Alzheimer’s in South Africa: A Daughter’s Journey and a Doctor’s Perspective

By Dr Theresa Jordaan, with reflections from Simone Olivier (includes Video Interview)

In South Africa, where family and community are deeply interwoven, Alzheimer’s disease presents not only a clinical challenge but a deeply personal and emotional one. As a general practitioner, I’ve walked alongside many families navigating this journey — but few conversations have moved me as profoundly as the one I had with Simone Olivier, whose mom now lives at Zonnebloem Alzheimer’s care home.

Simone’s story is one of love, loss, resilience, and advocacy. It’s also a mirror to the broader experience of thousands of South African families who face the slow unravelling of memory, identity, and independence in someone they love. In our conversation — now available in full on YouTube — we explored the emotional terrain of caregiving, the medical realities of dementia, and the urgent need for community support.

At the bottom of this article: watch the video interview between Doctor Theresa Jordaan and Life Coach Simone Olivier.  

The Early Signs

“We thought it was just Mom being Mom”

Alzheimer’s rarely announces itself loudly. It creeps in quietly, often disguised as forgetfulness, mood changes, or what families might dismiss as “just aging.” Simone shared how her mom had always been a little dreamy — “in the clouds,” as she put it. So, when small lapses began, they didn’t raise alarms.

It was only after her father’s sudden passing that the changes became more pronounced. Her mom, once deeply attached to her husband, seemed to move on with surprising speed. She began taking his clothes out of the cupboard, managing finances, and handling household responsibilities — tasks her husband had always carried. The emotional detachment, coupled with new responsibilities, marked a turning point.

From a medical perspective, this is not uncommon. Trauma, especially in older adults, can trigger depression with cognitive decline, what we call pseudo dementia. A sudden cognitive decline often linked to emotional shock, medication mismanagement, or environmental change. Unlike progressive Alzheimer’s, pseudo dementia can sometimes be reversed with proper intervention like treating the depression or anxiety. But the window is narrow, and early recognition is key.

The Diagnosis

“She put all the numbers in one corner”

Simone’s family eventually sought help from a psychiatrist, who conducted a Mini Mental State Examination — a simple but powerful tool we use to assess cognitive function. Her mom struggled with tasks like drawing a clock, placing all the numbers in one corner and leaving the rest blank. It was a moment of clarity for the family, and a moment of heartbreak.

As doctors, we often see patients compensate for their decline. They mask symptoms, rely on routines, and avoid situations that expose their vulnerabilities. That’s why family observations are so critical. If you notice changes in personality, memory, or behaviour — don’t wait. Early diagnosis allows for better planning, treatment, and emotional preparation.

Living the Journey

“She went from a teenager to a small little girl”

Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of the brain — it’s a disease of relationships. Simone described how her mom’s personality began to shift. She went from being plain and reserved to dressing up multiple times a day, applying lipstick and eyeliner, and insisting on scarves and accessories. Later, her speech faded. She began making sounds instead of words, struggling to express even her name.

These changes are deeply unsettling for families. The person they knew begins to disappear, replaced by someone who looks the same but behaves differently. Simone responded with grace — meeting her mom where she was, joining her in her reality, and never correcting or confronting. This approach is not only compassionate; it’s clinically sound. Alzheimer’s patients thrive when they feel safe, accepted, and understood.

The Family Strain

“Even power of attorney doesn’t work if they can’t sign”

Beyond the emotional toll, Alzheimer’s brings administrative and legal challenges. Simone had to navigate power of attorney, curatorship, and family resistance. Some relatives refused to accept the diagnosis, insisting it was just a bladder infection or stress. This is a common experience. Denial, misinformation, and stigma often delay care and increase conflict.

In South Africa, legal processes around cognitive decline are complex. Power of attorney becomes invalid if the person can no longer sign. Families must then apply for curatorship — a court-appointed role that allows someone to manage finances and care decisions. It’s a heavy responsibility, and one that requires clarity, documentation, and emotional strength.

The Cost of Care

Medication is another hurdle. Alzheimer’s treatments like Cholinesterase inhibitors ( Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine), NMDA Receptor Antagonist ( Memantine), Disease-Modifying ( Newer ) Therapies and Supportive/Symptom Control Medications can slow progression, but they don’t cure. They must be started early and monitored closely, especially for liver interactions and side effects. Until recently, many medical aids didn’t cover these medications. Simone shared how her family paid R1,200 per month out of pocket — a burden for many South Africans. Thankfully, recent changes have allowed partial claims under new categories, reducing costs to around R300.

But even with coverage, compliance is a challenge. Patients forget whether they’ve taken their pills, double-dose, or skip doses entirely. Supervision is essential, and that’s where care homes like Zonnebloem become invaluable.

Finding Zonnebloem

“I can walk in at 5am or 10pm”

Simone’s decision to move her mom to Zonnebloem was not easy. Like many caregivers, she wrestled with guilt, fear, and the sense of letting go. But the reality is that Alzheimer’s eventually requires 24-hour care — and Zonnebloem offers just that.

What sets Zonnebloem apart is its open-door policy. Simone can visit any time — 5am, 10pm — without calling ahead. Staff document everything, provide updates, and treat residents with dignity. For Simone, this transparency and trust brought peace of mind.

She also brings music. Her mom, once a worship leader, responds to familiar songs with lifted hands and quiet joy. Music taps into long-term memory, bypassing the damaged pathways and reaching something deeper. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have — and one of the simplest.

A Call to Community

Alzheimer’s is not just a medical issue — it’s a social one. Simone believes every city should have social workers at clinics and psychiatric offices, ready to walk the road with families. I agree. We need more education, more support, and more compassion.

We also need to think preventatively. Simone has raised her daughter without video games or excessive screen time. She encourages walks, creativity, and connection. These choices matter. Brain health begins early — and what we do in our 20s and 30s shapes our 70s and 80s.

Final Reflections

“Be with them in the moment”

In our conversation, Simone said something that stayed with me: “Be with them in the moment.” That is the essence of Alzheimer’s care. Not fixing, not fighting — just being.

As South Africans, we are resilient. We know how to care, how to hold space, and how to find joy in small things — a hug, a song, a shared memory. Let us use that strength to build better systems, support more families, and honour those who walk this road.

To hear Simone’s full story and our conversation in depth, you can watch the video now available on YouTube. It’s raw, real, and filled with wisdom — not just from a doctor, but from a daughter who chose love, every step of the way.

Disclaimer: Dr Theresa Jordaan is not a neurologist. This interview is intended solely for awareness and educational purposes. It does not constitute specialist medical advice or diagnosis. For neurological concerns, please consult a qualified neurologist or appropriate healthcare professional.