Hylton Marks Social Worker

12/11/2025

It’s not just forgetfulness; it could be something more.

We all misplace our keys or forget why we walked into a room now and then. But when memory lapses or confusion starts interfering with daily life, it might be time to take a closer look.

As a social worker, I’ve seen how dementia doesn’t just affect one person it touches entire families. Early recognition of the signs can make a world of difference. It allows loved ones to seek help, plan ahead, and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.

Understanding the 10 warning signs of dementia, from memory loss to changes in mood, language, or judgment, empowers families to act with compassion instead of fear. ❤️

Remember: Dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and with the right support, individuals can still live with dignity and connection.

💬 If you’ve noticed these signs in someone you care about, don’t wait, reach out for guidance and support.

📞 Contact Hylton Marks for caring, confidential counselling and practical support for families navigating Alzheimer’s and dementia.

📧 markshylton@gmail.com
📱 083 324 7053
🌐https://hyltonmarks.co.za/

07/11/2025

When Forgetfulness Feels Like Something More

When I was a student, one of my psychology lecturers gave us a piece of advice I’ll never forget. He called it “Student Syndrome” that feeling of diagnosing ourselves with every condition we read about in the textbook.

It always makes me think of the families I meet who come to me, anxious that their parent or partner might have dementia because they’ve been a little more forgetful or confused lately.

Not every lapse in memory means dementia. We all forget where we put our keys or walk into a room and wonder why we went there. But sometimes, forgetfulness begins to affect how someone functions day to day, and that’s when it’s time to pay closer attention.

I once worked with a family whose father, once calm and gentle, had started becoming easily irritated and withdrawn. He would ask the same questions repeatedly, get lost while driving routes he’d known for years, and become anxious at sunset, closing the curtains and doors as if the night made him uneasy.

They weren’t sure if it was stress, depression, or something more. Together, we spoke about the difference between normal forgetfulness and behavioural changes that persist across situations.

I encouraged them to speak with a medical specialist because only a doctor can make a diagnosis but more importantly, I reminded them that seeking clarity is an act of love, not fear. ❤️
Sometimes the changes we see in those we love are difficult to face. But with understanding, compassion, and early support, families can navigate these moments with dignity and care.

It’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters most is noticing the changes, asking questions, and reaching out for help when you need it.

Have you noticed changes in someone you love that made you pause and wonder if it’s just forgetfulness or something more?

If you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, I offer confidential online counselling to help you find clarity, understanding, and emotional support during this journey.

📞 Contact Hylton Marks
📧 markshylton@gmail.com
📱 0833247053
🌐https://hyltonmarks.co.za/

04/11/2025

🧠 Understanding the Different Types of Dementia

As a social worker, I’ve seen how the word “dementia” can bring up deep fear and sadness, not only for the person experiencing it but also for their family and loved ones.

But understanding what dementia really is can help us replace fear with compassion, and confusion with knowledge. ❤️

Dementia isn’t one single disease, it’s an umbrella term for several conditions that affect how the brain works.

Here are the four most common types I encounter:
1️⃣ Alzheimer’s Disease – the most common form. It’s caused by protein build-up in the brain that leads to nerve damage and brain shrinkage, affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour.

2️⃣ Vascular Dementia – caused by blockages or bleeding in the brain’s small blood vessels. These tiny “strokes” lead to damage in the affected areas, resulting in cognitive decline.

3️⃣ Lewy Body Dementia – occurs when abnormal protein deposits (called Lewy bodies) form in brain regions responsible for movement, thinking, and memory.

4️⃣ Fronto-Temporal Dementia – affects the areas of the brain linked to personality, language, and behaviour, often causing noticeable changes in how a person expresses themselves or relates to others.

There are other, less common forms of dementia, too.

And it’s important to remember that some medical conditions can mimic dementia symptoms, but are treatable and reversible. That’s why only a qualified medical doctor can make a true diagnosis.

💬 Here’s what matters most:
When we understand dementia, we can approach our loved ones and ourselves with more patience, empathy, and support.

✨ Reflective question:

Have you or someone you care for ever felt unsure about what’s normal memory loss and what might be something more?

You don’t have to face this alone

If you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, I offer confidential online counselling to help you navigate this journey with understanding and care.

📞 Contact Hylton Marks
📧 markshylton@gmail.com
📱 0833247053
🌐https://hyltonmarks.co.za/

30/10/2025

Forgetfulness or Dementia? Let’s Talk About the Difference

As we get older, it’s completely normal to notice small changes in our memory.

You might walk into a room and forget why you went there or put something down and can’t remember where. It can be worrying, especially when we hear so much about dementia.

But here’s the truth: not every instance of forgetfulness means dementia.
Our brains, just like the rest of our bodies, change over time. Occasional memory lapses are part of being human and part of ageing.

Dementia, on the other hand, is more than forgetfulness. It involves changes in how the brain works, affecting memory, personality, behaviour, and independence. Only a medical professional can make a definite diagnosis, usually through assessments and sometimes brain scans.

If you or a loved one is becoming forgetful and showing signs like personality changes, social withdrawal, or increased anxiety, it may be time to check in with your doctor for guidance and clarity.

Remember, seeking help early doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It means you care enough to understand what’s happening and to get the right support.

Have you noticed moments of forgetfulness in yourself or someone you love that made you pause and wonder what’s normal?

You don’t have to face it alone

If you’re feeling uncertain, anxious, or simply need someone to talk to I offer confidential online counselling to help you process what you’re experiencing, find reassurance, and explore practical steps forward.

📞 Reach out today, you deserve to feel supported and informed.
📧 markshylton@gmail.com
📱 0833247053

28/10/2025

Helping the Elderly Age with Dignity

Everyone experiences change throughout the many stages of life from childhood to our golden years. Each stage brings new challenges and growth opportunities, but for older adults, these changes can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Those life stages and the changes and challenges are the subject of much research and many different opinions.

Old age comes with its own set of changes: physical, emotional, and cognitive. And when illness or a chronic condition is added to the mix, these challenges can feel even heavier.

Being diagnosed with any debilitating disease adds much to these challenges. But with the help and understanding of family, friends and carers, older people can be allowed to age with dignity and make the best of their twilight years.

💙 With understanding, compassion, and support from family, friends, and caregivers, older people can still enjoy fulfilling lives and age with dignity.

Changes impact on the individual, their immediate and extended family and friends. Even the broader community may be affected.
The burden of caring for an older person with a chronic condition such as dementia can be overwhelming and have long-term, negative side effects. Most importantly, one should not need to feel alone along this journey.

No one should have to face this journey alone.

In future posts, we’ll explore more about the challenges of ageing and practical ways to navigate them together.

📞 Contact Hylton Marks for compassionate guidance and expert support on dementia and elder care.

📧markshylton@gmail.com
📱 083 324 7053

21/10/2025

A Guide to Getting Through Grief

Grief doesn’t follow a straight line, and that’s okay.

Whether you’re mourning a loved one, a relationship, or a version of yourself, healing takes time, patience, and kindness.

This beautiful infographic by Twill Health
gently reminds us that:

There’s no “right way” to grieve.
Talking about it helps, even when it feels impossible.
Healing doesn’t mean you are forgetting, it means you are learning to live with love and loss.

If you’re moving through grief (or supporting someone who is), give this a read, it offers comfort, validation, and hope. 💛

Visit www.hyltonmarks.co.za

Let’s take the first step together towards healing and emotional balance.

🖼️ Image and content credit: Twill Health

16/10/2025

Understanding Dementia — Awareness Starts With You

It’s normal for our brains to change as we age, but dementia is not a normal part of aging.

Every year, millions of families are affected. Loved ones facing memory loss, confusion, and emotional challenges.

This infographic from the National Institute on Aging helps you understand the different types of dementia, their symptoms, and how they affect the brain.

Let’s build awareness together, because early understanding can change lives.

If you are a loved one needs help, please contact me at markshylton@gmail.com

👉 Take a minute to learn, share, and start the conversation today.

📘 Learn more: www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-is-dementia

14/10/2025

Hi Community

I’m Hylton Marks, a registered social worker based in Johannesburg. I have several years of experience, helping seniors and their families navigate the challenges that come with ageing, fragility and conditions such as dementia.

I understand how overwhelming it can feel when a loved one starts needing more care and you’re unsure where to turn for help. My goal is to walk this journey with you, offering guidance, support and counselling to make the weight of these choices lighter.

The services I offer:
• Support for the Elderly and their Families
• Supportive Counselling
• Bereavement Counselling
• End of Life Counselling
• Referral and Practical Guidance

I provide both online and in-person counselling, making it easier for you to access support wherever you are.

If you or someone you know needs guidance, support or simply a listening ear, please visit my website or get in touch with me.

Website: www.hyltonmarks.co.za
Email: markshylton@gmail.com

09/10/2025

When to Seek Medical Advice

If forgetfulness is paired with changes in behaviour, it may be time to consult a medical doctor.

Some common signs include:
✔️ Major personality shifts
✔️ Withdrawal from social life
✔️ Poor judgement or risky behaviour
✔️ Persistent anxiety or depression

Early intervention makes a real difference in managing dementia. Don’t ignore the signs, reach out for help and guidance.

🌟 Remember: dementia does not define a person. With the right support, older adults can still enjoy dignity, love, and purpose in their later years.

Visit our website for more information: http://www.hyltonmarks.co.za/

💬 Tag a friend who may find this information helpful.

06/10/2025

Forgetfulness or Dementia?

We all forget things sometimes, like walking into a room and forgetting why we went there. This kind of simple forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing and doesn’t automatically mean dementia.

Dementia involves more than memory lapses. It can include changes in personality, inappropriate behaviour, loss of judgement, self-isolation, and ongoing anxiety or depression. Only a medical professional can diagnose dementia, often through assessments and scans.

👉 If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, the first step is to speak to a doctor.

Visit our website for more information: http://www.hyltonmarks.co.za/

💬 What’s one small strategy that helps you remember things day-to-day?

02/10/2025

Caring for an Older Loved One

Caring for someone living with dementia or another chronic condition can be deeply rewarding but it can also feel overwhelming at times. The responsibilities don’t just affect the individual, but also family, friends, and even the broader community.

It’s important to remember you are not alone. Reaching out for support can ease the burden and make the journey lighter for both you and your loved one.

Visit our website if you need help: http://www.hyltonmarks.co.za/

If you’re supporting an ageing parent or family member, be kind to yourself; your wellbeing matters.

💬 Share in the comments: What helps you recharge when caregiving feels tough?

Send a message to learn more

30/09/2025

Helping the Elderly Age with Dignity

As we move through life, each stage brings changes and challenges. For many older adults, these changes can feel overwhelming, especially when health concerns like dementia enter the picture.

But here’s the good news: with the love and understanding of family, friends, and carers, older people can still enjoy meaningful, dignified lives in their later years. 💙

👉 You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Together, we can create communities of care, compassion, and hope.

Visit our website for more information:
http://www.hyltonmarks.co.za/

💬 Question for you: What’s one thing you’ve learnt from supporting an older loved one?