Union minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Mukul Wasnik was present for the meeting on December 8, to understand and support the cause.

While appreciating the efforts made by Alzheimer’s Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI) for developing a National Dementia Strategy, the minister ensured to include the recommendations from the deliberations in the review of the National Policy on older persons.

The minister also added that the government was committed to ensure the well being of older persons. In this regard, among various other initiatives, a National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP); Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 were introduced. Integrated Scheme for Older Persons was also launched to improve the quality of life of the elderly.

While stressing the need of caregivers, he said, “People with dementia typically need round-the-clock care and supervision. They also may need assistance with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing. Meeting these needs takes patience, understanding and careful thought by the person’s caregivers’.

‘Caring for a person with dementia requires specific skills in providing activities, overseeing medication crises, and handling problem behaviours. For this dementia care givers require special education about dementia and professional support. It appears that the level of understanding of dementia is limited and hence there is a need to increase awareness among care givers and the community on management of dementia.”

As per the world Alzheimer’s report published by the Alzheimer’s disease international, it was estimated that currently there are 36 million people with dementia in the world, with about three million of these in India. The number may go up to 10 million by 2030.

The social and economic consequences of this increase will be extraordinary. This is not only due to the increase in the number of dementia patients, but also because the condition is one of the most disabling ones – leading to personality changes and behavioural problems.

Studies have shown that people who maintain a tight control over their glucose levels, engage in intellectually stimulating activities, social interactions and playing a musical instrument, significantly lower their risk of developing or delay the onset of dementia.