In this Newsletter
- A letter from Marlene Freislich (ADASA CEO)
- Regional News
From the desk of our CEO
It is an honour and privilege to send a newsletter at the end of 2024 to ADASA’s supporters, partners, volunteers, funders, and carers of people living with dementia. Our staff in all provinces could only function this year with your incredible support.
Strategic Planning
We kicked off this year with a compelling revised vision, mission, strategic plan, and objectives that form the basis for our operations and activities. The strategic objectives, monthly reporting, and statistical growth were visible as the year ended.
World Alzheimer’s Month
We had a very active annual World Alzheimer’s Month with increased activities in all regions. ADASA, as one of 105 member countries of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), enjoyed maximum electronic, print and social media exposure across the country. All our media platforms and our newly designed website are growing exponentially. Our Facebook page developed from ±4,500 followers to 33,000 followers in one year.
World Alzheimer’s Report
Our advocacy efforts are focused on lobbying for policy changes that enhance dementia care services and support. We also participated in ADI’s global survey on “Attitudes to Dementia.” The World Alzheimer Report 2024 offers an international perspective on changing attitudes toward dementia, featuring insightful essays, real-life case studies, and impactful research findings. It also sheds light on how knowledge, perceptions, and behaviours toward dementia have changed over the past five years. This report is available if you click on the following link: https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2024/
Awareness
The substantial national awareness campaign about Dementia in South Africa leads to other challenges, such as the national expansion needed with more staff in all regions, volunteers on different levels, and funding to meet the growing need for services to assist families and carers serving those living with dementia.
Then, millions in our country are still illiterate about dementia and need to be informed about this disease for which there is still no cure. We are, therefore, lobbying to be included in the following household survey, which will take place in 2025. A National Dementia Plan, approved by the South African Government of Unity, would only happen if we are part of the following national census. Only then will we be able to determine the prevalence of dementia in South Africa, which is, until now, still unknown.
We are grateful for the positive relationship being built between ADASA and the FirstRand Banking Group, which resulted in volunteer engagement: FirstRand employees were encouraged to participate in staff awareness campaigns, specifically volunteering, fundraising, match funding efforts, translation of ADASA educational material and other activities.
Together, we are making strides toward a future where individuals with dementia can live with dignity, support, and inclusion.
We wish you and your loved ones a blessed CHRISTmas season. We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to working with you in 2025!
Marlene Freislich
ADASA CEO
Please click on the images below to view our regional highlights:
Our heart is to help the person living with dementia, we think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara de Angelis
By donating to ADASA NPC you too will find that among other benefits, that giving liberates the soul of the giver.
