Dementia Treatment in Delhi

Dementia is a broad term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life and independent functioning. It is not a single disease but a syndrome encompassing various conditions that affect memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities.

We specialize in dementia treatment and provide comprehensive care for individuals experiencing severe cognitive decline due to various forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

These facilities offer a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical, psychological, and social support to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life for both patients and their families.

Causes of Dementia:

Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases and conditions. The most common causes include:

• Alzheimer's Disease - Characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Gradual, typically beginning with memory loss.
• Vascular Dementia - Results from conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke or series of strokes. Sudden or gradual, depending on the nature of the blood flow disruption.
• Lewy Body Dementia - Presence of Lewy bodies, abnormal protein deposits, in the brain. Gradual, with symptoms that include visual hallucinations, Parkinsonian symptoms, and fluctuations in alertness.
• Frontotemporal Dementia - Degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Often starts with changes in personality and behavior rather than memory loss.
• Mixed Dementia - Combination of two or more types of dementia, commonly Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Varies, with a mixture of symptoms from the contributing dementias.

Symptoms of Dementia:

The symptoms of dementia vary depending on the type and progression of the disease, but common signs include:

• Memory Loss: Difficulty recalling recent events, important dates, or familiar faces.
• Language Problems: Struggling with finding the right words, following conversations, or understanding language.
• Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places, confusion about time, date, or place.
• Executive Functioning Issues: Difficulty planning, organizing, problem-solving, or making decisions.
• Mood Changes: Depression, anxiety, apathy, or mood swings.
• Personality Changes: Becoming suspicious, fearful, or paranoid.
• Behavioral Changes: Increased agitation, aggression, wandering, or inappropriate behavior.
• Hallucinations and Delusions: Seeing things that are not there or having false beliefs.
• Motor Difficulties: Issues with coordination and balance, leading to falls.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, nighttime restlessness, or changes in sleep patterns.

Diagnostic and Evaluation Procedures:

Accurate diagnosis and evaluation are critical in developing an effective treatment plan for dementia. We employ a variety of tests and evaluations to assess cognitive function, identify the type of dementia, and determine the most appropriate interventions.

Following are some of the tests, evaluations, and scans that may be carried out:

• Clinical Assessment - Gathering detailed medical, family, and psychosocial history to identify risk factors and rule out other conditions. Assessing overall health and identifying any physical conditions that could contribute to cognitive impairment.
• Cognitive and Neuropsychological Testing - Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Mood and Behavior Assessments, Functional Assessments
• Laboratory Tests - Brain Imaging, Blood Tests, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Provides detailed images of brain structure to detect atrophy, vascular changes, or other abnormalities.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan - Useful for detecting strokes, tumors, or other structural abnormalities.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan - Helps in identifying amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

Treatment Approaches:

Treatment in our center is tailored to the individual needs of the patient and may include pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Medications like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are used to manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
• NMDA Receptor Antagonists: Memantine helps regulate glutamate activity to improve cognition and function.
• Antipsychotics and Antidepressants: Used judiciously to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) such as aggression, psychosis, and depression.
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): Structured group activities designed to improve cognitive function and social interaction.
• Behavioral Therapy: Techniques to manage challenging behaviors and enhance coping strategies.
• Occupational Therapy: Supports independence in daily activities and adapts the environment to meet the patient’s needs.
• Physical Therapy: Helps maintain mobility, balance, and overall physical health.
• Psychosocial Interventions: Providing education and support for patients and caregivers, including counseling and support groups.