Opinion ‘Saiyaara’ has started a conversation on Alzheimer’s — the government must now do its part

One of the most serious challenges for India’s ageing population is Alzheimer’s disease, which gradually affects memory, decision-making ability and day-to-day functioning. World Alzheimer’s Day is celebrated every year on September 21 to spread awareness. However, this is not just a medical problem but is gradually becoming a serious public health and socio-economic issue. In a country like India with a rapidly ageing population, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are going to put a huge burden on the health system, families and the economy in the coming years.

Recent estimates suggest that about 7.4 per cent of adults aged 60 years or above suffer from dementia — about 8.8 million people — a large proportion of whom suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. This is expected to triple by 2050 due to demographic changes, increasing life expectancy and a large elderly population. In India, diagnosis is often delayed or overlooked due to low awareness, inadequate health infrastructure and stigma associated with dementia. Effective public health strategies require tailored, culturally appropriate interventions focused on early identification, education and modifiable lifestyle factors.

Due to widespread lack of awareness, families and communities attribute early symptoms to ageing or mental impairment rather than considering it a medical condition. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are also often misunderstood and stigmatised as “madness” or mental impairment, and families are reluctant to discuss the condition openly. This stigma discourages acknowledgement, diagnosis, and seeking care. Many regions, especially rural areas, lack specialised medical facilities and trained professionals who can provide proper cognitive assessment and early diagnosis of dementia. The shortage of geriatric specialists and mental health professionals is particularly severe.

Tackling this issue requires a multi-pronged public health approach that focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, care services, caregiver support, and research. A national Alzheimer’s plan is necessary, which should integrate dementia with other non-communicable disease programmes, allocate dedicated funds, and focus on awareness, training, support, integrated care, and research. The state-wide Dementia Strategy launched in Kerala in 2014 is a perfect example, which involves public-private partnerships for awareness, diagnosis, care centres, and caregiver support. Kerala has initiated the project “Ormathoni” to develop a dementia-friendly state, focusing on establishing memory clinics and creating community support systems to improve diagnosis and management of dementia. This state-level strategy, supported by the Social Justice and Health Department, aims to build a comprehensive care network.

The Indian government may adopt a coordinated national strategy, especially prevention through risk factor control, early detection innovation, expansion of Alzheimer-friendly services, etc.

Early diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural areas and developing community-based care models, including home care, day-care centres, respite care, and support for family caregivers who currently shoulder most of the care burden, could also be helpful. Caregiver support programmes — training and psychological support — help reduce caregiver stress. It is the shared responsibility of the government, society, and the health system to ensure that every elderly person is able to live with dignity and support.

The writer is an alumnus of AIIMS, New Delhi and LSHTM, UK. He is also Alzheimer’s Young Scientist Awardee