Wed Jan 29 01:30:00 UTC 2025: **India Needs National Dementia Policy, Says IISc Study**
Bengaluru, January 29, 2025 – A new study from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) urges the Indian government to implement a comprehensive national dementia policy. The research, published in *The Lancet Psychiatry*, highlights the escalating dementia crisis in India, projected to affect 5.3 million people by 2020 and 15.3 crore (153 million) by 2050.
With India’s elderly population expected to reach 340 million by 2050, the IISc researchers emphasize the urgent need for effective prevention strategies and equitable resource allocation. The current healthcare expenditure of 1.9% of GDP, with a minuscule 0.033% allocated to mental health and elder care, is deemed insufficient.
The study cites a 7.4% prevalence of dementia among those aged 60 and older in India (2023-2024), with higher rates among women and in rural areas. Dr. Thomas Gregor Issac, associate professor and corresponding author, points to significant challenges including early diagnosis gaps, a lack of awareness, cultural misconceptions, and insufficient support for caregivers. He stressed the need for expanded healthcare infrastructure and professional training to address the issue.
While some state-level initiatives, such as Kerala’s comprehensive dementia care model, exist, the researchers advocate for a national policy integrating dementia care into both geriatric and mental health plans. The study also acknowledges ongoing research efforts, including the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative and various IISc projects, as important steps toward improving neurological care for India’s aging population. The researchers believe that overcoming cultural stigma around seeking care and establishing robust support networks for caregivers are crucial aspects of a successful national strategy.
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