By Anne Das
Fourteen years ago, Vanetha Ramiah was diagnosed with vascular dementia, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the brain that can affect memory, thinking and daily functioning.
Today, at 64, she speaks with clarity and deliberation. There is no hesitation in how she describes her life, only an awareness shaped by experience.
In the years since her diagnosis, Vanetha has learned to adapt. She continues to live independently, remains closely connected with her family, and advocates for others living with the condition. “The first reaction was shock,” she said.
“Then fear and sadness. But the moment that changed everything was seeing my children’s faces. I didn’t want my diagnosis to be a burden. I didn’t want to lose my identity.”
That resolve took on deeper meaning when her granddaughter was born. Vanetha was entrusted with caring for the newborn, a responsibility she describes as demanding but grounding. “My daughter handed her to me and trusted me completely,” she recalled.
“It was challenging, but it gave me something to look forward to every day. My granddaughter kept my mind active. She gave me hope.”
Living with dementia has changed how she approaches her days, but not how she defines herself. “I’m more aware of how I see myself now,” she said. “I see a strong and courageous person, with calmness and patience. I’ve learned to adapt and accept my condition because I am still me.”
Over time, Vanetha began to recognise that her experience carried value beyond her own family. Dementia, she observed, often brings silence. People withdraw, conversations narrow, and caregivers quietly shoulder responsibility.
“Living with vascular dementia helped me understand the frustrations and emotions people go through,” she said. “I wanted to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and give a voice to those who feel unseen. I want them to know they can still find purpose, connection, and strength.”
That belief eventually took her onto an international platform. Earlier this year, Vanetha was selected by the Global Brain Health Institute to take part in Walking the Talk for Dementia, a global initiative held along the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
The programme brought together people living with dementia, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates from more than 20 countries. Over four days, participants walked 40 kilometres together, followed by a two-day symposium focused on brain health, caregiving, and lived experience.
For Vanetha, the most lasting impact came from the connections formed along the way. “Walking alongside people who were also navigating personal challenges reminded me that we are truly never alone,” she said. “We shared our struggles and our hope.”
Completing the walk brought a deep sense of accomplishment. Representing Malaysia on a global stage carried equal significance. “It filled me with pride and purpose,” she said. “Knowing my voice could highlight dementia, inspire change, and connect with people worldwide.”
Back in Ipoh, Vanetha speaks plainly about what she hopes to see next. “Dementia is not just about memory loss,” she said. “It affects emotions, communication, and daily lifestyle. Every person experiences it differently.”
Her concern extends strongly to caregivers. “Caregivers sacrifice their own routines and wellbeing to support loved ones,” she said. “They should not be left to cope alone.”
She hopes communities will respond to dementia with greater awareness and practical support. “We need community centres with trained staff,” she said. “Caregivers need guidance, support and recognition, so the people they care for can keep showing up in the world, as themselves.”
For Vanetha, living with dementia has been about adjustment, intention, and staying present in her own life. She continues to show up and to advocate, not in defiance of her diagnosis, but alongside it.
Her journey challenges long-held assumptions about dementia and asks a larger question of society: whether we make space for people to remain visible, engaged, and fully human as their lives change.
For local support and information (Perak / Malaysia):
🔗 Dementia Society Perak ( https://thedementiasocietyperak.org )
🔗 Walking the Talk for Dementia ( https://www.instagram.com/wtdementia)
🔗 Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia ( https://www.facebook.com/adfmpj/)
