Dementia Patients Do Not Receive Post-Diagnosis Care

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Psychologs Magazine
September 23rd 2022

In India, the number of people with dementia is going up sharply. Dementia is a neurological disorder that gets worse over time. Dementia is not a single disease; rather, it is an overall term that covers a variety of different medical diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Disorders classified as "dementia" are caused by abnormal brain changes. These alterations cause a loss in thinking capabilities, also known as cognitive capacities, which is severe enough to interfere with everyday living and independent functioning. They also have an impact on behavior, emotions, and relationships.

In India, the number of people with dementia is going up sharply. Dementia is a neurological disorder that gets worse over time. Dementia is not a single disease; rather, it is an overall term that covers a variety of different medical diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Disorders classified as "dementia" are caused by abnormal brain changes. These alterations cause a loss in thinking capabilities, also known as cognitive capacities, which is severe enough to interfere with everyday living and independent functioning. They also have an impact on behavior, emotions, and relationships.

The World Alzheimer's Report 2022 estimates that up to 85% of the more than 55 million people living with dementia may not receive post-diagnosis care. It was written by researchers at McGill and published by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) in honor of September 21st, World Alzheimer's Day. There are more than 105 Alzheimer's and dementia groups across the world, and almost all are members of ADI.

According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) research, the number of Indians with dementia is expected to rise from an estimated 3.8 million today to an estimated 11.4 million by 2050.

The GBD research was a part of the Strengthening Responses to Dementia in Developing Countries (STRiDE) project, which was coordinated by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI).

India is home to 1.3 billion people, and according to the 2011 Census, 68.8% of them live in rural areas. In 2021, people aged 60 and older are expected to make up about 10.1% of the population. By 2036, this number is expected to rise to almost 15%.

To help the 139 million people who are expected to have dementia by 2050, the World Alzheimer's Report has called for urgent improvements to treatment, care, and support services for the 55 million people around the world who already have dementia.

Why is it that when someone is diagnosed with dementia, they frequently aren't provided with treatment or care? We don't ask if individuals with cancer need therapy, so why is this? They are just instructed to arrange their final affairs, "according to Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) CEO. "While there is no "cure" for dementia, there is strong evidence that patients' quality of life is greatly improved by getting the right care, support, and therapy after their diagnosis."