Challenge of Dementia in Growing Elderly Population

The 2018 WHO dementia plan focuses on the urgent need for a multi-phased approach to address the needs of people with dementia. The rapid increase in greying population requires strategies to deal with age-related diseases — dementia care is becoming a significant issue.

 Dementia is a form of cognitive impairment that affects memory and other cognitive abilities. According to the WHO, it affects 50 million people worldwide; a number that is projected to increase to 82 million by 2030 and 152 million by 2050.

Studies have revealed how the stigma attached to the disease leads to the social isolation of patient and deterioration in the quality of their lives. There is an urgent need to treat dementia as a public health concern by raising awareness on all aspects of the disease including risk reduction, diagnosis, treatment and care. Over a year ago, the World Health Assembly in Geneva adopted the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025. India endorsed the plan, confirming its commitment to improving the lives of people with dementia. The country’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals — especially with respect to Goal 3 that deals with good health and well being — and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities should push it into formulating a strategy to deal with this debilitating condition. Such a plan should incorporate public awareness campaigns and research.

As the percentage of aged people in the country increases, improving the lives of people with dementia and their families and careers must become a national priority.