Memory and older adults
Dementia and Memory Loss in Older Adults in Kathmandu: Signs, Assessment and Support
Forgetting a name now and then is normal. Repeatedly forgetting recent events, getting lost in familiar places or struggling with daily tasks is not, and families in Nepal often put it down to "old age". Some memory problems have treatable causes, and even when the cause is dementia, early assessment brings better care and planning.
Key takeaways
- Memory loss that affects daily life is not a normal part of ageing and deserves assessment.
- Depression, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiency, infections and some medicines can mimic dementia and are treatable.
- Assessment includes history from family, memory testing and often blood tests or a brain scan.
- Care focuses on safety, routine, treating symptoms and supporting caregivers.
Normal ageing or dementia?
Normal ageing can bring slower recall or occasionally misplacing things. Dementia is a group of conditions, the most common being Alzheimer's disease, that gradually affect memory, thinking, language, judgement and behaviour enough to interfere with daily life. In Nepali: बिर्सने समस्या, स्मरणशक्ति कमजोर, डिमेन्सिया, अल्जाइमर.
Warning signs
- Repeating questions or stories, and forgetting recent conversations or events.
- Getting lost in familiar places, or misplacing things in odd places.
- Difficulty with money, cooking, medicines or other routine tasks.
- Trouble finding words or following conversation.
- Changes in mood or personality: suspicion, irritability, apathy, or unusual anxiety.
- Poor judgement, or withdrawing from usual activities.
Causes that can be treated
Memory problems can be caused by depression, an underactive thyroid, vitamin B12 deficiency, infections, poor sleep, alcohol, side effects of some medicines, and hearing or vision loss. Finding and treating these can improve memory. That is why a medical assessment, not just a label, matters.
How assessment works
The psychiatrist speaks with the person and with a family member who knows the history, checks mood, memory and thinking with simple tests, reviews medicines, and may arrange blood tests and a brain scan. Bring a list of all tablets and a note of when the changes began.
Care and treatment
- Treating other causes and depression, anxiety or poor sleep.
- Medicines that can help symptoms in some types of dementia, decided by the doctor.
- Managing behaviour such as agitation, night-time restlessness or suspicion, first with routine and environment, and with medicine only if needed.
- Safety and routine: clear daily schedule, good lighting, safe cooking and medicine handling, and supervision for wandering.
Supporting the caregiver
Caring for a parent with dementia is demanding. Share tasks among family, keep your own health and rest, learn about the condition, and ask for help. Guidance for caregivers is part of good dementia care.
How we help
Our psychiatrists assess memory problems and mood in older adults and explain the findings to the family in plain language. If travelling is hard for an older person, ask about a home visit. See memory and geriatric psychiatry or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Is forgetfulness in old age normal?
Mild slowing of recall is common. But forgetting recent events repeatedly, getting lost or being unable to manage daily tasks is not normal and should be assessed.
Can dementia be cured?
Most types cannot be cured, but some causes of memory loss can be treated, and care and medicines can improve quality of life. Early assessment gives families time to plan.
Should we tell our parent the diagnosis?
Usually yes, gently and at a pace that suits them, since most people prefer to understand what is happening. The doctor can help you decide how to have this conversation.
What can families do at home?
Keep routines, keep the home safe, label familiar objects if helpful, stay patient and calm, and use simple, clear language. Ask the doctor about support for caregivers.
Further reading
Independent sources on this topic. They did not write this page and do not endorse this clinic.
This guide is general information and does not replace advice from a doctor. If you are worried about your health or someone's safety, seek medical help.
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