Serdang, 25 March - The Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing™) organized a seminar entitled “Empowering Dementia: A Positive Approach.” This speech was delivered by Ms. Teepa Snow, Dementia Care Expert and Educator of Positive Approach to Care.

The program's objectives were to increase awareness and understanding of neurological changes in the brain and their impact on persons living with dementia, as well as to provide participants with practical strategies on dementia care and techniques for effective communication, managing challenging situations, and providing person-centered care for individuals with dementia.

A total of 24 participants, comprising MyAgeing staff, healthcare professionals, and members of the public, received insights into the complexities of dementia care and learned to invoke a more positive approach and practical techniques to enhance their caregiving skills.

“(In regards to dementia care), when we know nothing, we can do nothing,” stated Ms. Teepa Snow.

Ms. Teepa Snow was accompanied by Dr. Beth Nolan, Director of Research and Policy, who actively participated in various role-play scenarios, enhancing the demonstration of dementia care techniques. Meanwhile, Dr. Leela A/P Koran, from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics at the University of Malaya, served as a translator, ensuring key concepts were effectively conveyed to the audience, thereby enhancing understanding among participants.

“Dementia causes a person’s visual field to get smaller and smaller. They will lose ‘safety awareness’ with the loss of peripheral vision. Binocular vision limits a person’s attention and focus to their central field of view,” stated Ms. Teepa Snow.

Ms. Teepa Snow's insights shed light on the significance of recognizing the changes in a person's visual perception caused by dementia and how it affects their interactions and safety, influencing how they would react to certain approaches. A lot of healthcare professionals, or people surrounding individuals with dementia, are quick to assume the condition of a person without giving much thought to why they are acting the way they are. Ms. Teepa Snow introduces a new perspective on understanding the root causes of behaviors exhibited by individuals with dementia, emphasizing the need for empathy and tailored care approaches.

To conclude, the seminar provided effective support and resources for family care partners, healthcare professionals, and individuals involved in the care of persons living with dementia. For those eager to further develop their expertise, we welcome applications for courses organized by MyAgeing™ at the following email addresses: tera.myageing@upm.edu.my / myageing@upm.edu.my / dir.ippm@upm.edu.my. 

Report prepared by:

Umairah Safiah binti Noor Azmi
Internship Student

Date of Input: 26/03/2024 | Updated: 26/03/2024 | n_asyikin