Alzheimer's is one of the most common diseases in older adults across the world. It involves parts of the brain that control thoughts, memories, and other things. It can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities as well. It is also one of the most common causes of dementia in people. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, thinking, and remembering, to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and other activities.
Most people with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are diagnosed after age 65. AD accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. To make people aware of the cause and seriousness of Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s Day is celebrated on 21st September. In some nations, it is also observed for the whole month. Every September, people across the world come together to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma that continues around dementia. The 2021 campaign of World Alzheimer Day will reflect on the warning indications of dementia. It will additionally support people to seek out news, encouragement, and assistance.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens. It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. This disease has also been present in India. As per the 2011 Census, India is home to about 65 million people of age 65 and above, constituting 5.5% of the total population. The prevalence of dementia in India is reported to be 2.7%, as the age increases. For instance, nearly 20% of people above 80 suffer from dementia. The mean age of display is comparatively younger at 66.3 years in India, about 10 years lesser than other developed nations.
Unlike the western countries, in India, most elderly people live with their families and maximum patients with dementia are taken care of by their families. And with the increasing elderly population and reducing joint family system in India, dementia poses a great challenge. It is only through a truly global effort that people can raise much-needed awareness and challenge the stigma and data that still surrounds dementia.
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Reference:
- www.alzint.org
- www.nhp.gov.in
- www.ardsi.org