India would be among the top five nations to face the problem of increasing number of aged people suffering from dementia by 2020. Dementia is a condition characterised by a chronic decline in mental abilities, especially memory. Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. It may be caused by many disease conditions and can affect the young as well as old but certainly is commoner in older persons. It is estimated that by 2020 the top five nations with elderly populations will face the problem with China and India topping the list. According to Alzheimer's disease International (ADI), there are 24 million people with Dementia worldwide. While Dementia has received much attention in the developed world, few recognise that an epidemic of dementia looms over India and China. Until now the care of the elder in India had traditionally remained with the extended family. However, important sociological changes pervade urban India today, with nuclear families becoming the norm, and consequent isolation of the elderly. It is feared that this would aggravate the problem. Therapy and psychosocial support will be required to prevent its occurrence and to treat dementia.
PTI news
February 2009