Forgetfulness is not just ageing! It may be Dementia also…

Ramesh*, who is 62 years old, recently forgot his daughter’s birthday, much to his family’s surprise. His wife has also started complaining about him misplacing the house keys, frequent episodes of forgetfulness and inability to recognize familiar faces like their grandkids. Does this sound very familiar?

All these are not the signs of ageing only but they are the signs that person might be suffering from something serious condition like Dementia or Alzheimer's disease. One may also feel moody or uninterested, get confused with days and dates, have trouble remembering names, forget personal history like wedding anniversaries or birthdays or be unable to recall one’s own phone number or address.

Dr Nitish Kumar, leading Neurologist in Patna says, “Alzheimer's disease shows common signs such as memory loss, disorientation to time and place, difficulty performing familiar everyday tasks, withdrawal from social activities etc. to mention a few. It is most crucial that people talk to a Neurologist the moment any such warning signs appear and get themselves screened for Dementia. This is a progressive disease which means we can only slow down the progress in patients. The sooner the treatment starts, better will be the results. With specific treatment and training to caregivers we can ensure better quality of life for patients.”

In India approximately 41 lakh patients suffer from Dementia and only 6% of them are under some kind of treatment.^ Remaining population suffers because they might not know that they need medical attention. If any of your loved ones is over 55 years’ of age and showing such symptoms, seek medical help by getting them screened for Dementia at your nearest Neurologist.

Let us add meaning to the treatment of Dementia by taking the first step of early diagnosis. We all have a right to remember.

*Fictional character. ^Reference: World Alzheimer's report 2015. Patient numbers have been calculated basis drug sales as of MAT April 2017 from