Dementia Survey in Thyolo District - by Robyn Lyall
In June this year, I made a visit to FOCHTA in Malawi with my daughter Tanya. My main purpose was to undertake a survey to investigate the possible incidence of dementia amongst the gogos (or grandparents) in the villages of FOCHTA beneficiaries. The numbers of people with dementia are increasing in the world. Over time people with dementia lose their social and cognitive skills, ability to express themselves, and to understand and comprehend information. Age, vascular disease, diabetes, head trauma, alcohol, smoking and genetics are all risk factors for dementia. Higher education, staying socially connected, exercising the body and mind and good nutrition are currently thought to be preventatives to this debilitating illness.
FOCHTA staff and their grassroots members organised numerous consenting gogos from four villages and interpreters for my project. Surveys included information on health and depression as well as memory tests designed to identify deficits in different cognitive areas. Deficits in cognitive abilities are indicators for dementia only after other underlying causes have been investigated and eliminated.
While full analysis of my small preliminary survey of elder rural Malawians in the Thyolo district is still needed, initial results of memory tests showed good cognitive dexterity, especially for those who are socially connected with their family or neighbours. These people have lack of access to medical services, have low education, incidences of stroke, diabetes and frequently little food. Nevertheless they still exercise by necessity. Daily they must rise from the ground where they sleep and sit, they walk to collect firewood or water from wells and pumps. Numerous elders still do piece work in fields to grow the food they eat and their diets are simple and organic. Many had strong religious faith. These elders live in the humblest of conditions in mud dried brick homes without furniture or plumbing and cooking on a fire outside, however they all extended warmth and goodwill to me.
Apart from conducting the survey, I also had a first-hand opportunity to witness what difference FOCHTA’s work has made to the community. My time in Thyolo district Malawi was such a rich event. Staff at FOCHTA Malawi see their responsibilities as more than just the payment of school fees. They also help their beneficiaries embrace social, physical and psychological well-being.
FOCHTA staff cultivate an open dialogue with school principals, inviting them to events such as Empowerment Day at the FOCHTA Vocational Centre in June. At this event, various dignitaries encouraged students to be consistent and utilise the opportunities given them and to advise FOCHTA of any concerns they may have. This was a well-attended occasion and was followed by one-on-one meetings by staff at students’ homes.
A music program monitored by Zione, the FOCHTA Acting Director, at one of the primary schools was a success and will now see two new schools join the program. Children learn to sing acapella and read music. I also had an opportunity to give a couple of after-school tutorials for English that is an ongoing program. The Claude Ho’s birthday celebration in July erupted into dance after formalities and lunch was completed. It was great fun to be a part of.
In fact FOCHTA staff, volunteers and beneficiaries were all welcoming, generous of spirit and enthusiastic about life’s future possibilities. I am grateful to them and my friend Claude Ho for the rewarding experience of a snapshot into life of FOCHTA in Malawi.
Robyn Lyall, FOCHTA supporter
Undergraduate of Bachelor of Dementia Care at University of Tasmania, Australia.
I would like to thank the staff and grassroots members of FOCHTA for donating their time to my project as well as including and supporting Tanya and I during FOCHTA events and tutorials. I would like to thank the Labana family for their hospitality, but especially Mrs Fyness Labana for her warmth, friendship and the role she played as survey interpreter. Thank you to Nenani for his role as survey interpreter. Surveys were conducted at the homes of the elders late morning to early afternoon with duration of 45 minutes to 80 minutes. 33 surveys were undertaken.