Elderly Couple Missing in Navi Mumbai Found Safe After 7 Hours
An elderly couple from Navi Mumbai, suffering from memory loss and dementia, was reunited with their family after being missing for over seven hours. The couple, ninety-two-year-old Kuttikrishnan Nair and his eighty-two-year-old wife Lakshmikutty, had stepped out of their house in Sanpada Sector 3 for a morning walk on Wednesday at 3:08 a.m.
The couple’s son, Manikandan Nair, shared that his mother was diagnosed with dementia three years ago and his father had age-related memory issues. Normally, they would return home after an hour-long walk at 5:30 a.m. However, on that fateful day, they did not return, causing panic among their family members.
Thanks to the efforts of good Samaritans and messages that went viral on social media, the elderly couple was found safe. Vikas Shingate, a resident of Arihant Sparsh in Vashi, spotted the couple sitting on a footpath near his society’s gate. Concerned about their safety, Shingate and others from the society brought them inside, provided food, and contacted the police.
Preeti Nair, who could communicate with the couple in Malayalam, helped them in identifying their place of stay. Despite the elderly man’s confusion, an Aadhaar card found in his possession revealed their address in Sanpada. Their son, Manikandan, received a call from Preeti Nair informing him that his parents were safe at the APMC police station.
Dr. Harish Shetty, a consulting psychiatrist, highlighted the challenges faced by families dealing with dementia, emphasizing the importance of early detection and care. Dr. Shirish M Hastak, Regional Director Neurology and Stroke at Gleneagles Hospital, explained the signs of memory loss and the need for timely screening to address underlying causes.
Javed Sheikh, CEO of Dignity Foundation and Alliance for Dementia Care, emphasized the lack of solutions and cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia, urging for more research and awareness in India. He shared alarming statistics about the growing elderly population affected by dementia in the country.
In conclusion, it is crucial for families to educate themselves about dementia, recognize early signs, and seek timely medical intervention. Caregivers play a vital role in providing support and ensuring the safety of elderly individuals with memory loss. By raising awareness and promoting early detection, we can strive to improve the quality of life for those affected by dementia.
Remember, if you or someone you know is in need of assistance related to dementia, there are helplines available for support. Stay informed and reach out for help when needed.
