Mr Ebrahim has left his family many years ago to work in a metropolitan city in India. While he visited his family once a year, his children have become increasingly estranged and he has lost contact after his wife passed away five years ago. He lives on his own in a small flat. He had suffered a stroke years ago and was being treated by a physician. Since then Mr Ebrahim had developed mild memory loss, which has progressed over the past year. Mr Ebrahim now finds it difficult to remember appointments and sometimes loses his way back from shops.

Concerned that something may not be right, his work colleague (it is culturally accepted to share or discuss personal information with neighbours and colleagues) suggests that Mr Ebrahim books an appointment with a neurologist (it is possible in India to see a specialist directly) at a private hospital nearby. Mr Ebrahim books an appointment for the following week. During the appointment, the neurologist conducts a brief memory examination and suggests an MRI, asking for Mr Ebrahim to follow-up with him with the reports. Mr Ebrahim has the MRI the next day and pays for the expensive scan and consult out-of-pocket. At the follow-up appointment, the neurologist diagnoses Mr Ebrahim with vascular dementia. He prescribes Mr Ebrahim a few medications and advises him to seek additional help at home. Mr Ebrahim starts relying more on his driver and cook; who become his full-time attenders. He increases their wages. They are not trained or familiar with dementia care, but help Mr Ebrahim with daily tasks and activities. This may not be sustainable in the long run. If the estranged family refuses to take responsibility (when his health deteriorates further), the local NGOs or police (if contacted by friend/neighbour/domestic help) may take over and help in finding Mr Ebrahim a care home or assisted living facility.