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

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

https://twitter.com/DementiaCorner

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Connect with Pelonomi Foundation on the following social media platforms

Facebook: Pelonomi Foundation

Twitter: @Pelonomihealth

www.pelonomi.com

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/

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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…

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

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https://player.fm/series/3517995

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

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

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

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

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

https://twitter.com/DementiaCorner

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

Repost- In this poignant episode of "Dementia Caregiver's Corner," your host, Juliah Ratladi, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kristina Driscoll from She's Brave Podcast. Together, they explore the intricacies of navigating the challenges of caring for a partner with dementia, offering invaluable insights on self-care and the path to moving forward.

Join Juliah and Kristina as they discuss the unique challenges faced by those in caregiving relationships, addressing the complexities of maintaining one's well-being while caring for a loved oneone

The episode delves into practical strategies for self-care, resilience, and finding moments of joy amid the challenges. Kristina's experience serves as a beacon of hope for listeners who may be grappling with similar circumstances, offering guidance on how to care for oneself while providing compassionate care.

Tune in to "Dementia Caregiver's Corner" for this intimate and empowering episode, where Juliah and Kristina explore the importance of self-compassion and provide a road-map for caregivers seeking to balance their own well-being while navigating the demanding role of caring for a partner with dementia. Whether you're in the midst of caregiving or on the path to moving forward, this conversation offers valuable insights and encouragement for the journey ahead.

Find Kristina on here:

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

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Join host Juliah Ratladi in this profound episode of "Dementia Caregiver's Corner" as she engages in a compelling conversation with Berrie Hotlhauzen, the Founder & CEO of Alzheimer Dementia Namibia (ADN). Despite his own dementia diagnosis, Berrie passionately works to combat the stigma linking people with dementia to witchcraft in rural African communities.

In this discussion, Berrie shares his courageous journey of advocacy and empowerment, highlighting the challenges he faced and the triumphs he achieved in breaking down barriers and fostering understanding within Namibian communities. Discover how he is dedicated to providing compassionate care for people living with dementia on a farm, where their needs are met without restraint or medication.

Tune in to learn about Berrie's commitment to transforming perceptions and creating inclusive spaces for individuals with dementia. Explore the power of community, compassion, and resilience in overcoming stigma and building a supportive environment for those affected by dementia.

Don't miss this inspiring episode of "Dementia Caregiver's Corner," where Juliah and Berrie Hotlhauzen shine a light on the transformative impact of advocacy and compassion in the fight against stigma and the journey towards dementia-inclusive communities

Find 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:

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

Dementia caregivers` Corner Podcast is available on the following platforms

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

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*Juliah is collecting some more great conversations so for now we are sharing this very popular episode that newer listeners may have missed*

In this enlightening episode of "Dementia Caregiver's Corner," your host, Juliah Ratladi, sits down with Dr. Brittany Lamb, an Emergency Room physician, for a crucial conversation on dementia care. Join them as they explore the intersection of medical expertise and caregiving wisdom, providing invaluable advice on making confident decisions when caring for someone with dementia.

Dr. Lamb brings her frontline experience to the forefront, sharing insights garnered from the fast-paced world of the ER. Together with Juliah, she unravels the complexities of dementia care, offering practical guidance for caregivers facing challenging situations. From understanding medical nuances to effectively communicating with healthcare professionals, this episode equips caregivers with the tools needed to navigate the intricate landscape of dementia care with confidence.

Dr. Lamb and Juliah delve into proactive strategies for anticipating and managing emergencies, ensuring that caregivers feel empowered in their roles. Whether you're a seasoned caregiver or just beginning the journey, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge to enhance your understanding and approach to dementia care.

Tune in to "Dementia Caregiver's Corner" for this enlightening conversation that blends medical expertise with compassionate caregiving, ultimately fostering a community where caregivers can face the challenges of dementia with resilience and confidence.

https://blambmd.com/

https://blambmd.com/blog/

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

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https://twitter.com/DementiaCorner

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

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

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Player FM: https://player.fm/series/3517995

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