possible, even when memory fades
• Humour can be a powerful tool in dementia care
• Caregiving requires compassion — for others and yourself

Let me take this time and Thank you, our dear listeners, for tuning in to this episode! If you enjoyed our conversation with Glenna or you are 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 and bye for now! and take care—! Tara!"

 

 

Repost: The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger: 

 

The holidays are often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and rest—but for caregivers, they can feel like yet another exhausting stretch in an already relentless journey.

 

In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, author of The Unexpected Marathon and The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers, to explore why caregiving stress intensifies during the festive season—and how caregivers can survive it with compassion, boundaries, and self-preservation.

 

Together, we discuss caregiver guilt, burnout warning signs, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight carried by those who quietly hold everything together. This episode offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that caregiving is not about perfection but presence.

 

Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or supporting a caregiver you love, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope during the holiday season.

 

3 Main Points Discussed

 

Caregiving as an Unexpected Marathon

Why long-term caregiving requires pacing, rest, and realistic expectations, especially during the holidays.

 

Burnout, Guilt, and Boundaries

Recognising early signs of burnout, understanding caregiver guilt, and learning how to set gentle but firm boundaries.

 

Family Dynamics and Feeling Unseen

Navigating criticism, lack of appreciation, and complex family relationships while protecting emotional wellbeing.

 

3 Key Takeaways

 

You can’t pour from an empty cup

Burnout often creeps in quietly, rest and support are not luxuries but necessities.

 

Caregiving is about presence, not perfection

Showing up with compassion matters more than doing everything “right.”

 

Boundaries are acts of care, not selfishness

Saying no, asking for help, and resetting expectations protect both the caregiver and the relationship.

 

Resources Mentioned (Books)

The Unexpected Marathon: Challenges for Your Heart

The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers.

Visit https://wolfgangspangenberger.com/sanity/ to download a free copy of The Holiday Survival Guid

It’s a wrap for 2025.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the guests who graced the Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast in 2025. We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for us.

 

Dementia Care. How Deep is Your Love?

 

1. Honouring Jennifer Josey (1944-2024): A Journey Through Mixed Dementia with her daughter, Shellie Josey, UK

 

2. Take Charge of your Brain Health and Keep it far Away from Alzheimer’s Disease with Dr. Teryn Clarke, USA

 

 

3. The Practical Tips for Dementia Caregivers: Communication, Challenges & Caregiver Self-Care, with Dr. Sam Toroghi, USA

 

4. Berrie Holtzhausen’s 'DNA' for Living Well with Alzheimer's Disease, Namibia

 

 

5. The Urgent Need for Dementia Awareness in Sub-Saharan Africa with Busani Mphathiwa, USA/Botswana

 

6. Living with Dementia: Dallas Dixon Reveals What Real Support Looks Like, USA

 

 

7. O.R.E.C.A.R.E Principles in Dementia Care with Isabel Baker from Australia

 

8. Barriers to Dementia Care in BAME Communities: A Conversation with Dr Hannah Hussain, UK

 

 

9. Rehabilitation in Dementia: A Forgotten Opportunity? with Carlo Romero, UK

 

10. Is Guided Meditation an Effective Tool for Managing Dementia-Related Behaviours? with Katie Fournier, USA

 

 

11. Designing for Dementia: How Smart Technology and Environments Support Sensory Changes with Professor. Andrea Tales UK

 

12. Can Technology Close the Dementia Care Gap? A Conversation with Allyson Schrier, USA

 

 

13. How Dementia Affects Vision and Perception – With David Knight, Advanced Clinical Practitioner & Prescribing Optometrist

 

14. Navigating the Journey: A Daughter's Tale of Love and Loss with Lynnette Lee, UK

 

 

15. What Happens When Memory Fades? Sharon Lukert’s Story with Mild Cognitive Impairment

 

16. What Happens When Dementia Affects the Senses? Agnes Houston’s Lived Experience

 

 

17. When Dementia Touches Home: A Family Story of Strength and Sensory Awareness with Donna Houston

 

18. Unseen and Devastating Challenges Faced by Children of Parents Living with Dementia in Sub Saharan Africa with Andrias Mungundu, Namibia

 

 

19. Rethinking Dementia Care with Dr. Éthelle Lord: Staffing, Communication, and Real Solutions

 

20. Can Love and Loss Be Captured on Film? Kimberley Littlemore on Documenting Her Parents’ Dementia

 

 

21. Having Compassion And Understanding for Those Living With Dementia - Nduduzo, South Africa

 

22. Early Signs of Dementia, Family Challenges, and Preparing for Memory Care with Shari Ross

 

 

23. I Can’t Smell My Coffee or Taste My Food Anymore: What’s Dementia Got to Do with It?

 

24. The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It this Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

 

The holidays are often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and rest—but for caregivers, they can feel like yet another exhausting stretch in an already relentless journey.

 

In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, author of The Unexpected Marathon and The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers, to explore why caregiving stress intensifies during the festive season—and how caregivers can survive it with compassion, boundaries, and self-preservation.

 

Together, we discuss caregiver guilt, burnout warning signs, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight carried by those who quietly hold everything together. This episode offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that caregiving is not about perfection but presence.

 

Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or supporting a caregiver you love, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope during the holiday season.

 

3 Main Points Discussed

 

Caregiving as an Unexpected Marathon

Why long-term caregiving requires pacing, rest, and realistic expectations, especially during the holidays.

 

Burnout, Guilt, and Boundaries

Recognising early signs of burnout, understanding caregiver guilt, and learning how to set gentle but firm boundaries.

 

Family Dynamics and Feeling Unseen

Navigating criticism, lack of appreciation, and complex family relationships while protecting emotional wellbeing.

 

3 Key Takeaways

 

You can’t pour from an empty cup

Burnout often creeps in quietly, rest and support are not luxuries but necessities.

 

Caregiving is about presence, not perfection

Showing up with compassion matters more than doing everything “right.”

 

Boundaries are acts of care, not selfishness

Saying no, asking for help, and resetting expectations protect both the caregiver and the relationship.

 

Resources Mentioned (Books)

The Unexpected Marathon: Challenges for Your Heart

The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers.

Visit https://wolfgangspangenberger.com/sanity/ to download a free copy of The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers — available for a limited time only (2 weeks).