Fernandes at Ramdev’s ashram

Former defence minister George Fernandes battling Alzheimer’s is now being treated at yoga guru Ramdev’s ashram in Haridwar. Jaya Shroff Bhalla reports.

Former defence minister George Fernandes battling Alzheimer’s is now being treated at yoga guru Ramdev’s ashram in Haridwar.

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The 89-year-old leader arrived at the Patanjali Yogpeeth on Friday night with his estranged wife Leila Kabir. Leila and their son Sean came to India from the US a few weeks ago after the veteran socialist’s condition worsened.

“Fernandesji was brought here on Friday night. He has a problem with central nervous system for which he is being treated…,” Acharya Balakrishna, general secretary, Patanjali Yogpeeth, told HT.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia among elderly. The degenerative brain disorder affects memory and the ability to carry out daily activities.

Pranayam (breathing exercises), panchakarma — five different ayurvedic procedures believed to purify the body — and yoga were also a part of the regimen, Balakrishna said.

Ramdev visits Fernandes daily and is monitoring the treatment. “We cannot say how long he’ll be here,” said Balakrishna.

Fernandes has been caught in a controversy after his brothers and companion Jaya Jaitly were not allowed to visit him at a Delhi hospital, where he was being treated since December 7. On January 2, Sean sought police protection. He feared “foul play, physical harm from some people who I believe have been looting whatever little is left of my father’s assets…,” his complaint to the police said.