Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), Mysuru chapter, on Monday urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to provide disability benefits to persons with dementia and introduce non-contributory social pension schemes to elderly persons suffering from dementia.
The ARDSI had organised a memory walk here to spread awareness on the disease. Many educational institutions and organisations supported the initiative, and several doctors, students of medical, pharmacy and nursing, took part.
The organisation suggested that the State government should set up a fund and expand the implementation of Mental Health Gap Action Plan by including healthcare packages for dementia as one of the core disorders.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, ARDSI-Mysuru chairperson Hanumanthachar Joshi said the government should increase funding for research on dementia, introduce policies for long-term care, and focus on supporting family caregivers and ensuring social protection of vulnerable people with dementia.
Urging the government to make dementia a health priority, he said the Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among the elders. The World Health Organisation estimates that 18-25 million people had been affected in 2000 and the number is expected to rise to 32-40 million by 2020. In India, 60 million are suffering from dementia, Dr. Joshi said.
“The exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not well understood. But research indicates that genetics and lifestyle factors can play a role,” Dr. Joshi said.
ARDSI said the damage first strikes the areas of the brain that control memory, which is why memory problems are the first symptoms to be noticed in the early stages of the disease. As damage progresses to other areas of the brain, problems with other functions develop. The current treatments focus on modifying the progression of the disease and helping manage the symptoms. Medicines are used to treat Alzheimer’s disease which may help maintain cognitive function.
The memory walk was organised as an awareness programme as part of World Alzheimer’s Month which is being observed here. During the month, activities, including trekking to Chamundi Hills, seminars and workshops, have been planned.
