Dementia Caregiver’s Corner

By: Juliah Ratladi
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  • Summary

  • The journey of caring for a loved one who is living with Dementia can be quite challenging. Juliah Ratladi is an MSc student in the field of Dementia, and yet an Experienced Dementia Caregiver. Juliah is uniquely positioned to share observations, experiences, knowledge, understanding and insights on a variety of issues in the Dementia and Mental Health space. Together with other Caregivers and Dementia Experts, they create public awareness, and share the impromptu beautiful moments they encounter from day to day. The discussions will leave you refreshed, smiling and uplifted.
    Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
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Episodes
  • The Urgent Need for Dementia Awareness in Sub-Saharan Africa with Busani Mphathiwa

    The Urgent Need for Dementia Awareness in Sub-Saharan Africa with Busani Mphathiwa
    Mar 26 2025

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Dementia Caregivers` Corner, Juliah sits down with Rre Busani Mphathiwa, an advocate for dementia awareness and the founder of Pelonomi Foundation (Dementia Botswana). They explore the cultural, linguistic, and systemic challenges affecting dementia understanding and care in Botswana and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    A major issue? There is no Setswana word for “dementia.” This language gap, combined with deep-rooted cultural misconceptions, fuels stigma and prevents many families from seeking help.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • The Language Barrier – Many African languages, including Setswana, lack a direct translation for "dementia," making awareness efforts more difficult.
    • Cultural Misconceptions – Dementia symptoms are often attributed to witchcraft, curses, or divine punishment, leading to isolation and neglect.
    • Recognizing Dementia Symptoms – Memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes are early warning signs often misunderstood in African communities.
    • The Power of Advocacy – How organizations like Dementia Botswana are driving change through education, policy influence, and community outreach.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Academic Article: Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Dementia Among Community Leaders in Northern Nigeria
    • Website: pelonomi.com

    Why This Matters:

    Dementia cases are rising in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet awareness and support systems remain limited. This episode sheds light on why breaking the stigma is crucial for better care and policy development.

    Listen Now & Get Involved!

    • Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating & review to help us reach more caregivers and families. Spread Awareness! Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

    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

    Connect with Pelonomi Foundation on the following social media platforms

    Facebook: Pelonomi Foundation

    Twitter: @Pelonomihealth

    www.pelonomi.com
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    21 mins
  • Berrie Holtzhausen’s 'DNA' for Living Well with Alzheimer's Disease

    Berrie Holtzhausen’s 'DNA' for Living Well with Alzheimer's Disease
    Mar 12 2025

    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:

    1. Do not disconnect me from life." A dementia diagnosis does not mean immediate incapacity—staying engaged is crucial.
    2. Stigma isolates people. Many friends walk away due to misconceptions about dementia, making social support even more essential.
    3. Senses play a vital role. While memory fades, sensory experiences (smell, touch, hearing) can help PLWD navigate their world.
    4. 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

    Connect with Berrie here:

    Linkedin:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/berrie-holtzhausen-b5a61736

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/africanwitchfinder/

    Follow Juliah Ratladi/Dementia Caregivers` Corner Podcast on social media:

    Instagram:

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

    LinkedIn:

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

    Twitter:

    https://twitter.com/DementiaCorner

    Facebook Page:

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

    TikTok

    https://www.tiktok.com/@dementiacaregiverscorner?_t=ZN-8ubbs0NIeZS&_r=1

    YouTube

    http://www.youtube.com/@DementiaCaregiversCorner
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    52 mins
  • The Practical Tips for Dementia Caregivers: Communication, Challenges & Caregiver Self-Care

    The Practical Tips for Dementia Caregivers: Communication, Challenges & Caregiver Self-Care
    Feb 26 2025
    In this episode, we delve into key aspects of dementia care, starting with how to distinguish dementia from normal aging. We explore the stages of dementia, their progression, and what they look like in everyday life. You'll learn actionable steps to take after a loved one is diagnosed, along with effective strategies for communicating with individuals who have lost verbal abilities. We also discuss ways to manage the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and provide guidance on coping with caregiver guilt. This episode is packed with practical insights and compassionate advice to support caregivers and families navigating the dementia journey. Key Take Aways: Understanding Dementia vs. Normal Aging: Differentiating between dementia and the typical cognitive changes associated with aging.Stages of Dementia: A breakdown of the different stages of dementia and how they present over time.Steps After Diagnosis: Guidance on what to do after a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis.Non-Verbal Communication Strategies: Effective ways to connect with someone who has lost the ability to communicate verbally.Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms: Practical tips for addressing common behavioral and psychological challenges associated with dementia.Addressing Caregiver Guilt: Strategies to recognize, cope with, and overcome feelings of guilt as a caregiver. Some Resources mentioned: The Practical Dementia Caregiver Guide: Sam Toroghi MD https://mybook.to/DementiaSamToroghihttps://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiaheroesOne Last Thing: How to Live With the End in Mind: Wendy MitchellAlzheimer’s Association UK, USAnet/dementia 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… 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] Connect with Dr Sam Toroghi on the following social media platforms https://www.facebook.com/SamToroghiMD/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementiacaregiverguide https://www.linkedin.com/in/toroghi/ 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
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    59 mins

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Profile Image for AliJordanBrown

This is so needed

I'm only on the second podcast, but I really love this! I am caregiver for my husband, with dementia. I have been so wishing for support, because I feel all alone out here. I can relate to everything expressed here. We live on a mountaintop in central California. This is mostly a blessing, because my husband gets disoriented around other people.

I did not realize, until we bought our home, that he had dementia that had started developing probably a decade before. I didn't notice it, because I was the breadwinner, and I was running my retail store, keeping a roof over us. He was a prolific pen &ink artist when we met, and he gradually lost interest in drawing. This should have been my first clue. I thought he was just becoming lazy.

I think others may have noticed a change, but no one actually talked to me about it. Anyway, this is an excellent podcast. Thank you!

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