Dementia Cases Rise in Guntur, Raising Awareness

Quick Summary

• Lalitha Group of Hospitals in Guntur organized an awareness program on Alzheimer’s disease on Saturday, marking World Alzheimer’s Day, observed globally on September 21.
• Dr. Vijaya, Head of Neurology, lead the event alongside faculty from neurology and psychiatry departments.
• Dr. Vijaya highlighted that 7.4% of Indians over age 60 (~88 lakh people) suffer from dementia; the number is expected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050. Globally,a new case is diagnosed every three seconds.
• Experts discussed Alzheimer’s symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and associated psychological challenges during the event.
• Healthy lifestyle practices like exercise, diet control, mental stimulation, social engagement, and stress management were emphasized for prevention.
• Over 150 participants actively engaged with experts during the programme.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The programme effectively spotlights Alzheimer’s disease as an escalating health crisis in India with potentially vast socio-economic implications due to its progressively increasing prevalence among the elderly population. The projection that dementia cases may triple by mid-century signifies pressing challenges for India’s healthcare system in terms of infrastructure for elder care and specialized medical support.

India’s aging demographic further underscores the urgency to implement nationwide preventive strategies-aligned with those advocated by medical experts at events like this one-to mitigate future cases through lifestyle changes starting early in life. Efforts such as public awareness initiatives are critical in not only delaying onset but also reducing stigma around neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.

By facilitating expert interaction with patients and their families directly within community settings such as this session organized by Lalitha Group of Hospitals-it contributes meaningfully toward better informed public discourse while addressing specific local needs related to geriatric health issues.

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