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Dementia Crisis Looms: India Conference Tackles Public Health Emergency
3 Dec
Summary
- Dementia affects over 8.8 million elderly Indians, rising concern.
- Andhra Pradesh shows higher dementia prevalence at 7.7%.
- DEMCON 2025 aims to boost dementia awareness, research, and policy.
A significant national conference, DEMCON 2025, is scheduled for December 5-6 at GITAM Medical College in Visakhapatnam. The event is centered on the theme "Dementia in India and Andhra Pradesh - A Growing Public Health Emergency." Its primary goal is to fortify India's dementia support structures through enhanced awareness, research initiatives, policy development, and practical implementation strategies.
The escalating prevalence of dementia has placed it firmly as a public health emergency. Currently, over 8.8 million elderly Indians are affected, with Andhra Pradesh exhibiting a concerning 7.7% prevalence rate, surpassing the national average. Projections indicate that by 2036, nearly 800,000 individuals in Andhra Pradesh will be living with dementia, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
DEMCON 2025 seeks to address critical needs such as developing a trained dementia workforce, establishing robust community-based support systems, and reinforcing district-level mental health services. Approximately 800 delegates, including healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and caregivers from across India, are expected to convene to accelerate action and support the emerging state-level dementia action plan.
