Welcome to Open Book with Raj Shekhar. Every story comes straight from the heart and the mind.
Here, you’ll find stories, real emotions, and the science behind what makes us human. Stories that help, comfort, and move you to think… and act.
Technology is no longer simply changing how we live — it is rewiring how we think, belong, and even understand reality itself. Social media algorithms and surveillance capitalism are quietly turning humanity into competing digital tribes, fragmenting truth, amplifying outrage, and reshaping identity through invisible systems of manipulation. In the connected age, the greatest battle may no longer be for territory or resources, but for the human mind itself.
8 Jan 2026
Hope on the Horizon
This conclusion of the series "Ignored Crisis" reflects on the journey through dementia awareness and care. It emphasizes the power of hope, innovation, and empathy, showcasing grassroots movements and technological advancements. With a call for collective action, it envisions a future where memory loss is met with dignity and support.
1 Jan 2026
India must Act
India faces a significant dementia challenge, with nearly 9 million people aged over sixty currently living with the condition. The absence of a National Dementia Plan exacerbates care disparities and burdens families. A comprehensive plan could promote early diagnosis, support caregivers, and strengthen India's health system while positioning the nation as a leader in global health solutions.
25 Dec 2025
We Need to Come Together
A dementia-inclusive society requires collaboration among families, NGOs, employers, faith groups, media, and government. As dementia becomes more prevalent, integrating support is crucial to bridge service gaps. The collective effort can help caregivers and individuals affected by dementia find community, reduce stigma, and promote understanding while ensuring necessary policies are implemented.
18 Dec 2025
Beyond Amyloid
The blog discusses the advancements in Alzheimer's research, highlighting the approval of drugs, which can slow the disease's progression by removing amyloid from the brain. Furthermore, it emphasizes Alzheimer's as a complex, multifactorial problem involving immune response, blood flow, and metabolism, calling for comprehensive prevention strategies.
11 Dec 2025
The Oxygen Mask Principle; Caring for the Carer
Rita, a caregiver, faces exhaustion and emotional turmoil while caring for her husband. The blog emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers, highlighting the risks of compassion fatigue and the necessity of sleep, movement, and social support. It advocates for boundaries and shared responsibilities to ensure caregivers can sustain their well-being.
4 Dec 2025
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
This blog delves into the emotional challenges faced by dementia caregivers, revealing their isolating journeys and the importance of community support. It highlights the need for shared responsibilities and emphasizes that caregivers should never be alone. Building connections through support groups and professional help can alleviate loneliness and promote resilience.
27 Nov 2025
Making Home Safe
Blog 9 of 15 in the series – The Ignored Crisis When Home Becomes a Memory Map At 3:42 a.m., Susan woke to the sound of clattering cutlery. Every light in the house was blazing. Her father was a retired station master. He was known for his impeccable moustache and his devotion to jaggery tea. […]
20 Nov 2025
Caring Without Going Broke
This blog discusses the hidden financial costs of dementia, exemplified through Sunita's struggles as a caregiver for her father. It highlights the challenges families face due to lack of preparation, cultural taboos, insurance gaps, and rising care costs. The importance of budgeting and seeking support is emphasized for effective care management.
13 Nov 2025
What to Say — and Not to Say
The blog discusses effective communication strategies for caregivers of individuals with dementia, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection over factual accuracy. It encourages validation and compassionate responses to foster trust and reduce anxiety. By understanding dementia’s impact on communication, caregivers can create a supportive environment, ensuring loved ones feel safe and heard.
6 Nov 2025
It’s OK not to be OK
The hidden emotions of care giving. The attached podcast is a summarised version of this blog. Breakdown on the Cold Floor. “ Last night, I sat on the cold bathroom floor and closed the door. The chill of the tiles steadied me after a day that would not end. I had been pacing in the […]
30 Oct 2025
Boost Your Memory – Simple Daily Habits explained – Part 2
This guide emphasizes preventive strategies for brain health, advocating for early medical consultation regarding cognitive changes. It debunks myths about memory, highlighting effective habits like spaced repetition and retrieval practice. It stresses the importance of lifestyle choices, social connections, and mental engagement, promoting a holistic approach to cognitive well-being and joy.
26 Oct 2025
Boost Your Memory: Simple Habits explained – Part 1
Episode 4 of THE IGNORED CRISIS explores how daily habits affect memory loss, emphasizing that it isn't unavoidable. Key lifestyle choices, such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, are crucial for memory enhancement. Social engagement and curiosity also contribute to cognitive reserve, supporting mental sharpness throughout life.
26 Oct 2025
All Dementia Isn’t Alzheimer’s. Knowing the difference lights the way.
Episode 3 of THE IGNORED CRISIS explores the distinction between dementia and Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing their differences. Understanding this distinction is crucial for families in seeking timely assistance and support for affected individuals, ultimately impacting their care strategies and decision-making processes.
25 Oct 2025
7 early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease everyone must know.
Episode No: 2 of the Series: THE IGNORED CRISIS This episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease to provide timely support and care for loved ones. It illustrates common symptoms like memory loss, planning difficulties, and confusion. Early detection offers families time for critical conversations and planning, empowering them to navigate […]
25 Oct 2025
The Global Time Bomb
The Silent Story of a Global Crisis You must Know About. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia represent a significant global crisis, impacting millions across all nations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Caregivers, predominantly women, bear the emotional and financial burdens. Despite the increasing prevalence, stigma and a lack of resources hinder effective support, necessitating urgent […]
24 Oct 2025
The Forgotten Crisis
This episode of “The Ignored Crisis” addresses the urgent issue of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting its rapid global rise. With a life lost every three seconds, it emphasizes memory protection, awareness dissemination, stigma reduction, early detection, policy advocacy, and support for caregivers as vital actions for meaningful change.
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