109: The 'D' Word with Pete Hill - Episode 109109: The 'D' Word with Pete Hill - Episode 109
UK Health Radio Podcast
Pete Hill talks with Barry Holthausen about his journey from pastor to dementia activist and founding Alzheimer's Dementia Namibia.
33:32•28 Feb 2025
Barry Holthausen's Journey: From Pastor to Dementia Activist
Episode Overview
- Barry Holthausen's transition from pastor to dementia activist.
- Founding Alzheimer's Dementia Namibia to support those living with dementia.
- Challenges and cultural misconceptions about dementia in Namibia.
- Creating dementia-friendly environments and raising awareness.
- Plans to establish the first dementia-friendly village in sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are people of open spaces. We don't want to be locked into small rooms and long corridors.”
This episode of the UK Health Radio Podcast features Pete Hill chatting with Barry Holthausen, the founder of Alzheimer's Dementia Namibia. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's himself in 2020, Barry shares his incredible journey from pastor to dementia activist. He talks about how he started caring for elderly people in Namibia, eventually founding an organisation dedicated to supporting those living with dementia.
Barry's story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring as he describes the challenges faced by dementia patients in Namibia, including cultural misconceptions and lack of medical support. He recounts how he educated himself on dementia, travelled extensively to raise awareness, and even renovated farmhouses to create dementia-friendly environments. Barry's dedication shines through as he discusses his ongoing work, despite his own diagnosis, and his plans to establish the first dementia-friendly village in sub-Saharan Africa.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in dementia care, activism, and the power of human resilience.
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