Mamelodi author publishes book on Alzheimer’s
He said it’s a pity that in many black townships, people suffering from Alzheimer’s are stigmatised. “Many have suffered and have been brutalised.”
A Mamelodi author has written his latest book focusing on one of the most complex neurological diseases: Alzheimer’s.
Aubrey Mogase said the neurological disease is a serious challenge and because of the stigma surrounding it, many fear to speak about it.
In his latest book titled African Witchcraft Conundrum-Alzheimer’s he speaks about his personal experience as a caregiver.
“The book teaches about behavioural changes, mood swings, eating and drinking habits these patients experience,” said Mogase.
Mogase is currently taking care of his mother who suffers from the disease.
“Experiencing it for the first time in my family, much research and attention was given to understanding the kind of effects it has on a patient.”
“Not seeing the early symptoms could be dire like my situation,” he said.
He said initially, when he saw behavioural changes, nothing was suspected.
“Everything was taken as something that can be attended to by the hospital or doctors. That’s when one doctor diagnosed her with an already advanced stage of Alzheimer’s,” said Mogase.
He said he sought to write the book to enlighten everyone about the dangers of Alzheimer’s.
“What I have witnessed is that sufferers live in their world and prompt us to also move in to their newly found world,” he said.
Communicating with the patient always needs compassion.
The book goes further to inform the public about who is at risk of the disease, but it should be confirmed that no one is immune.
“It’s a mental state that needs extra care,” he added.
The book also highlights issues of children living with such patients. Will they suffer from the disease because someone in the family had the disease?
He said it’s a pity that in many black townships, people suffering from Alzheimer’s are stigmatised. “Many have suffered and have been brutalised.”
The book seeks to dispel the notion of witchcraft. “People embark on a killing spree because they have no knowledge about this,” he said.
“It is important for both community and government to embark on campaigns to educate each other about Alzheimer’s and its dangers.
Mogase has previously published five other books: Mamelodi: Reflections of a Lifetime, Evasive state gave Rise to Popular Resistance, How South Africa Shaped, The immortal Kalamazoo Mokone and Mamelodi – The story narrated edition 1 and 2.
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