National Policy on Older Persons to be reviewed soon – Mukul Wasnik
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17:32 IST
While appreciating the efforts made by Alzheimer’s Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI) for developing a National Dementia Strategy, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik ensured to include the recommendations from the deliberations in the review of the National Policy on Older Persons. He was speaking at the valedictory function of the Two-Day Consultative Meeting of Experts for Developing National Dementia Strategy here today.

The Minister also added that the Government of India is committed to ensure the well being of the older persons which also includes Dementia. In this regard, among various other initiatives, a National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP); Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 were introduced. Integrated Scheme for Older Persons has been introduced for improving the quality of life of the elderly which includes scheme such as running of Day Care Centres for Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia Patients, etc.

While stressing the need of caregivers, he said, ‘ people with dementia typically need round-the-clock care and supervision. They also may need assistance with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing. Meeting these needs takes patience, understanding, and careful thought by the person’s caregivers’.

‘Caring for a person with dementia requires specific skills in providing activities, overseeing medication crises, and handling problem behaviours. For this Dementia care givers require special education about dementia and professional support. It appears that the level of understanding of dementia is limited and hence there is a need to increase awareness among care givers and the community on management of Dementia’.

As per World Alzheimer’s Report published by the Alzheimer’s disease International, it was estimated that as on today there are 36 million people with dementia in the world and in India there are about 3 million with Dementia. The number may go up to 10 million by 2030.

The social and economic consequences of this increase will be extraordinary. This is not simply because of the sheer numbers of people who will have dementia, but because dementia is one of the most disabling of all chronic non communicable disease which leads to personality changes and behavioural problems.

Studies have shown that people who maintain tight control over their glucose levels, who engage in intellectually stimulating activities, such as social interactions, chess, crossword puzzles, and playing a musical instrument, significantly lower their risk of developing or delay the onset of dementia.

SB/AP