A journey of 84yrs old retired professor overcoming Dementia

What is Dementia?
Dementia is a term used for a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by damage to brain cells, which disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. Symptoms of dementia can vary but typically include memory loss, difficulty with communication, impaired judgment, confusion, and changes in mood and behavior. The condition is progressive, meaning it tends to worsen over time, and it can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. 

Case study:
Mr. J.S., bearing (Patient ID: 50307) is an 84-year-old retired professor; he has been suffering from Dementia since 2019. Despite receiving conventional treatment, his condition has gradually worsened. The exact cause of his illness remains unknown. On 7th January 2023, his son visited the Borivali Clinic, he was very anxious about his father’s suffering. He narrated his father’s suffering in detail and he also mentioned how the recent loss of Mr. J.S.’s elder sister had triggered a significant decline in his condition. He exhibited symptoms such as forgetfulness, especially of recent events, and severe anxiety. He also had severe aggression, particularly in the mornings, which only subsided after he slept. At times, he became extremely agitated and insisted on returning to his hometown, Patna. Despite these challenges, Mr. J.S remained emotionally attached to his son and would only listen to him. The son expressed his growing concern about his father’s worsening state and the emotional toll it was taking on their family.

In addition to dementia, He also indicated symptoms related to Bipolar disorder. He would experience sudden episodes of anger, abusing those around him, followed by amnesia about the events after he slept. These episodes alternated with excessive sleepiness and periods of prolonged sleeplessness. Sometimes he also used to get delusional thoughts, particularly an intense desire to return to his hometown, Patna.

He had been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid two years ago and was stable on conventional treatment. 

His appetite had reduced, but he did not express specific cravings or aversions to any food. He was a non-vegetarian, drank adequate water, and had regular bowel and bladder habits. 
Since the patient was not present, a physical examination was not possible, and details of his childhood and past events were not available. There was no significant family or past medical history reported.

Dr. Shah thoroughly studied and prescribed ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE 30

FOLLOW UPS:

By 18th February 2023, there was a 90% improvement in his mood and behavior, with a significant reduction in episodes of aggression. Irrelevant talks were reduced by 80%, and his ability to engage in sensible conversations improved by 70%.

During the second follow-up dated 25th March 2023, Mr. J.S. reported a 99% improvement in aggression and expressed feeling significantly better overall. However, a new concern was noted he has been experiencing frequent urination at night, visiting the toilet 3-4 times.

On 17th June 2023, it was observed that he showed mixed responses where overall some improvement compared to the last follow-up was seen but also had some problems like loss of memory, confusion, forgetfulness, and repetitive actions which were worse than before

In the next dated 28th July 2023 follow-up 30% deterioration was noted since the last follow-up and according to his son, his memory deteriorated. He was unable to recognize his son. Also 2-3 times he repeated that he wanted to go to his hometown. However, on call, the son said that he has seen improvement in terms of speech which is sensible now. 

By 17th July 2023 changes were seen such as he started to spend time with his son and talk about family, kept himself clean, and sudden anger was absolutely under control. A few concerns at this point were forgetting things or recent events, being confused even in familiar places like while going toilet, and having trouble finding words.

On 19th November 2023 in this follow up son described some fluctuations in symptoms like irrelevant talking had increased slightly by 5%, particularly when he was tired. He displayed reduced communication of basic needs, as he would not complain or ask for food, or express discomfort. Confusion persisted, particularly when presented with options, and he struggled to use items correctly in such situations. He also underwent hip replacement surgery on his left hip after a fall in the bathroom.
By 31st December 2023, a remarkable improvement of 75% was observed this time. He had a good recovery from his recent surgery (Hemiarthroplasty done on 8th November 2023), with noticeable improvements in weakness and appetite. Irrelevant talking had reduced, and forgetfulness remained stable. However, his son expressed ongoing concerns about reduced logical thinking and decision-making ability, fearing potential accidents or mishaps.

By 9th April 2024, the patient’s son reported good improvement since the last follow-up. Mr. J.S showed slight progress in addressing forgetfulness and communication difficulties. There were no episodes of aggression or anxiety, and he no longer spoke about his bank account or expressed a desire to go to Patna. He was able to understand his son’s instructions and consistently used the washroom to pass urine. However, he experienced mild weakness and continued to sleep more during the daytime.

In June 2024 there was an episode of disorientation and confusion immediately upon waking from deep sleep in the early morning, lasting 5–10 minutes. During these episodes, Mr. J.S. sometimes passed urine near his bed, wandered outside, or removed his clothes. Occasional sleeplessness at night persisted, with some nights spent entirely awake. He also experienced hallucinations of rainfall, increased self-murmuring, mild weakness, and instability while walking.

By 27th July 2024 following the last batch of prescribed medication, Mr. J.S. showed noticeable improvement. Confusion of mind and anger had reduced, though occasional sleeplessness and general weakness persisted. His appetite improved slightly.
In September 2024 the episode of confusion and disorientation in a day had reduced comparatively and behaved normally for at least 6-7 hours. Morning when wake up there is confusion for 15mins then slowly becomes normal. 

By 6th November 2024, the son reported that Mr. J.S. was 75% better overall. Aggressiveness had significantly reduced, and he cooperated well. He was able to perform basic daily activities such as bathing, going to the toilet, and eating independently. There was no agitation, but the only remaining concern was occasional involuntary urination.

He showed steady improvement with reduced behavioral and cognitive challenges, though minor concerns like occasional disorientation, murmuring, and involuntary urination still need attention.

Conclusion: 

Despite the progressive nature of his condition, the personalized treatment plan, including Dr. Rajesh Shah's research-based medicines, led to significant improvements in several areas of his life. This case underscores the importance of a patient-centered approach, consistent follow-ups, and addressing both the patient’s physical and emotional needs.

- Case study by Written by Dr. Jebitha Nadar, Associate doctor to Dr.Rajesh Shah,MD (Hom)