One in Eight Indians are Suffering From Dementia, Government Data Says

Alzheimer Threat: The dementia epidemic is looming in India with one in eight people currently as compared to one in twenty-five in 1990. 

The recent data on Alzheimer’s disease from the Government shows a three-fold rise in the prevalence of cognitive decline over 1990. This rise in the number of cases signaling the urgent need to address the risk factors for the neurodegenerative disease which leaves patients and families in pain and broken on accounts due to the massive psychological and medical expenses.  

Keeping the number of rising cases in mind- experts say that it is necessary to build individual cognitive reserves as soon as possible to fight dementia. 

According to the popular neurologist of New Delhi AIIMS – Manjari Tripathi- 35% of dementia is attributable to a combination of modifiable risk factors which can be addressed at an early stage. 

He advised that ‘We need to work on our cognitive reserves from a young age. Cognitive reserve is the ability of the brain to resist disease by modifiable life experiences so that we can push back dementia by several years. This reserve can be built by avoiding smoking, alcohol, sugar, eating healthy, adding unsaturated oils to the diet, nuts, green leafy vegetables, reducing protein, practicing regular exercise, and small meals & intermittent fasting.  

Also, experts say- engagement in brain games and avoiding staring at laptops, computers, mobiles, and tablets screens for prolonged periods can avoid risks.    

Research has further revealed that people who are suffering from neurosis are more prone to cognitive decline and they need to work on keeping their minds calm and meditation. The neurologist – Manjari Tripathi- says, Western countries have reduced the effect of Alzheimer’s just by opting for lifestyle changes. 

“Currently, in every second there is a case of dementia and one person will develop major cognitive decline due to the aging factor. We are still learning about the disease and, as of now, what we know is it leads to shrinking of brain memory cells and has two main causes for this- non-modifiable (genes and age), and modifiable” – says Tripathi, associated with the Delhi Chapter of Alzheimer and Related Disorder Society of India. 

Experts call it an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s that starts with short memory lapses and later turns into the ability to discharge normal activities.