The book, Fallen Flower, is unique because it is written by the spouse of the patient who has outlived the normal lifespan of a dementia patient. It has foreword by the eminent doctors of Sri Chitra Medical Institute of Science, Thiruvananthapuram, preface by Dr Mihir Wechalekar MD, PhD in Rheumatology, working in Adelaide (Australia). It has Annexures on Human Brain, contributed by Dr Harish K Panicker MD (Radiology), Kansas USA, and Ms Harsha Wechalekar MS PhD (Anatomy), working in Adelaide University.
The book aims to provide an insight into the background of a very active woman who became a victim of the terrible disease Frontotemporal Dementia, not very much known to the common people and even amongst the medical and paramedical community. Even today the researchers/scientists in the field have not attributed a specific cause to the disease. The book deals with the mental and physical transformation of the victim of the disease. It also describes in detail the care giving aspects, the agony and frustrations of the close relatives and caregivers. The book concludes with the financial strain on the caregiver.
The book, it is hoped, will serve to help caregivers of dementia patients. It may be a case study for medical students and for the common man it will be informative.
From Inner Pages
“Reading the book ‘Fallen Flower’ led to a plethora of emotions, ending on a poignant note.” Dr Ramshekhar N Menon, Professor Dept of Neurology, SCIMST
“The story chronicles a remarkable and heart-wrenching account of Anandam’s battle with dementia – a battle that spans a decade, and is exemplary love and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.” Dr Mihir Wechalekar, Consultant, Rheumatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide.
