Care for our elderly is vital for their mental health - Dr Gaikwad

Care for our elderly is vital for their mental health, which is sometimes neglected in the world of technology.

The Principal Medical Officer of Saint Giles Hospital, Doctor Kiran Gaikwad highlighted this while speaking about the significance of mental health in today's world during the second day of the Health Expo.

Doctor Gaikwad also says dementia is the loss of thinking and remembering events to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities if they are over 65 years old.

He says in the early stages of dementia, people often forget where they have placed their belongings and this can be controlled by living a healthier lifestyle, which includes consuming more fruits and vegetables, staying away from alcohol and smoking.

Doctor Gaikwad says high blood pressure is another cause of dementia as it damages the brain nerves of individuals, which is mostly common in females.

He adds that there is no cure for this disease; however, the deterioration of this illness can be controlled through medicine and counselling.

He has also encouraged family members to be patient with someone who has this mental issue and provide them with all the care they can rather than getting irritated.

The theme for Mental Health is "Happy To Be Me".

Students from various schools are currently participating in poems and oratories at Albert Park to create awareness about mental health.