What is dementia?
Dementia is a decline in memory, thinking and judgement that is serious enough to affect everyday life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause, followed by changes after small strokes, known as vascular dementia. Not all memory loss is dementia: low vitamin B12, thyroid problems, depression, poor sleep, hearing loss and some medicines can all affect memory, and these are often treatable. An early assessment finds treatable causes and gives families time to plan.
Dementia & Memory Loss at Curewell Speciality Clinic: at a glance
- Who you will see
- Dr. Mailan K (MBBS, DNB (Neuro), DPM, MHA, FICP)
- Tests that may be used
- Structured memory and thinking tests, blood tests such as vitamin B12, thyroid and sugar, and a brain scan
- Treatment approach
- Treatment of any reversible cause; medicines for memory or behaviour where suitable; daily routines, home safety and support for carers
- When it is an emergency
- Confusion that comes on over hours or days, especially with a fall, fever or weakness: go to hospital.
- Where and when
- #125, MM Road, Frazer Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome; call or WhatsApp 74066 57632.
Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory, thinking and judgement that is serious enough to affect everyday life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause; others include changes after small strokes (vascular dementia) and some less common conditions. But not all memory problems are dementia. Low vitamin B12, an underactive thyroid, depression, poor sleep, hearing loss and some medicines can all affect memory — and many of these can be treated.
An early assessment helps in either case. If there is a treatable cause, it can be found and addressed. If it is dementia, the person and their family get time to understand it, plan ahead and put support in place. Dr. Mailan K's training in both neurology and psychiatry is especially relevant here, because memory, mood and behaviour are closely linked.
What are the symptoms of dementia and memory loss?
- Forgetting recent conversations or events; asking the same question repeatedly
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Difficulty managing money, medicines, cooking or other familiar tasks
- Trouble finding words or following a conversation
- Changes in personality, mood, suspicion or behaviour
- Withdrawing from work, hobbies or social life
One of these alone doesn't mean you have this condition; most symptoms have more than one cause. Not sure? When to see a neurologist
Emergency
Sudden confusion is different from slow memory loss.
- Confusion that comes on over hours or a day or two can be caused by infection, dehydration, low sugar, a medicine reaction or a stroke.
- Sudden confusion with weakness, slurred speech, a fall or a head injury needs a hospital immediately.
For sudden confusion, call 108 or 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
How does Dr. Mailan K assess and treat dementia and memory loss?
Four steps, at Curewell Speciality Clinic, #125 MM Road, Frazer Town.
Step 1: Assessment
The assessment involves both the patient and someone who knows them well. Dr. Mailan K asks about when the changes began and how they have progressed, reviews medicines, mood, sleep, hearing and vision, and uses simple, structured memory and thinking tests in the clinic.
Step 2: Diagnosis
Blood tests — such as vitamin B12, thyroid and sugar — and a brain scan are often advised to look for treatable causes and to understand what is happening in the brain. The findings are explained clearly to the patient and family.
Step 3: Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Treatable causes are addressed directly. For dementia, some medicines may help with memory or behaviour in some people. Equally important are practical steps: daily routines, safety at home, managing hearing and vision, treating low mood or poor sleep, and support for caregivers.
Step 4: Follow-up
Regular reviews track changes, adjust medicines and help families plan for the future. Caring for someone with memory problems is demanding; carers' wellbeing is part of the conversation too.
What should I bring to my first visit?
- A family member or friend who knows the person well — this is very important
- A list of all medicines, including any for sleep, anxiety or pain
- Examples of recent memory problems, written down beforehand
- Recent blood test and scan reports, and hearing aids or glasses if used
Questions about Dementia & Memory Loss
Is memory loss just a normal part of getting older?
Some slowing is normal, but memory problems that affect daily life are not something to simply accept. They should be assessed, because some causes are treatable and early support makes a real difference.
My parent doesn't think anything is wrong. How do I bring them?
This is very common. It can help to describe the visit as a general check-up of memory, sleep and health. Coming along and sharing your own observations with the doctor is very helpful.
Can depression cause memory problems?
Yes. Depression, anxiety and poor sleep can all affect concentration and memory, especially in older adults. Because Dr. Mailan K is trained in both neurology and psychiatry, these possibilities are assessed together.
Is there treatment for dementia?
There is no cure for most types of dementia, but some medicines can help symptoms in some people, and treating mood, sleep, hearing and other health problems can improve day-to-day life. A clear plan also helps families cope.
Book a consultation with Dr. Mailan K
#125 MM Road, Frazer Town. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
