Geriatric Psychiatrist in Jaipur: Memory and Old-Age Mental Health

Understanding mental health in later life

Older adults commonly experience depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, memory loss and dementia. Physical illnesses, multiple medicines and loneliness can all play a part, and symptoms may look different from those in younger people.

Memory complaints are carefully assessed to tell apart normal ageing, depression (which can mimic dementia), vitamin or thyroid problems, medication effects, and dementias such as Alzheimer's disease.

Common signs and symptoms

• Forgetting recent events, repeating questions or misplacing things often
• Confusion about time or place, or getting lost
• Withdrawal, low mood or loss of interest
• Anxiety, restlessness or irritability
• Suspiciousness or seeing things that are not there
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty managing money, medicines or daily tasks

Causes and risk factors

• Dementia, including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia
• Depression and anxiety in later life
• Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems or infections
• Side effects or interactions of medicines
• Loneliness, bereavement and loss of independence

When should you see a psychiatrist?

Consider booking an appointment if these difficulties have lasted more than two weeks, keep coming back, or are affecting your work, studies, relationships or daily routine. You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable; early treatment is usually shorter and more effective.

How Dr. Surabhi Mathur makes a diagnosis

Your first consultation is an unhurried conversation about your symptoms, how long they have been present, your medical and family history, sleep, stress and any substance use. Where needed, Dr. Mathur uses standard rating scales and may suggest blood tests to rule out physical causes such as thyroid or vitamin problems. You leave with a clear explanation of what is happening and a treatment plan you have agreed to.

Treatment options

• Memory assessment

  Cognitive screening, review of medicines and blood tests to find treatable causes, with brain imaging when needed.

• Treatment of depression and anxiety

  Medicines chosen carefully for older adults, alongside counselling.

• Dementia care

  Medicines that can slow symptom progression in some dementias, and management of behaviour and sleep changes.

• Caregiver support

  Guidance for families on communication, safety, routine and avoiding caregiver burnout.

How long does treatment take?

Depression and anxiety in older adults respond well to treatment, often within weeks. Dementia is long-term, but good care can improve quality of life and help the person remain at home for longer.

Why choose Dr. Surabhi Mathur in Jaipur?

• MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), Consultant Psychiatrist at Narayana Hospital
• Trained in psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Plans that combine therapy, medication and lifestyle care
• Strictly confidential, non-judgmental consultations
• Clinic in Nirman Nagar, open seven days a week
• Hospital care at Narayana Hospital when it is needed