His innocent face still haunts me at night

On November 29, 2011 80-year-old Narayana Swamy decided to step out of his bungalow for a brisk walk around the streets of Arjunapura. He never returned home that night. Shattered by the news, his son Subramanya left no stone unturned to track his father down. “His innocent face still haunts me at night. My father was diagnosed with dementia several years ago. All the family members were extremely supportive and would ensure that he was taken care of at all times. A year ago, when the entire household was busy with chores, my father decided to step out unattended. We searched every nook and corner of the city but never found him. I am not sure if he is alive or dead. Sometimes, I wish he turns up on our doorstep. We really miss him,” said Subramanya. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 3.7 million people in India suffer from dementia, and this number will double over the next 20 years,

Unlike other diseases, dementia has an adverse effect on both families as well as the patients. Alzheimers and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), Bangalore Chapter has estimated that around 32,000 people are diagnosed with dementia in the city.

This is a progressive disease which is usually accompanied by changes in the appearance of patients overtime and generally affects elderly people, above 65 years. “My grandfather was diagnosed with advanced stage of dementia a couple of years ago. He always seemed a little agitated and would forget things easily. We had to make sure that he was never left alone. Towards the end, he couldn’t recognise his own children. He passed away in February this year. We really miss him,” said Arpita Kulkarni, a resident of Adugodi.