Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Dementia is a progressive decline in memory, thinking and everyday abilities that is more than normal ageing. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause. There is no cure for most types, but early assessment, support for the person and care for the family can improve quality of life.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Progressive memory loss
- Difficulty with language and communication
- Disorientation to time and place
- Personality and mood changes
How it is usually treated
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
- NMDA antagonist
- Cognitive stimulation therapy
- Caregiver support and education
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My parent keeps forgetting things”
- “He repeats questions and gets lost in familiar places”
- “She has become confused or suspicious”
- “We find it hard to care for him at home”
People with dementia may also notice late-life depression, sleep problems or generalised anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Seek help soon if confusion comes on suddenly (this can be an emergency), the person wanders or is unsafe, or the carer is overwhelmed. Call 112 in an emergency.
How it is diagnosed
A doctor takes a history from the person and a family member, checks memory and thinking, and looks for other causes such as depression, thyroid problems or low vitamin levels. Scans or tests may be advised.
Treatment and support
- Treatment for some types of dementia is under a doctor's care, and there is no cure
- Cognitive stimulation and daily routines
- Education and support for family carers
- Managing behaviour and mood changes
- Safety planning, such as preventing wandering
- Treating depression and other conditions
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists can assess memory concerns and low mood and support families with guidance and care planning. A full workup may need in-person tests, and your clinician will tell you. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist speaks with the person and a family member, and asks about mood, memory, sleep, medicines and other health conditions.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist works with family caregivers and, where needed, your other doctors, because medicines and health conditions interact.
Between sessions
Reviews are simple and regular, with attention to safety, routines and caregiver strain.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is forgetfulness always dementia?
No. Occasional forgetfulness is common with age, stress or poor sleep. Dementia affects daily life and gets worse over time.
Can dementia be prevented?
There is no guaranteed prevention, but staying active, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, and staying socially engaged may lower risk.
How can families cope?
Learn about the illness, build routines, take breaks and seek carer support.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Dhritiman DasCo-Founder & Head of Community, Psychiatrist
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.