Dementia Treatment
5–8%
Global population aged 60+ living with dementia (WHO estimate)
1 in 27
Indians currently living with dementia (approx. 8–9 million people)
60–70%
Patients show better quality of life when given early diagnosis, therapy, & family support
75–80%
Treatment Gap: Most dementia patients in India do not receive proper diagnosis or care
Introduction
Dementia refers to a set of symptoms that affect memory, thinking and social abilities. This disorder significantly disrupts daily life and makes functioning difficult. However, dementia is not a single disease and multiple conditions are responsible for it. Memory loss may appear early but does not always indicate dementia.
Dementia generally results from damaged or lost brain cells, with symptoms varying by affected areas. Categorisation of the ailment involves brain regions, protein deposits or other co-morbidities that have the same symptoms.
Read on to learn more about dementia symptoms, dementia treatment and the best treatment available
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is a decline in thinking, strength of memory and reasoning. The disorder disrupts the daily life of a patient which causes emotional changes and shifts in personality. Dementia ranges from mild impairment to complete dependence in performing basic tasks. Though more common with age, getting dementia is not a normal part of aging.
Types of Dementia:
Primary Dementia
Primary dementia is caused by progressive and irreversible brain disorders like Alzheimer’s or Lewy body disease. Patients suffer from the disorder when nerve cells deteriorate leading to worsened memory and altered behavioural patterns.
Secondary Dementia
Secondary dementia occurs as a result of another medical condition like a stroke. Patients addicted to drugs or other substances are also more susceptible to Secondary Dementia.
Reversible Dementia
Reversible dementia arises from curable problems like vitamin deficiencies and thyroid problems. Certain times, side effects of certain medicines can also mimic symptoms of dementia. Symptoms can improve or fully resolve once the underlying cause is treated completely.
Dementia vs Alzheimer’s
Dementia refers to a group of cognitive, functional and behavioural symptoms. The cause is a progressive brain disease. For instance, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. However, other brain diseases like Lewy body disease, vascular disease and frontotemporal degeneration are also leading causes of dementia.
Therefore, as opposed to common notions of dementia, Alzheimer’s is not the same as dementia but one of the main causes of dementia.
What Does Dementia Treatment Include?
Dementia treatment starts with a thorough diagnosis. The treatment starts after the cause and extent of the problem is determined. Health care professionals at Calida Rehab Centre review the complete medical history of a patient. Mental health experts examine the medication being taken to learn if the side effects caused any deterioration of cognitive abilities. Patients are counselled to know the duration of these symptoms and are prescribed therapies accordingly.
Core Treatment Approaches
Here are all the best treatments available at Calida Rehab Centre that are essential for recovery:
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy uses group activities and structured exercises to strengthen memory. Patients improve their problem-solving skills and language abilities. Therapists aim to provide meaningful cognitive and social benefits for patients experiencing mild to moderate dementia symptoms.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
During cognitive rehabilitation, patients are paired with a trained mental health professional or a supportive family member. The aim is to achieve personal goals like using a phone to remember contacts or manage daily tasks. The purpose is to strengthen the strong parts of the brain to compensate for the weaker ones.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy for dementia starts with assessing abilities, patient history and goals. Therapists create a personalised plan and suggest home adjustments. Regular sessions of occupational therapy improve communication, motor skills and reasoning abilities. Therapists recommend regular task modifications and counsel the family to support their independence.
Perform Simple Tasks
Mental health experts at Calida Rehab Centre create dementia-friendly environments. Patients are offered activities like sensory gardens, adapted cinema events and walking spaces. Patients are provided with simplified, sensory-based experiences involving sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. Music and massages are provided to patients for relaxation and engagement.
Treatment For Reversible Dementia
Infections and Immune Disorders
Medical professionals diagnose if a patient has a fever, infections or a compromised immune system. Mental health experts work with specialists to frame a treatment that does not worsen the symptoms of co-morbidities.
Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions
Thyroid problems, low blood sugar levels and abnormal levels of sodium and calcium can affect a person’s cognitive abilities. Before starting therapies, medical practitioners conduct blood tests to confirm if dementia has genuinely set in or not. If not, patients are thoroughly analysed and prescribed supplements that will improve their health.
Supportive Intervention
Deficiency of vitamin B-1, B-6 and B-12 can lead to a decline in cognitive functioning of the brain. Patients with vitamin E deficiency may also suffer from dehydration, causing symptoms that mimic dementia. Nutritionists at Calida Rehab Centre frame a diet plan that benefits the patients and aids recovery to determine if the patient is actually suffering from dementia or not.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
Incorrect dosage of a medicine can impact the functioning of the brain. Sometimes, integration between several drugs can affect the functioning of the brain. This can lead to temporary cognitive changes resembling symptoms of dementia.
When Is Rehab Recommended?
- Patients must seek professional help when symptoms like memory decline and general confusion show up. Patients experience difficulty with language, repeat the same questions and have poor judgment.
- Patients lose interest in usual activities. Certain times, they start hallucinating and feel delusional. Patients act impulsively and have a reduced sense of empathy.
Abnormal Brain Activity
Abnormal buildup of fluid in the brain can cause memory problems and difficulty in walking. Tumours in the brain can damage the surrounding areas of the brain. Even internal bleeding in the brain can make a person fall or produce other symptoms that closely resemble dementia.
Start Treatment
Begin a supportive dementia care plan with a confidential consultation. Speak with the best therapist to understand the various care options available for maximum symptom management. Our experts give the best guidance to caregivers and help plan the next step of the treatment with utmost clarity and compassion.
Feel free to mail us your queries, message us on WhatsApp or simply call us to request a care plan. Please note that treatment plans vary by individual. Medication and therapy is provided under professional supervision of a licensed mental health professional as it should be.
Call our 24-hour free confidential helpline.
Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our treatment programs, admission process, and what to expect during your recovery journey
Which psychotherapies are included when treating dementia?
What are the most common types and symptoms of dementia?
How is dementia diagnosed?
Is there a permanent cure for dementia?
What are the complications of dementia?
Experts Who Will Guide Your Recovery
Dr. Prashant Dasud
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 14+
Illnesses:
Depression & Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders, OCD, Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Sleep Disorders
Geriatric Mental Health Issues
Dr. Santosh Pawar
Designation: M.D. (Radiodiagnosis)
Experience: 12+
Illnesses:
CT / MRI, Dementia & Memory Disorder, Neuro-radiological Evaluation, pine & Nerve Imaging,Head Injury & Neurological, Diagnostic Support for Mental Health
Dr. Neha Shetty
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 11+
Illnesses:
Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychosis, OCD, Drug Addiction,Mental Health Issues
