Suggest Treatment For Dementia In An Elderly Person

Posted on Mon, 29 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 Answered on

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Doctor, My Dad is 72 years old. He forget things. Recently it has been happening on a higher scale. However, he remembers all the important things in life - his way to home, his grand children's name, his XXXXXXX no. But we fear that if not taken care now, would lead to him forgetting important things as well.
One more thing, for many years now (6-7 years) his right hand tremors when kept idle in the air. Attached are his reports. Please advise

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get examined and evaluated as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Your father is suffering from dementia and needs detailed examination and investigation.
He may require brain Mri.
Blood investigations like blood sugar, Thyroid profile, vitamin B 12, renal function test, liver function test.
Examination by a neurologist will lead to assessment of true status.
Please attach reports.
Continue rivastigmine as advised.
Other drugs like memantine or donepizil can also be added.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (2 days later)

Hello Doctor,

It seems i forgot to upload the reports. We had got the tests done. Uploading the reports for:
1. MRI Brain
2. MRI Screening of Curvical Spine
3. Thyroid
4. Vitamin B12.

On reading the reports Dr. Khadilkar had suggested tablet ASA 50 for 3 months. Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please Upload the reports

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

There is no uploaded reports yet. You can simply upload them at the reports section or even e-Mail them to YYYY@YYYY and keep the Subject as ATTN:Dr Neeraj Kumar and I'll receive them..

Contact the Customer care if your experiencing difficulties, they'll guide you.
Meanwhile just continue medications as already advised by the treating doctor.

Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 days later)

Hello Doctor,

I had raised a query about my father who is 72 years of age. I had asked about his forgetfulness and tremor of his hand when kept ideal. Attached are the reports.

Please suggest.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue same treatment and regular follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through the reports.
The disease most likely is alzheimers disease.
This is an age related progressive dementia and requires lifetime treatment.
The initiation of drugs by treating doctor is good.
You can follow up in between with progress and effects of medication.
The drug doses may be increased with time.
Other drugs like memantine, donepizil can be used too.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Wishing him good health.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D