Dementia care: how to reframe what your loved one says or does
Caring for a loved one living with dementia can be profoundly taxing. Gerontologist and dementia consultant Daniela Russo applies eight rules from an ancient text on warfare to lighten this load. Learn how to identify the real “enemy,” interpret challenging behaviour, and avoid unnecessary battles. Discover ways to encourage autonomy while offering support. Moments of safety and connection spell true victory.
If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Daniela and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.
In episode 243 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful, gerontologist, neuropsycho-pedagogue, keynote speaker and author Daniela Russo considers
why she brings her signature “stand-up comedy” style to speaking about dementia
why experiencing memory loss doesn’t mean you have dementia
losing the ability to perform certain executive tasks
the story of Daniela’s mom, who developed dementia at an early age
the “mistakes” Daniela’s family made caring for her mom, including not understanding the value of fostering independence appropriately
Daniela’s promise to her mom
Sun Tzu’s book: The Art of War, applied to battling with dementia
Rule 1: Identify the enemy
Rule 2: Do not interrupt harmless mistakes
Rule 3: Avoid unnecessary battles
Rule 4: Know the terrain
Rule 5: Attack strategy, not soldiers
Rule 6: Channel the river
Rule 7: Let confusion reveal intelligence
Rule 8: Redefine victory
why the human behind the dementia is never erased, although their abilities may be affected
creating moments of respect, safety, and connection.
In this episode, Daniela mentions Sun Tzu’s book The Art of War.
Scroll down for more information on Daniela.
The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm – I hope you’ll subscribe!
Also listen to Dr Rayne Stroebel considering whether dementia is a disease of the brain - and not the soul.
More about Daniela
Daniela Russo is a gerontologist, neuropsychopedagogue, keynote speaker and author dedicated to transforming how we see ageing and dementia. She believes dementia care must be guided by both science and love.
Through her Whispers of Love project Daniela brings together neuroscience, psychology, and real-life experience to create practical, brain-friendly strategies for carers, health professionals, and communities.
Shaped by her multicultural background and professional experience across Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and the Middle East, Daniela describes herself as a Multicultural Dementia Consultant helping organisations worldwide adapt dementia education and support systems to fit their communities.
Daniela is a Dementia Australia Advocate and and Logan Dementia Alliance Volunteer.
Facebook: Neurons, Love and Chaos
LinkedIn: Daniela Russo
Email: whispers.of.love.care@gmail.com
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Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman
Thumbnail image: Unsplash
Photograph of Daniela Russo: Sumico Photography