Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. While memory loss is a common sign, dementia also affects thinking, language, and problem-solving. A diagnosis of dementia is life-changing, not only for the individual but for their entire family. The journey can be filled with confusion, frustration, and grief. At Ray Of Hope, our geriatric psychiatry team provides compassionate, expert care that focuses on managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, improving the patient's quality of life, and providing crucial support to caregivers.
Understanding Dementia and Its Psychiatric Aspects Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, which interferes with their ability to communicate with each other. While conditions like Alzheimer's Disease are the most common cause, various other diseases can also lead to dementia. As psychiatrists, our focus is on the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), which are nearly universal and are often the most challenging and distressing aspects of the illness.
Common Types of Dementia
- Alzheimer's Disease: The most common cause, characterized by the gradual decline of memory and thinking skills.
- Vascular Dementia: Caused by damage to the vessels that supply blood to the brain, often following a stroke.
- Lewy Body Dementia: Involves abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to issues with thinking, movement, behaviour, and mood.
- Frontotemporal Dementia: Affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality and behaviour.
Recognizing the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms (BPSD) These symptoms often cause the most distress to both the person with dementia and their caregivers:
- Psychological Symptoms:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Paranoia, delusions (false beliefs), and suspicions
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
- Behavioural Symptoms:
- Agitation, aggression, and irritability
- Restlessness, pacing, and wandering
- Socially inappropriate behaviours
- Sleep disturbances (sundowning)
- Apathy or loss of interest in activities
Paths to Management: A Holistic Approach While there is no cure for most progressive dementias, there are many ways to manage symptoms and support the individual.
- Medication: Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to help manage agitation, depression, hallucinations, or aggression. Medications to slow cognitive decline may also be used.
- Non-Pharmacological Approaches: These are the first line of defense. They involve creating a calm, structured, and safe environment. Strategies include establishing routines, simplifying tasks, and using music or art therapy.
- Caregiver Education and Support: Equipping the family with knowledge and coping strategies is one of the most effective interventions.
How We Can Help at Ray Of Hope (Asha Ra Kiran) Our geriatric mental health team in Bhubaneswar understands the immense challenges that dementia presents to families. We provide comprehensive support that addresses the whole person and their support system.
- Expert Diagnosis and Assessment: We conduct thorough evaluations to accurately diagnose the type of dementia and any co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
- Management of Behavioural Symptoms (BPSD): Our primary goal is to safely and effectively manage agitation, aggression, and psychosis to reduce distress and improve quality of life.
- Personalized Care Plans: We create a holistic plan that combines careful medication management with non-pharmacological strategies.
- Crucial Caregiver Support: We offer counseling, education, and resources for family members and caregivers, helping you manage stress, cope with grief, and find effective ways to communicate with your loved one.
You are not alone on this journey. Let us provide the expert medical care and compassionate support your family needs. Contact Ray Of Hope in Bhubaneswar to schedule a consultation with our geriatric psychiatry team.
