Interests
Rohith Khanna Deivasigamani, MD
Psychiatrist
My vision is to create dementia-friendly communities—providing integrated, community-based care that offers early support and upholds the dignity of individuals with dementia.
Current Work
Rohith is a psychiatrist at Schizophrenia Research Foundation (India), focusing on geriatric mental health in urban and rural areas. In rural areas, we deliver community-based dementia care utilising trained health workers to ensure early diagnosis and care.
Personal Hero
My father, "Mr Deivasigamani"
Words of Strength
Advocacy for the underserved
Vision
Rohith's vision is to create dementia-friendly communities in low- and middle-income countries, where the health needs of older adults are often overlooked; providing integrated, community-based dementia care that offers early support and upholds the dignity of individuals with dementia.
Strategy
Rohith works with psychologists and community health workers in rural areas to raise awareness about dementia using native folk music and street plays, conducting screenings for early detection, and providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Impact
As an Atlantic Fellow, Rohith aims to work with experts across specialties to broaden his understanding of dementia care and to adapt feasible, innovative, culturally relevant strategies to enhance care and build lasting global partnerships.
Motivation
India is projected to have the highest number of people with dementia in the coming decades. Rohith aims to build community-level capacity by training local health workers in dementia care—creating jobs while developing a sustainable support workforce.
Education & Experience
Rohith completed his medical training at Tagore Medical College and Hospital, followed by his psychiatry residency at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in India. After joining the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) India, he developed a focused interest in geriatric mental health. Rohith currently provides dementia care and comprehensive mental health services to the underserved populations in both urban and rural ares.
Send
Rohith Khanna
a NoteHave ideas for global brain health or a collaboration? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to send an introductory note.
