What are the early signs of dementia in India?

Early signs include apathy, difficulty multitasking, misplacing objects, repetitive questioning, and a noticeable decline in efficiency.

How does dementia affect families in India?

Families face emotional exhaustion, physical strain, and guilt while navigating the progressive behavioral and physical changes of dementia patients.

Can dementia be reversed in India?

While dementia itself is irreversible, some conditions mimicking its symptoms, like vitamin deficiencies, are treatable with early diagnosis.

Home / Health / Dementia's Hidden Toll: India's Caregiver Crisis

Dementia's Hidden Toll: India's Caregiver Crisis

9 Jan

•

Summary

Dementia affects nearly nine million people in India.
Caregiving for dementia patients imposes immense emotional and physical strain.
Early detection of dementia is crucial for potential reversibility.

Dementia's Hidden Toll: India's Caregiver Crisis

In India, dementia is an escalating challenge impacting nearly nine million individuals. Families are grappling with the profound emotional and physical toll of caregiving, as the condition progressively alters personality, behavior, and physical abilities. This situation underscores the critical need for comprehensive support systems.

Experts emphasize that dementia affects cognitive functions beyond memory, including reasoning and language. Early signs like apathy and difficulty with tasks are often mistaken for aging or depression. However, early neurological evaluations can identify treatable conditions mimicking dementia, such as vitamin deficiencies, making timely diagnosis paramount.

Dedicated care homes offer specialized environments using neurocognitive exercises, music, and art therapy to enhance residents' quality of life. These facilities also provide crucial counseling for families, helping them navigate the guilt associated with seeking institutional care and understanding it as a responsible act of compassion.