DR AMIT DIAS, MD
During the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat on October 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s advances in neuroscience and the importance of understanding the human brain.
He drew attention to the enormous potential of brain research and the continuing challenges posed by neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
In his address to the nation, he highlighted that nearly 1,90,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across India are transforming rural healthcare by getting medical facilities closer to communities.
He added, “In the present day, conditions like Alzheimer's and Dementia still lack a definitive cure. Therefore, the deeper our scientific understanding of how the human brain functions, the more new scope will be created in the future.”
It was very enlightening to hear the Prime Minister highlight the important of brain research specially in the area of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. India needs a system that translates research into care with a human touch.
Integrating Goa’s evidence-based experience with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs initiated by the government, could be an important step towards ensuring that people living with dementia and their caregivers receive the support, dignity and care they deserve.
What we now need is a National Dementia Plan and a National Dementia Policy. This should have a clear focus on research as well as service development. As our prime minster rightly pointed out, we do not have a cure, but a lot can be done to improve the quality of care and reduce caregiver burnout.
The PM’s message comes at a crucial time. As India’s population ages, dementia is emerging as an important public health challenge. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 55 million people were living with dementia worldwide in 2019, with nearly 10 million new cases annually. This number is projected to reach 139 million by 2050.
In 2010, I was the co-author on the ‘Dementia India Report’ presented to the government of India with suggestions for policy given the changing demography of the country. At that time the prevalence of dementia in India was estimated to be 3.7 million, now it would have doubled.
Goa’s contribution to dementia research
Research conducted at the Goa Medical College at the department of Neurology and Preventive and Social Medicine, has contributed to international understanding of dementia and the development of community-based care.
One notable initiative is the Dementia Home Care project, supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India which won the prestigious ADI and Fundasao Mederic Alzheimer award for being the best evidence based psychosocial research for dementia in 2010.
The project developed and evaluated a low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention to address behavioural and psychological problems associated with dementia, improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burnout. People living with dementia may experience agitation, anxiety, disturbed sleep, wandering and repetitive behaviours, which can place considerable strain on families, we developed low cost, non-drug therapies to address each of these problems.
The research received the ADI–FMA Award in recognition of evidence-based work in dementia care. Its significance lies in demonstrating that affordable, community-based interventions can make a meaningful difference to people living with dementia and their families. I believe that this model should be integrated with the Government of India’s Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Closing diagnostic gap thorough research
The Government of Goa has always taken steps to close the diagnostic gap. This year the Department of Social welfare initiated the screening camps for people with dementia in the state. Goa’s age-friendly initiatives, dementia awareness programmes and screening camps have helped bring cognitive health into public discussion.
The Dementia Society of Goa, established through the initiative of Professor of Neurology Dr Chicot Vas of Goa Medical College, has also played an important role in reaching families and promoting support for people affected by dementia.
When we began our work, approximately 90% of people with dementia encountered in their experience had not received a diagnosis. This highlighted the urgent need to improve awareness and access to assessment. The Alzheimer’s and related Disorder’s Society of India is working tirelessly to help address this gap and work with the government to develop better services.
We now know a lot more about dementia than before, its time to take action and ensure dementia-friendly services reach all our people.
The writer is faculty at Goa Medical College and recently rated as one of the top 5% scientists in the world by SciRank Scientist Index. He has been involved in several projects on dementia research in Goa. The views expressed are his own and not that of the institution.
