Dementia is a chronic degenerative disorder of the brain, marked by irreversible neuronal loss, which presents as memory loss, personality changes and/ or impaired cognitive functions. The most common type is Alziemer’s dementia, characterised initially by memory loss followed by impairment in reasoning, executive functions and activities of daily living. Other lesser common types are vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, Fronto-temporal dementia, dementia after head injury, etc. Most cases of dementia have onset in the age group of 65-75 years, with reversible mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and have family history for the same. Treatment modalities only help to slow down the degeneration process but not stop it. Pharmacological treatment is offered through anti-cholineesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine) and/ or memantine, as well as adjunctive molecules (like estrogen, vitamin D, gingko biloba, low dose anti-psychotics for behavioural symptoms, etc). Psycho-education and supportive therapy for the patient and the care-givers, along with behaviour therapy helps to cope with the illness in the long run and enhance quality of life by structuring activities of daily living. One may engage in preventive cognitive strategies to sharpen the memory functioning and experience healthy ageing.
At Juno.Clinic we have a highly experienced team of therapists, pyschologists and psychiatrists who can help with dementia.