Dementia Treatment in Delhi
Helping Your Loved Ones Live with Dignity
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term for a group of conditions that cause a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, and reasoning. It’s not a single disease but rather a syndrome resulting from damage to the brain, affecting a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Cognitive Ability includes:
Memory
Processing
Attention
Perception
Logic & Reasoning
Mobility
What causes damage to the brain is not known with certainty.
Types of Dementia
Alzheimer's Disease
- The most common form of dementia accounts for 60-70% of cases.
- It may progress rapidly or slowly and affect memory, thinking and behaviour.
- Early symptoms include forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty with familiar tasks.
- Characterised by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tangles in the brain.
- Treatments to manage symptoms are available. But no cure yet.
Vascular Dementia
- Blocked nerves reduce the blood flow to the brain. This results in vascular dementia.
- Often follows a stroke or other circulatory system issues.
- Symptoms include difficulty with reasoning, planning, judgment, and memory.
- It is hard to say about the severity of vascular dementia because it depends on where the damage has occurred in the brain.
- Focuses on controlling health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes to prevent further damage.
Lewy Body Dementia
- Lewy bodies is a form of abnormal protein which gets deposited in the brain’s nerve cells. This causes Lewy Body Dementia. in the brain's nerve cells.
- Symptoms include fluctuating attention, visual hallucinations, and motor issues similar to Parkinson’s disease.
- Cognitive abilities decline, affecting memory, thinking, and problem-solving.
- Individuals may experience sleep disturbances, depression, and movement difficulties.
- Medications and therapies can help manage symptoms.
Frontotemporal Dementia
- Like the name suggests, it affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
- Typically appears in individuals between 40-65 years old.
- Causes significant personality changes, impulsivity, and inappropriate behaviour.
- Primary progressive aphasia affects speech and language skills.
- Focused on symptom management, but there is currently no cure.
Other Types
- Parkinson's Disease Dementia: Occurs in individuals with Parkinson’s disease as the condition progresses.
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A rare, rapidly progressing dementia caused by prions.
- Huntington's Disease: An inherited disorder that leads to dementia as part of its symptoms.
- Mixed Dementia: A combination of two or more types of dementia, like Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, in one person.
- These types are less common but still significantly impact those affected.
Each type of dementia has unique challenges, and if diagnosed early, then symptoms can be effectively managed.
What Does It Feel Like If You Have Dementia? | Symptoms
As a neurologist, Dr. Shishir Pandey has expertise in managing stroke symptoms. He offers prompt and evidence-based brain stroke treatment in Delhi.
He assesses your condition using:
Symptoms of Dementia
- Memory Loss: Difficulty remembering recent events, conversations, or appointments.
- Cognitive Decline: Challenges with thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving.
- Disorientation: Confusion about time, place, and identity.
- Language Issues: Trouble finding the right words, repeating oneself, or difficulty understanding others.
- Judgment Impairment: Poor decision-making, handling finances, or managing daily tasks.
- Mood and Personality Changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or personality shifts.
- Behavioural Changes: Aggression, agitation, or withdrawal from social interactions.
How Dementia is Diagnosed
- Medical History: Review of the patient’s medical history and any symptoms.
- Physical and Neurological Exam: Checking for underlying conditions affecting brain function.
- Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests: Standardised tests to assess memory, problem-solving, attention, and language.
- Brain Imaging: MRI or CT scans to rule out other probabilities.
- Blood Tests: To identify vitamin deficiencies, infections, or thyroid problems that could cause symptoms similar to dementia.
- Assessment of Daily Functioning: Evaluation of how well the person manages everyday tasks and daily life.
How Dementia Progresses and What Are the Treatment Plans? | Stages and Treatment Options
Early Stage (Mild Dementia)
Symptoms
- Forgetfulness (e.g., misplacing items, forgetting appointments)
- Difficulty concentrating or finding words
- Trouble with planning and organising tasks
Treatment Plan
- Medications: Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) to improve memory and cognitive function.
- Cognitive Therapies: Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and reminiscence therapy. These therapies improve cognitive skills.
- Lifestyle Changes: Exercise, diet and brain exercises help a lot in dementia.
- Routine Management: Establishing a structured daily routine to reduce confusion.
Middle Stage (Moderate Dementia)
Symptoms
- Increased memory loss (forgetting names, events, or familiar places)
- Difficulty with complex tasks (e.g., managing finances, preparing meals)
- Mood swings, confusion, and anxiety
- Trouble recognising loved ones or familiar places
Treatment Plan
- Medications: Continue cholinesterase inhibitors and consider memantine (glutamate regulator) to manage behavioural symptoms.
- Cognitive & Behavioural Therapies: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for managing anxiety and depression; structured activities like memory games and puzzles.
- Caregiver Support: Caregiver training to help manage challenging behaviours and provide emotional support.
- Environmental Modifications: Create a safe, supportive environment to minimise confusion and prevent wandering (e.g., clear labelling, night lights).
Late Stage (Severe Dementia)
Symptoms
- Severe memory loss (e.g., not recognising family members)
- Inability to perform most daily activities (e.g., eating, dressing)
- Physical decline (difficulty walking, sitting, or swallowing)
- Incontinence and significant personality changes
Treatment Plan
- Medications: Use of antipsychotic medications or mood stabilisers to manage behavioural issues.
- Palliative Care: Focus on comfort, pain management, and emotional support for both the patient and the family.
- Therapeutic Support: Speech therapy for swallowing difficulties and occupational therapy for enhancing quality of life.
- Hospice Care: End-of-life care, with a focus on comfort and dignity in the final stages.
According to Dr. Shishir, dementia progresses at different rates for everyone, and the treatment plan must be tailored to each individual’s specific needs.
Regular monitoring and adjustments in therapy, medications, and caregiving support are essential to ensure the best possible care at each stage.
He adheres to this while providing dementia treatment in Delhi.
When to Seek Help If You or a Loved One Suspects Dementia?
Early Warning Signs of Dementia
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consult a doctor for an evaluation:
Memory Loss: Frequently forgetting recent events, conversations, or appointments.
Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: Struggling with everyday activities like cooking, managing finances, or using household items.
Confusion with Time or Place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or even forgetting where you are.
Language Problems: Difficulty finding the right words, repeating phrases, or understanding others.
Poor Judgment: Making uncharacteristic decisions, like handling finances poorly or neglecting personal hygiene.
Mood or Personality Changes: Experiencing drastic shifts in mood, becoming anxious, fearful, or overly suspicious.
Withdrawal from Social Activities: Losing interest in hobbies or avoiding social interactions, which were once enjoyed.
If you observe these signs, then consult a neurologist immediately.
Why Choose Us for Dementia Treatment in Delhi?
At our facility, we understand that each individual with dementia has unique needs. We focus on:
Compassionate Support: Patients with dementia need compassion. We make them feel loved, cared for and respected. This helps a lot in treatment.
Tailored Treatment Plans: Every patient’s treatment is customised based on their specific symptoms, stage of dementia, and personal preferences.
Family Involvement: We involve families in treatment process and guide you how to deal with the patient for better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia Treatment in Delhi
Early symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, confusion, difficulty completing tasks, and changes in mood or behaviour. If these signs persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a specialist in dementia treatment in Delhi for proper diagnosis and intervention.
Dementia treatments in Delhi, including medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and cognitive therapies, are designed to manage symptoms and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Early intervention is key to improving quality of life and maintaining cognitive function.
Yes, specialized dementia care in Delhi is available for elderly patients with additional health conditions. Geriatricians and neurologists work together to provide comprehensive treatment plans that address both dementia and other age-related health concerns.
Lifestyle modifications, such as regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, and cognitive stimulation, play an essential role in dementia treatment in Delhi. These changes can improve overall well-being, help manage symptoms, and potentially slow cognitive decline.
Families can support their loved ones undergoing dementia treatment in Delhi by being actively involved in the care process. This includes participating in therapy sessions, following prescribed treatment plans, and attending caregiver support groups to manage the emotional challenges of caregiving.