Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour, making daily life challenging for patients and their families. With the growing need for specialized support, dementia care has become a vital service in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of affected individuals. Kerala, known for its excellent healthcare infrastructure, offers a variety of dementia care centres that combine professional medical care with compassionate support.

In this blog, we explore dementia, its causes, treatment options, and how Season Two complements the role of dementia care centres in Kerala by offering personalized care and support for seniors with dementia.

• What is Dementia?
• Differences between Dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Common Symptoms of Dementia
• Different Types of Dementia
• Causes of Dementia
• How dementia is diagnosed
• Treatments for Dementia
• What is Dementia Care?
• Types of Dementia Care Services
• Dementia care centres and memory clinics
• Dementia Vs Ageing
• Dementia Care for Seniors
• Dementia Care Centres in Kerala
• Dementia Care Support in Trivandrum and Ernakulam

What is Dementia?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia is an umbrella term for the condition that causes loss of memory, language, problem-solving skills and other thinking abilities, negatively affecting the activities of daily life.

Differences between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Both these terms are often used interchangeably. However, dementia and alzheimer’s are connected, but not the same. Dementia is a term for symptoms of cognitive decline, and it is not a disease. At the same time, Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes a gradual deterioration of the brain’s cells. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia and the most common one.

Common Symptoms of Dementia

Generally, people with dementia show cognitive-related symptoms and behavioural and mood changes.

• Memory loss– Forgetting things and recent activities, getting lost while travelling, being confused in familiar places
• Difficulty in daily tasks– Difficulty in performing routine tasks, misplacing things, and struggling to do routine tasks.
• Declining reasoning skills– Struggling to make decisions and solve problems logically.
• Anxiety and depression– Feeling sad, anxious, and angry, mostly due to the memory loss.
• Personality changes– Isolating themselves from social activities, and becoming less interested in other people’s emotions.

Over time, the symptoms worsen, and dementia patients face difficulty in identifying their friends and family and become more aggressive or depressed.

Different Types of Dementia

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Vascular Dementia
• Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
• Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
• Mixed Dementia
• Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
• Huntington’s Disease
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Causes of Dementia

1. Alzheimer’s Disease

This is the most common cause of dementia. Harmful proteins build up in the brain, slowly damaging brain cells and leading to memory loss and confusion.

2. Poor Blood Flow to the Brain (Vascular Problems)

Strokes or blocked blood vessels reduce the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. This can lead to vascular dementia, affecting thinking and decision-making.

3. Abnormal Protein Build-Up (Lewy Body Dementia)

Protein clumps called Lewy bodies form in brain cells, causing confusion, sleep problems, and movement difficulties.

4. Damage in the Front Part of the Brain (Frontotemporal Dementia)

Shrinking of the frontal or temporal lobes affects behaviour, personality, and speech rather than memory in early stages.

5. Head Injuries

Severe or repeated head injuries from falls, accidents, or sports can damage the brain and increase dementia risk.

6. Brain Infections

Infections like HIV, meningitis, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) can damage brain tissue, causing dementia symptoms.

7. Fluid Build-Up in the Brain (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus)

Excess fluid puts pressure on the brain, causing memory problems, walking difficulties, and urinary issues.

8. Lack of Vitamins or Poor Nutrition

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, often from alcohol abuse or poor diet, can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and memory problems.

9. Genetic or Family-Linked Diseases

Rare genetic disorders like Huntington’s disease can cause dementia in younger adults. Family history may also increase risk.

10. Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle habits like poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking or excessive alcohol use, poor sleep, and limited mental stimulation can harm brain health and increase the chance of developing dementia.

How dementia is diagnosed

1. Checking medical history

The first step in diagnosing dementia is to review the medical history of the person. The doctor will ask if they encountered any memory problems and will ask the family members or caregivers for further insights. This will help doctors determine if the symptoms are due to side effects from any medication or thyroid issues.

2. Physical and neurological examination

As the second step, the doctors will conduct a physical and neurological exam to assess reflexes, balance, and sensory responses. By analysing all this, they can find out if any neurological disorders cause dementia-like symptoms.

3. Cognitive and neuropsychological testing

Doctors use tests like Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to check the cognitive functions like memory, problem-solving ability, language and comprehension.

4. Laboratory tests

Laboratory tests are also performed to figure out treatable causes of dementia symptoms, such as vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid deficiency, infections or metabolic issues.

5. Scans

Brain imaging studies help to identify structural or functional brain changes, leading to the detection of the type of dementia. Common scans doctors suggest are CT (Computed Tomography) Scan, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan.

6. Psychiatric evaluation

Sometimes, conditions like depression, anxiety, or psychosis can be the reason behind the symptoms that resemble dementia. Therefore, to differentiate between mental health issues and neurodegenerative conditions, a psychiatric evaluation would be helpful.

Treatments for Dementia

The focus of dementia treatments is to manage symptoms and improve cognitive function through medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes, thereby improving the overall quality of life.

Medications used for dementia treatment

Certain prescription drugs like Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Memantine, and other medications, including antidepressants, Antipsychotics, and Sleep medications, help slow down cognitive decline and improve daily functioning.

Non-drug therapies

Treatment methods like Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), occupational therapy, physical therapy, art therapy, and other physical activities, along with medications, can be used to promote mental stimulation and emotional well-being.

Lifestyle changes

Making some simple lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in community activities, and practising meditation and yoga, significantly enhances treatment outcomes.

What is Dementia Care?

As the symptoms of dementia increase, dementia patients demand professional support, compassion, and specialised care. The term dementia care implies specialised support and management designed to help individuals with dementia. It includes medical, emotional, and social care given to the person based on their needs and stage of dementia.

Types of Dementia Care Services

In-Home Dementia Care

With the help of a professional caregiver, individuals with dementia can stay in the comfort of their home. The caregiver provides the services, including helping with personal hygiene, meals, and medications, while ensuring companionship and emotional support.

Dementia Care Centres

Also known as memory care units, dementia care homes offer a safe and secure environment designed for their needs. Such centres take care of their daily routines and reduce their confusion and anxiety. They also get medical monitoring throughout the day with opportunities to participate in engaging activities that stimulate their brain cells.

Day Care centres

At the day care centres for dementia patients, they get daytime support with several activities and a safe environment. These programmes bridge the gap between home care and full-time residential care, maintaining a balance in the treatment journey of dementia.

Respite and Post-hospitalisation Care

Respite care is a short-term dementia care method that ensures proper medical supervision, allowing the usual caregivers to take a break. Post-hospitalization dementia care is suitable for those discharged from the hospital and in their recovery period.

Difference between Dementia care centres and memory clinics

Memory clinics are specialised medical facilities that offer services like assessing, diagnosing, and managing memory-related conditions like dementia.

The dementia care centre is a residential facility that offers stay options for people diagnosed with dementia, providing daily care, supervision, and assistance with daily activities.

Dementia Vs Ageing

Since dementia is more common in older adults, people often misunderstand normal ageing as dementia. As we age, our brains may take longer to process information. Aged individuals may occasionally forget things, struggle to find words, and experience a slight delay in decision-making. This is normal in ageing.

On the contrary, dementia is not part of normal ageing. It is a condition that negatively affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. People with dementia frequently forget familiar places and people, struggle to communicate even with simple words, they may need external assistance for daily activities. In such situations, it is always better to consult a doctor rather than attempt to diagnose these symptoms yourself.

Dementia Care for Seniors

Caring for older adults with dementia needs more than physical assistance. It is necessary to be patient, empathetic, and understanding towards them. Specialised dementia care focuses on:

• Creating a safe environment which prevents falls, reduces confusion and ensures a secure living space.
• Maintaining consistent daily routines that help them feel comfortable.
• Encouraging them to do their activities independently with consistent monitoring and ensuring safety
• Providing emotional support and companionship, reducing loneliness
• Engaging their mind with simple cognitive exercises, music, and therapy

Dementia Care Centres in Kerala

Kerala is known for its strong healthcare infrastructure and its growing network of senior living communities that cater to a wide range of elder care needs. Dementia care centres in Kerala are increasingly embracing modern care practices – combining medical expertise, personalized attention, and holistic well-being approaches to support seniors living with memory-related conditions.

While several dementia care centres in Kerala offer specialized medical care, there are also senior living communities that provide supportive environments for seniors with dementia. One such example is Season Two, a premium senior living facility that offers personalized care and attention for residents, including those experiencing cognitive challenges.

Season Two – Senior Living with Dementia Care Support in Trivandrum and Ernakulam

For families exploring dementia care options in Kerala, Season Two stands out as a trusted and compassionate senior living community that extends comprehensive support for seniors with dementia while promoting independence, comfort, and dignity.

Here’s how Season Two provides quality dementia care within its senior living framework:

• Specialised Dementia Care Support – Engaging daily activities, memory-friendly recreation, regular doctor visits, and wellness check-ups designed to enhance cognitive and emotional well-being.
• Trained and Compassionate Staff – Experienced caregivers and healthcare professionals available round-the-clock to provide attentive and empathetic support for seniors with dementia.
• Geriatric-Friendly Infrastructure – Safe, accessible, and thoughtfully designed spaces that ensure comfort and security for residents.
• Convenient and Safe Locations – Season Two operates senior living facilities in Trivandrum (Pettah, Peroorkada, Pattom) and Ernakulam (Kakkanad) – all situated near major hospitals, ensuring quick medical access when needed.
• Personalised Nutrition and Care Plans – Nutritious, homely meals and individualized care routines tailored to each resident’s health and lifestyle requirements.
• Family Involvement and Emotional Support – Transparent communication, regular updates, and opportunities for families to stay involved in their loved one’s care journey.

Choosing the right environment for dementia care in Kerala is crucial to enhancing the quality of life of seniors. Dementia care centres across the state provide essential medical and emotional support, but for families seeking a balanced approach that blends professional care with community living, Season Two offers an ideal solution.

As a senior living facility equipped to support residents with dementia, Season Two ensures safety, comfort, and compassionate assistance – helping families find peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for in a nurturing and secure setting.

Reach out to Season Two to learn more about how its personalized dementia care support within a senior living environment can help your loved ones thrive.