Debra's Holistic Home Assist

05/10/2023

One of the most widespread misconceptions about dementia is that it is an inevitable part of aging. While it is true that dementia becomes more common as people grow older, it is not a normal or natural consequence of aging. Dementia is a medical condition caused by various underlying diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementia. It can affect people of different ages, including those in their 40s and 50s, and is not simply a result of getting older.

ADASA (Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s of South Africa NPC) is here to support you. To learn more about neurodegenerative diseases or support someone dear to you, reach out to us via info@adasa.org.za or call our National Helpline at 0860-102-681.

10/09/2023

Day 5: Run Against Dementia "There is one thing Alzheimer’s cannot take away, and that is LOVE. Love is not a memory. It’s a feeling that resides in your HEART and SOUL." , ,

27/08/2023

25/08/2023

I used to be amazed when my friends would hand their toddler to me to carry... What was so easy for them was really hard for me! And then I realized that they started training when this child weighed only 7 or 8 pounds, so carrying a 30-pound toddler was no problem. I hadn't started training, so it felt much harder for me. Something similar happens with caring for a family member who's living with dementia. The struggles of the early stages of dementia teach us how to manage as our loved one enters the later stages. It doesn't mean it'll be easy at any point, but we learn things we need to know down the line.

24/08/2023

Communication guidelines:
- Approach the person from the front, make eye contact and give them full attention when they are speaking.
- Give simple choices, a maximum of 2 – avoid creating complicated choices or options.
- Keep sentences short and simple, focusing on one idea at a time, and speak clearly and slowly.
- Talk to the person as an adult, not a child, and do not ridicule what they say.
- Remain calm, talk in a gentle way, and keep your tone of voice positive and friendly.
- Move at the pace of the person according to their time and place allowing them plenty of time to answer.
- If possible, sit down face-to-face in a quiet, calm place. Try to avoid competing noises such as TV or radio.
- A warm smile and shared laughter can often communicate more than words can.

ADASA (Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s of South Africa NPC) is here to support you. To learn more about neurodegenerative diseases or support someone dear to you, reach out to us via info@adasa.org.za or call our National Helpline at 0860-102-681.

23/08/2023

We invite all dementia-interested persons to our Annual General Meeting via Zoom on 25 August 2023. Please RSVP with Nancy Kalaba at +27 11 792 2511 or email her at nancy.kalaba@adasa.org.za We are excited to have Dr. Mariette Kussmaul as our keynote speaker.

More about Dr. Mariette (PhD): She is a highly motivated person with strong business skills and a passion to see projects through to completion. Her sensitivity, compassion, and love for those experiencing Dementia, a stroke, and severe trauma led her to leave her surroundings in Florida, USA to George, South Africa.

Experiencing Dementia, firsthand with her husband, father, and stepmom Dr. Mariette was introduced to Neuroplasticity. As a Strategic Business Leader, her problem-solving skills were captured by the value of purpose-driven activities through Neuroplasticity in “rewiring” the Brain.

She is a strong strategic teacher with the ability to engage and energize those with mental illness’s willing and able to participate. Participation is not an easy task for those with Dementia as “Personality Changes” can take place in moments.

In Dr. Mariette’s own words, “I have dedicated the rest of my life engaging Neuroplasticity to honour those dear souls during their day-to-day life activities.”

We changed our name from Alzheimer's SA NPC (ASA) to the Association for Dementia and Alzheimers of South Africa NPC (ADASA) on 10 May 2023.

23/08/2023

Register today for our Run Against Dementia September Spring Challenge - It's a virtual race! So, you can take part from anywhere in the world! Start... 1 September 2023 End... 30 September 2023. Entree fees: Adults - R250, Children under 18 - R150, and Dogs - R100 (Let your furry friends join the fun). Get as many family, friends, or colleagues to join our Spring Challenge or donate to our cause.

Bank Details:
Alzheimers SA, First National Bank, Account Number: 6217-420-4934, Branch Code: 253705 (Northcliff), Reference: RAD & Cell Number.

Please send your proof of payment to radementia@gmail.com
Awards up for grabs (Based on your total kilometres for the month of September):
Bronze – 50 to 100km (3.3km daily)
Silver – 150km (5km daily)
Gold – 200km (6.7km daily)
Heila Hunt Award – 250km (8.3km daily)
Platinum – 450km (15km daily)

Please submit your recorded distances covered during the challenge to Judy via email at radementia@gmail.com on 1 October 2023.

NOTES:
- For Cyclists, the distance to be covered for the various awards will be 3x that of the other participants.
- The appropriate certificates will be sent to participants on completion of the challenge.
- If you complete for someone close to you who is suffering from, or has suffered from dementia or Alzheimer’s, we would be happy to personalise your certificate in the name of that person.

For more information contact ADASA Gauteng at info@adasa.org.za
Good luck with your training!
Run Against Dementia

22/08/2023

Supportive Intervention: Should the person with dementia display reactive behaviour it is important to look beyond the behaviour. It is important to keep a record of all reactive behaviours to identify behaviour triggers and a pattern in their behaviour, to develop a behaviour profile (background, life story, culture, religion or spirituality, hobbies, interests, routines, family dynamics, sexuality or significant life events). The profile can provide greater insight into the potential causes and solutions for reactive behaviour. Be aware of changes in their understanding, perception, reasoning, communication; environmental and social interactions, medical conditions, medications, and changes to vision and hearing. Intervention guidelines to understand the behaviour are clear communication, keeping a consistent routine, creating a calm noise-free environment, understanding and validating their feelings, providing physical comfort, and engaging them in enjoyable activities. Do not argue or try to reason with the person and seek professional support.

Types of reactive behaviours that require supportive intervention are
- Aggression, agitation and irritability.
- Anxiety.
- Depression and apathy.
- Wandering (walking about or pacing).
- Misconceptions, delusions, hallucinations and paranoia.
- Sexually inappropriate behaviour or losing inhibitions.
- Changes in the sleep cycle.

Anti-psychotic medicines are often prescribed when reactive behaviours are displayed, with limited or no benefits to the person as it may not treat the cause, and carry severe risks and side effects. Medication should only be considered as a last resort.

Family or caregivers cannot change the behaviour of the person living with dementia, but they can change the way to respond to that behaviour. Remember that behaviour does not define the person, but the behaviour is the result of dementia. Patience, empathy, and understanding are crucial when caring for someone with dementia.

ADASA is here to support you. Reach out to us via info@adasa.org.za or call our National Helpline at 0860-102-681.

22/08/2023

Dementia affects people in different ways resulting in behaviour and personality changes. The person can act in ways that are very different from their “old self”. These changes can be upsetting and frustrating for both the person with dementia and for family, friends, caregivers and people around them. The behaviour is the result of changes in the brain affecting memory, judgement, orientation, mood and behaviour. Traditionally these behaviour changes were referred to as “aggressive or difficult or challenging”, but now the accepted terms to use when referring to actions, words or gestures by a person with dementia are responsive and reactive behaviours.

Responsive behaviours refer to actions, words or gestures by a person with dementia as a response to something negative, frustrating or confusing in their social and physical environment. It is the non-verbal communication of meanings, needs and concerns. Physical needs (pain, hunger, thirst); Psycho-social needs (stress, apathy, loneliness, depression, lack of purpose); Stimulus in the environment (over or under stimulation, overcrowding, inconsistent routine, provocation by others, noise, and light activity). The person with dementia has limited capacity to communicate their needs and experiences or to control their responses.

Reactive behaviours are acting out in a reactive way and are an extreme way of expressing feelings of resentment, anger, discomfort, or frustration. As communication skills decreased, physical behaviours (kicking or hitting) are the only way to express (communicate) their feelings. This may happen at any stage of dementia (more in the middle to late stages) due to damage to the brain and the progress of dementia. When early signs of agitation are noticed, change the environment to avoid or reduce the reaction.

ADASA (Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s of South Africa NPC) is here to support you. To learn more about neurodegenerative diseases or support someone dear to you, reach out to us via info@adasa.org.za or call our National Helpline at 0860-102-681.

22/08/2023

Last chance to book for our Gauteng live webinar tomorrow - 23 August 2023. THEME: “Sustainability of Social Services in South Africa and Networking with Different Organisations”

The training is focussed on Community professionals and Caregivers. CEU & CPD points will be allocated to HPCSA & SACSSP members. 2 CEU points+ 1 CEU for Ethics (HPCSA) & 3 CPD points (SACSSP)

DATE: 23 August 2023 (8:00 to 13:00).
COST: R400
Contact Nancy Kalaba at 011 792 2511 or nancy.kalaba@adasa.org.za

We changed our name from Alzheimer's SA NPC (ASA) to the Association for Dementia and Alzheimers of South Africa NPC (ADASA) on 10 May 2023.

18/08/2023

Howick Alzheimer’s Support Group (ADASA KZN).
Speaker: Henry Spencer (Author, Presenter & Gerontologist)

TOPIC:
• Adapting to a life with Dementia
• Getting into their World

Venue: Amberglen Sanctuary
Time: 10h00
Date: 25 August 2023

For security entry to Amberglen, kindly ensure to RSVP.
RSVP: claire@amberglenkzn.co.za
Tel: 082 435 4178

18/08/2023

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of brain diseases and their symptoms, which include: memory loss. Impaired judgment, personality changes, and an inability to perform daily activities. Alzheimer's disease, on the other hand, is the most common form of dementia.

Understanding the two terms, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia, is more than just fancy words. It's like finding a secret key to feeling stronger and being kinder to people with these conditions and the people who care for them. When we learn about these things, we can create a caring community that supports and helps those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia have better lives.

ADASA (Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s of South Africa NPC) is here to support you. To learn more about neurodegenerative diseases or support someone dear to you, reach out to us via info@adasa.org.za or call our National Helpline at 0860-102-681.