By Simha Mental Health Series
At SIMHA, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between our community members and the vital mental health support they need. Often, the calls we receive involve the heavy burden of cognitive decline, families struggling to understand why a parent is acting differently, or spouses feeling the weight of a changing relationship. To shed light on this sensitive topic, we recently sat down with Adina Segel, LCSW, the Jewish Community Outreach Social Worker at Caring Kind.
Dementia: More Than Just Memory Loss
One of the most common misconceptions Adina encounters is the confusion between “Dementia” and “Alzheimer’s.”
“Dementia is an umbrella term,” Adina explains. “It’s a syndrome that impacts memory, judgment, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is simply the most common cause of that syndrome.”
During our interview, Adina highlighted that different forms of dementia require different types of understanding:
Vascular Dementia: Often caused by mini-strokes, this form doesn’t always show a straight decline but rather “plateaus” where a person stays stable before another drop.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): This often hits younger individuals (in their 40s or 50s) and presents as drastic personality shifts or language struggles rather than simple forgetfulness.
Taking the Brain Off “Autopilot”
While genetics play a role, Adina is a firm believer in the power of prevention. “We want to take the brain off autopilot,” she says. Her advice is practical and accessible:
Physical and Dietary Health: Adopting a Mediterranean diet and maintaining daily movement are foundational.
Cognitive Novelty: Challenge your brain by doing everyday tasks differently. Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand, take a new route home, or change your watch to military time.
Social Connection: For our community, staying active in shul or local social groups is not just a mitzvah, it is essential brain health. Social isolation is one of the leading contributors to rapid decline.
The Heart of Caregiving: Validation Over Logic
Perhaps the most moving part of our conversation centered on the “ambiguous loss” caregivers feel, the grief of losing the person you knew while they are still physically present.
Adina teaches a “gold standard” approach for when a loved one becomes paranoid or confused. If a parent insists a caregiver has stolen their wallet, for example, Adina advises against arguing with logic. Instead, use validation and redirection.
“Validate the feeling,” Adina suggests. “Say, ‘It must be so upsetting to lose your wallet. I would be upset, too.’ Then, redirect them. Say, ‘Let’s look for it together,’ and then pivot to a different activity like looking at old photos or having a cup of tea.”
A Resource for Our Community
At SIMHA, we know that mental health is a family affair. Caring Kind provides a 24-hour helpline and support groups tailored specifically for the Orthodox and broader Jewish community.
“We don’t want people to come to us only when they are in crisis,” Adina says. “Whether you are looking for preventative tips or are in the thick of caregiving, there is support available.”
As we continue to navigate these challenges together, remember that knowledge is the first step toward compassion. We are grateful to Adina Segal for her expertise and her dedication to the well-being of our community.
If you or a loved one are seeking mental health support or a referral, contact SIMHA at (718) 675-3000. For specific dementia-related support, reach out to the Caring Kind helpline at (646) 744-2900.