Mental health care for older adults in Jaipur, with the family involved.

Geriatric psychiatry is the branch of psychiatry that cares for the mental health of older adults, usually over 60. It covers memory problems and dementia, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and confusion, and takes into account physical illnesses, multiple medicines and the needs of the family.

Some slowing is normal, such as taking longer to recall a name that comes back later. Memory loss that affects daily life, like forgetting recent conversations, repeating questions, getting lost or struggling with money or medicines, is not normal ageing and should be checked.

Dementia is the general term for a decline in memory and thinking that affects daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other causes include blood-vessel problems in the brain (vascular dementia) and Lewy body disease, and the type matters because care and medicines differ.

Sometimes, yes. Memory problems caused by depression, thyroid problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, infections, poor sleep or medicine side effects often improve when the cause is treated. This is why a proper assessment matters before assuming it is dementia.

Most types of dementia cannot be cured, but a lot can be done. Some medicines can modestly help memory or slow symptoms for a time in certain types, and others ease sleep problems, agitation or low mood. Routine, activity, a safe home and caregiver support make a big difference to quality of life.

In older adults, depression often shows up as tiredness, aches and pains, poor sleep, irritability, memory complaints or withdrawal, rather than obvious sadness, so it is easily missed or put down to age. It is very treatable at any age.

See a doctor the same day. Confusion that comes on over hours or days, often with drowsiness or agitation, is called delirium. It is usually caused by an infection, dehydration, a new medicine or another medical problem, and it needs urgent medical attention.

Keep daily routines simple and predictable, speak calmly in short sentences, and avoid arguing about mistaken memories. Make the home safe, and share the care so no one person is worn out. Caregivers’ own sleep, health and mood matter too, and guidance from the treating doctor helps the whole family.

Keep the same wake time every day, get natural light in the first hour, keep the bedroom cool, dark and quiet, and cut caffeine after early afternoon. If sleep does not come, get up and read until sleepy rather than lying awake. Sleeping tablets should be used only on a doctor’s advice, as they can raise the risk of falls and confusion in older adults. See How to sleep better.

Build a few short daily habits that fit around caring: a one-minute cyclic sigh in tense moments, a brisk 10-minute walk, a fixed 15-minute slot to write down worries, and a short body scan before sleep. Share the care with others where you can. The daily stress toolkit explains each one.

A 60-minute first consultation is recommended, with a family member or caregiver present. Please bring a list of all current medicines, recent blood reports and any brain scans. You leave with a clear explanation and plan.

Yes, in selected cases, around Vaishali Nagar, Mansarovar, Raja Park, Jhotwara, Shastri Nagar and nearby areas. A home visit is a 45–50 minute consultation for ₹4,499, booked and confirmed on WhatsApp.

Yes, with a family member helping on the call. Online works well for follow-ups and family guidance. Some assessments, such as detailed memory testing, are better done in person or at home.

The first consultation is ₹799 for 30 minutes or ₹1,499 for 60 minutes, online or in person, and follow-ups are ₹499. Home visits are ₹4,499.