0
0
India urgently requires a comprehensive national strategy on ageing and mental health to effectively combat the rising burden of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, with experts calling for integrated care models and policy reforms. Current estimates suggest nearly 9 million Indians over the age of 60 are living with dementia, a number projected to double by 2030 due to increasing life expectancy and demographic shifts.
Rising Dementia Burden in India
India faces a rapidly escalating dementia crisis driven by its ageing population. With over 110 million citizens aged 60 and above—representing 8.9% of the total population—the country is witnessing a surge in age-related neurological conditions. A 2023 study estimated that 7.4% of adults aged 60 and older, amounting to approximately 8.8 million people, currently live with dementia. These figures are expected to rise dramatically, with projections indicating that the number of people with dementia could reach 14.3 million by 2050. Despite this growing burden, dementia remains significantly underdiagnosed, with only about 10% of cases formally identified, highlighting a critical gap in awareness and healthcare access.
Current Policy Framework and Gaps
While India has had a National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) since 1982, dementia-specific care remains inadequately addressed within existing frameworks. The NMHP, re-strategized in 2003 and expanded through the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in 1996, aims to integrate mental health services into primary care. However, dementia care infrastructure remains sparse, with only around 100 memory clinics, 15 day care centres, and 12 residential facilities nationwide—grossly insufficient for the scale of need. Experts emphasize that Alzheimer’s must be viewed not merely as a clinical issue but as part of a broader national strategy on ageing and mental health, requiring coordinated action across ministries and sectors.
Expert Recommendations and Strategic Priorities
Medical professionals and public health experts are advocating for the formal adoption of a National Dementia Strategy, aligning with global efforts such as the WHO’s Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia. Key recommendations include integrating dementia screening and management into Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, strengthening training for primary care providers, and expanding community-based support systems. The Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), established in 1992, has long championed advocacy through its 20 chapters and calls for government commitment to funding, capacity building, and research. Experts also stress the importance of culturally appropriate, cost-effective interventions that leverage family and community support networks.
Digital and Community-Based Innovations
Recent digital health initiatives offer promising avenues for scaling dementia care. The National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS), launched in 2022, provides 24/7 tele-mental health services across 20 Indian languages and has already handled over 1.8 million calls as of early 2025. This platform could be expanded to include dementia-specific triage and caregiver support. Additionally, the government’s collaboration with iGOT-Diksha has enabled large-scale training of healthcare workers in mental health, which can be extended to include geriatric cognitive disorders. NIMHANS, in partnership with the Dementia India Alliance, has also launched targeted initiatives to enhance early detection and community care models.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite these efforts, significant challenges persist. Chronic underfunding, limited specialist workforce, and social stigma continue to hinder effective dementia care. Only a fraction of elderly individuals receive timely diagnosis or access to supportive services, and there is a pressing need for policy coherence between ageing, disability, and mental health agendas. Strengthening preventive measures, promoting brain health literacy, and investing in longitudinal research are essential components of a sustainable response. As India’s population continues to age, establishing dementia as a national health priority will be crucial to ensuring dignified, equitable care for millions of affected individuals and their families.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References
