First of all I try to see different aspects of a problem, be it disability or dementia. Thus often I am able to see and different perspective of an issue. In the area of dementia, when we started in the 90’s, there was nothing happening in the field of dementia in India. I had to start from zero, to change mindsets, harness resources, train people, develop services, conduct research. At the end I am able to bring dementia care in India to the attention of key stake holders and make a significant change, in the life of people with dementia and their families.
I feel strongly connected to the village “Vettical” near Mulanthuruthy in Ernakulam Dist in Kerala. Where I was born, and had my early childhood and my schooling. It is here my father developed Alzheimer’s and lived for more than 6 years with the disease. He lies buried in our church at Vettical. It is here that we started the national Alzheimer’s movement. In fact the single largest community based dementia study, published in BMJ took place here. I am strongly connected to my village. Not a day has passed in my life without thinking about my village; more so because my matter still lives there.
I would like to see the day when Dementia is treated on par with the any other physical illness like stroke or cancer. When people feel free to talk about in public, with out a sense of shame; where there is no stigma attached to it. It is with this goal I am continuing the work.
As a medical doctor I have been working in different parts of the world since 1977.In Maldives, Nigeria, Ireland till 1984. Since 1985 I have been working as a senior medical consultant in Malankara Medical Mission Hospital, at Kunnakulam, Kerala State.
In 1986 I founded Tropical Health Foundation of India, a registered non profit, voluntary organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of the disabled. We are running special school for children with mental handicap, autism, cerebral palsy, multiple handicap; a neuro development centre for children with developmental delay. Artificial limb centre, vocational training for children with disability and their families, community based early identification and their families, community based early identification and intervention in childhood disability. In 1992 founded “Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India”, a registered national, voluntary organization dedicated to the Care, Support, and Research of Dementia. Which is the first Afro Asian Alzheimer’s Association to get full membership in “Alzheimer’s Disease International”. ARDSI now has 14 chapters across India. ARDSI is involved in running Memory Clinic, Day Care, Home Care, Respite Care, Training and Research in several centres in India. I was the organizing secretary of the International Conference of ADI in Cochin in 1998. I have participated and presented paper in most ADI International conference since 1993. I had been a elected board member of ADI, since 1996 and became its Vice Chairman in 1998. I have been an invited speaker in Alzheimer’s conferences in India and abroad.
My favourate topics are
1.Developing services for people with dementia.
2.Engaging National governments in dementia care.
Active in social organizations like Rotary Club; Where I am presenting the District Chairman for the Mentally challenged.
