‘There’s still so much you can do if you have dementia’

Gerda Van Tongerloo is living proof that you can continue to play an active part in society even with dementia. During a meeting of the BreinBrigade organised by Welzijn Lelystad , the dementia influencer called for greater understanding of people with dementia. ‘Because you can’t see dementia; it’s an invisible disability.’

Gerda knows what she’s talking about. She herself was diagnosed with vascular cognitive impairment (a precursor to vascular dementia) ten years ago. Since then, she has done everything she can to remain as active as possible and is dedicated, with all her heart and soul, to changing perceptions of dementia.

Reducing stigma

‘Continuing to participate in society for as long as possible and as actively as possible. Even if you have dementia. That’s only possible if we can reduce the stigma surrounding this condition. When we hear that someone has dementia, we think of our grandmother, who was already at an advanced stage and couldn’t do anything anymore.’

Invisible disability

In practice, things often happen more gradually, and it is precisely there that there are still plenty of opportunities to continue participating. ‘People with dementia can still learn, just in a different way and at a slightly slower pace. Only one thing is needed for this: the right environment. Because you can’t see dementia; it’s an invisible disability.’

Self-esteem and pride

BreinBrigade connects people with memory problems with organisations looking to provide opportunities for voluntary work. Together, they explore tasks that suit a person’s talents, interests and abilities.

‘Life is more enjoyable when we look out for one another a little more,’ said Marieke Voogt, director of Welzijn Lelystad. ‘Self-esteem and pride, being seen and getting involved: that is what motivates us at BreinBrigade to connect people with memory problems to voluntary work at local businesses and organisations.’ During the event, BreinBrigade welcomed three new partners: Woonzorg Flevoland, Coloriet and the Ido Foundation.

Van der Valk Hotel is one of the partners. ‘That’s what moves me time and time again: the desire to feel that you matter as a person,’ said facilities manager Wouter van der Kort. ‘As a hotel, we have a great deal to offer anyone who wants to remain involved. I’m committed to ensuring that continues.’

Staying involved

‘BreinBrigade is a wonderful example of how you can continue to participate as long as possible and as normally as possible when you have dementia. There’s still so much you can do, as long as there’s understanding of dementia in society. ‘You’re a fantastic ambassador,’ said Irene Medema of BreinBrigade. To which Gerda replied with a touch of humour: ‘Oh, we’re just ordinary people, aren’t we? We’re just a bit slower.’

BreinBrigade is part of ‘Sterk met je Netwerk’ (Strong with your Network): a partnership between ‘ Welzijn Lelystad ’, Icare, Coloriet, Woonzorg Flevoland and Centrada, aimed at enabling older people to live independently at home for longer.

Would you like to find out more about volunteering to support people with dementia? Then visit www.welzijnlelystad.nl/en/breinbrigade