Mysore/Mysuru: As part of the monthly health talk for the senior citizens, the Elder Citizens’ Council (ECC), Jayalakshmipuram, recently invited Dr. Rathnavalli Ellajosyula, an eminent neurologist and a specialist in cognitive neurology, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru and Neurocare, Mysuru, for a talk.

The ECC had organised the event ‘How can I become a super ager – Warning symptoms and prevention of dementia.’

 Dr. Rathnavalli said that cases of dementia are on the rise and every one in 20 senior citizens, and one in five super seniors (over 80 yrs) are affected.

She said that dementia is a case of memory loss as age grows with symptoms of confusion due to multi-tasking and depression while dealing with more people at a time or during cooking where multiple things have to be managed at a time.

Dementia has its own risk factors for the aged and might lead to hypertension due to continuous thinking. Other factors that might be seen are excessive smoking, obesity, depression, social isolation, diabetes and deafness.

After identifying the problem at an earlier age, steps should be initiated for the prevention of the disease through physical exercises, brisk walking and monitoring the body movements and health conditions.

“Quitting smoking, renouncing mobile phones, indulging in healthy habits like Yogasanas and meditation to activate the mind and body are some of the means to get rid of dementia and lead a normal life. This can also be achieved through exercises to be practised after consulting an able neurologist,” she said.

Dr. Rathnavalli is planning to start a free neurology dementia therapy clinic in Mysuru with the sole aim of reducing dementia in senior citizens. Senior citizens can take advantage of her services and get benefited. She can be contacted on 99800-15856 for any enquiry.

Dr. H.M. Nagaraj, ECC President presided. S.V. Gowdappa, Chairman of the Trust lauded the initiative taken by Dr. Rathnavalli to serve senior citizens free of cost. Secretary K.S. Krishna welcomed, Prof. Javare Gowda proposed vote of thanks.

Other members present included K.V.K. Naidu, Shylaja, K.V. Ramanath Vice-President of ECC, V.N. Achar, Latha, Ramesh, Sridhar and several others. The ECC having over 600 senior and super-senior citizens as members conducts similar health talks on the first Monday of every month at 5 pm.

Public can contact Mob: 98808-05994 for details, according to a press release from Secretary K.S. Krishna.