Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that occurs as we age. It isn’t a specific condition but is a cluster of conditions that happen as a normal process of aging. The most common presentation of Dementia is memory loss.
Dementia is often characterized by impairment in cognitive functioning (Cognition includes functions such as attention, memory, language, problem-solving, visuospatial functioning and fluency). This happens as the cells in the brain begin to atrophy (cell death). The degeneration leads to a steady decline of the person’s ability to learn, acquire and use the information to function for day to day life. These changes also tend to impact the behaviour, sleeping and eating patterns of the elder. The region of the brain affected can lead to different clinical presentations, therefore, making it complex to understand and manage. Dementia is often not a stand-alone condition, it may occur alongside other disorders of aging such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke.
The progression of Dementia is often slow but at a time can vary based on the other risk factors and the elder’s lifestyle. Depending on the stage of Dementia, the elder may loose his or her ability to function, becoming increasingly dependent on the family member/ caregiver. Early diagnosis and multifocal interventions help reduce the speed of deterioration and maintain the elder’s quality of life and mental health.
The prevalence of Dementia is varied across the world, and recent studies done by a Delphi consensus suggest that 1.9% of elders in India and South Asia are seen to have Dementia. With annual incidence at 4.3/1000 members of the population it is estimated that to increase to 3.6 million in 2020 and 7.5 million in 2040 with a groth rate 3-4 times higher then the rest of the world.
Everyone has a role to play in the care for elders with Dementia and we hope to stand together with all of them to provide better and sustainable care.
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TThe Dementia Daycare is a facility within the premises of Chennai Urology and Robotics Institute Hospital, Thoraipakkam. The Dementia Daycare program consists of meaningful, evidence-based therapeutic, recreational and activities for socialisation, incorporating cognitive and physical rehabilitation principles. The elder enrolled in the program will be provided with a carefully designed module of activities based on an in-depth clinical interview and assessment of cognitive functioning ensuring that the needs of the elder are met.
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TDCF acknowledges the importance of credible information on Dementia and Dementia care and therefore works towards spreading evidence-based information, validated by a panel of experts. Knowledge dissemination is one of the core tenets of the foundation, and this is done through two channels- through our health literacy series of talks called The Ageing Brain, given by various experts in the field as well as through our online platforms (Website and Social Media Platforms). This initiative focuses on strengthening awareness as well as improving participation towards the support for Dementia care.
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Caregiver support groups are an essential part of our services, wherein the needs and concerns of the caregivers are cared for and addressed. The support group serves as a platform for family members to share their experiences with each other, as well as give and receive support to others who have gone through similar experiences. The support groups are also facilitated by providing practical solutions for everyday problems and to prevent burnout.
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