As part of ensuring comprehensive treatment for dementia patients, Aster Medcity Neuroscience Department will start the Memory and Cognitive Disorders Clinic.Uma Thomas, MLA, will inaugurate the clinic on Saturday, July 16, 2022.
Now a days, people suffering from dementia are increasing and it is as common as cancer. It is very difficult to take care of patients with Alzheimer’s, which is part of dementia. The assistance of a person is always needed for the daily activities of these patients.
It is reported that around 5% of people over the age of 60 have dementia, 10% of people over the age of 65, and 20% of people over the age of 80. According to studies, India and China will account for 80 percent of the total dementia patients in the world by 2030.
Memory, language, behavior, and movement of a person are affected with dementia and only seven to eight percent can be treated. Though the rest cannot be treated, we could provide relief, better quality of life and reduce stress to the patients and relatives, said Dr Mathew Abraham, senior consultant neurologist.
As the first step of the treatment, the doctors have to confirm whether the patient is suffering from treatable dementia. If it can be treated the service neurologist, neuropsychologist, and psychiatrist are utilised. Apart from ensuring comprehensive treatment for the patient, the relatives of the dementia patient and those who care for them have a big role to play, said Dr Mathew Abraham.
A lot of patience, empathy, and social support are needed for the treatment of a dementia patient. As most of the dementias are incurable there should be proper awareness on how to handle these patients, said Neuropsychologist Dr Sandhya added.
She also said that effective treatment for other health problems of old age people should also be ensured to the patient.
People suffering from diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s require proper care and treatment, said Jayesh V Nair, Head of Operations, Aster Medcity. The Memory Clinic at Aster Medcity will be very helpful for the treatment and special treatment packages have been arranged for the treatment of dementia patients, he added.
Dr. Mathew Abraham, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Aster Medcity & Dr. Sandhya Cherkil, Consultant Neuropsychologist, Aster Medcity Kochi attended the press conferences.
