Increasing
figures of people suffering from Dementia is becoming a major challenge
worldwide. Presently, the number of people living with dementia worldwide is
estimated at 47.5 million and it will double by 2030 and more than triple by
2050. More than 4 million people are suffering from some form of dementia in India.
Ten countries which are home to over a million people with dementia in 2015:
China
(9.5 million), US (4.2 million), India (4.1 million), Japan (3.1 million),
Brazil (1.6 million), Germany (1.6 million), Russia (1.3 million), Italy (1.2
million), Indonesia (1.2 million) and France (1.2 million).
As per WHO, Dementia
is a syndrome that affects memory, thinking, behavior and ability to perform
everyday activities. Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a
normal part of ageing. Alzheimer's
disease is the most common type of progressive dementia, an overall term for
conditions that occur when the brain no longer functions properly. Alzheimer's disease
contributes to 60–70% of cases.
The impact of
Dementia not only affects the person suffering from it but also the families
and societies physically, psychologically and economically. The rate at which
the disease progresses is different for everyone, on an average, people with
Alzheimer’s live for eight to eleven years after symptoms begin. It is very important to know about it, since
the lack of awareness and understanding of disease has contributed to such an
alarming situation.
With efforts
from Alzheimer's Disease International, WHO also released a report named
“Dementia: a public health priority” to raise awareness of dementia as a public
health priority, to articulate a public health approach and to advocate for
action at international and national levels.
Though, there
are currently no treatments available to slow or stop the brain damage caused
by Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers continue to search for ways to better treat
Alzheimer’s and other progressive dementias. However, WHO lays certain goals for
Dementia, such as;
- Early diagnosis
- Optimizing physical health, cognition, activity and well-being
- Identifying and treating co-existing physical illness
- Detecting and treating behavioral and psychological symptoms
- Providing information and long-term support to caregivers
Despite the magnitude, there is much neglect and
scarce services for people with dementia. People with dementia are frequently
denied the basic rights and freedoms available to others. It’s high time to address
the need and make an appropriate and supportive legislative environment to
ensure the highest quality of care and service for the people with dementia and
their caregivers.
Loneliness and isolation can cause a big health risk; so let us connect with older people and help them improve their mental health!
