Dr. Meenal Thakral

My 68-year-old mother, a retired architect with early-onset dementia, became agitated and combative during hospital stays. Dr. Thakral transformed her room with architectural blueprints and classical music, recognizing these familiar elements could calm her. She developed a non-pharmacological approach that reduced her medication needs by 40% while improving her mood and engagement.

When my 102-year-old grandmother fractured her hip, multiple surgeons declined operation due to her age. Dr. Thakral coordinated a revolutionary pre-habilitation program strengthening her for surgery, then managed a complex post-operative geriatric care plan. Three months later, grandmother walked down the aisle at her granddaughter's wedding using only a cane.

My 87-year-old father, a former professional chef, was losing weight rapidly due to swallowing difficulties. Rather than standard nutritional supplements, Dr. Thakral worked with a culinary therapist to create texture-modified versions of his signature dishes. His weight stabilized, and he's now teaching modified recipes to other seniors in his community.

After my 91-year-old husband's stroke left him with aphasia, Dr. Thakral noticed he responded to specific ragas (Indian classical music). She incorporated music therapy into his rehabilitation, creating a breakthrough when he hummed along to a childhood melody. His communication improved dramatically through this unconventional approach.

At 94, my grandfather refused treatment for his worsening congestive heart failure, insisting he'd lived long enough. Dr. Thakral spent an entire afternoon discussing his wartime memories and favorite poetry before gently explaining how treatment could preserve his quality of life. She created a personalized plan that respected his dignity while managing symptoms - he's now gardening again and recently attended his great-granddaughter's wedding.