Lok Sabha Question No. 3134 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Increasing Trend of Dementia in India
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. Sajda Ahmed

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3134 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09 TH AUGUST, 2024

## INCREASING TREND OF DEMENTIAIN INDIA

## 3134. SMT. SAJDA AHMED:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of the increasing trend of dementia in the country and worldwide, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of Alzheimer's disease reported across the country during the last three years, categorized by age including in West Bengal;
- (c) whether the Government has undertaken any initiatives regarding research on Alzheimer's disease and dementia among Indian citizens, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has any special programmes/drives to detect dementia among the elderly population across the country and to provide treatment in this regard; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## (SH. PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

- (a) to (e) As per the information received from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for the Longitudinal Aging Study in India estimated dementia prevalence of 7.4% (88 lakh) in adults aged 60+ in India.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) undertook a study to develop tool for measuring cognitive impairment in Indian population. ICMR Neuro Cognitive toolbox (ICMR-NCTB) is developed in five different Indian languages and is permitted to be used in 16 research studies and for clinical assessment.

Risk for Dementia can be potentially reduced by better management of Diabetes and Hypertension. Government of India is implementing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) with focus on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, screening, early detection and management of common Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including diabetes and hypertension. Screening for common NCDs is also an integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat -Health and Wellness Centres. Government is also implementing the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE). The major activities of NPHCE include setting up of Geriatric Department in regional Geriatric

Centres (RGC) with OPD care services and 30 bedded Geriatric Ward, setting up of Geriatric units at District Hospitals to provide specialized Geriatric Services including a 10 bedded Geriatric Ward, establishment of a rehabilitation unit at all Community Health Centres and Geriatric Clinics twice a week, setting up of weekly Geriatric Clinic by trained Medical Officers at Primary Health Centres and information, education and communication activities on healthy lifestyle, home care to the bed ridden and supporting devices for the needy elderly persons at sub-centre level.

In addition to the above, the Government is also taking steps to strengthen mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level. The Government has upgraded more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health, Neurological and Substance use disorders (including Dementia) services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Operational guidelines on Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders (MNS) including dementia at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been released under the ambit of Ayushman Bharat.

As per the information received from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry is implementing the scheme Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), a component of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) under which grant in aid is provided to Non Governmental/ Voluntary Organisations for running and maintenance of senior citizen homes (old age homes) wherein facilities like shelter, nutrition, medicare and entertainment are provided free of cost to indigent senior citizens. Under the Scheme grants upto 100% of project cost are given for running and maintenance of Continuous Care Homes and Homes for senior citizens afflicted with Alzheimer's disease/ Dementia for a minimum of 20 Senior Citizens who are seriously ill requiring continuous nursing care and respite or those who are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease/ Dementia.

Besides the above, the Government has launched a 'National Tele Mental Health Programme' (NTMHP) on 10th October, 2022, to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country. As on 23.07.2024, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells and have started tele mental health services. More than 11,76,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number.

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