India must prioritize dementia prevention and caregiver support: Experts
Experts at the Hope for Dementia Conclave 2026 urge India to prioritize dementia prevention and support for caregivers as cases are set to surge.
At a major gathering in New Delhi, policymakers, clinicians, and civil society leaders issued a critical call to action: India must place dementia prevention, early identification, and robust support for caregivers at the very center of its public health strategy to address an ageing population.
The message was delivered at the Hope for Dementia Conclave 2026, organized by Hope Ek ASHA to mark its 25th anniversary of serving those affected by the condition. The event brought together a multidisciplinary group of specialists, including experts in neurology, psychiatry, and geriatrics, to address the looming crisis of cognitive decline in the country.
A Looming Demographic Challenge
The scale of the challenge is underscored by alarming projections. According to a nationally representative LASI-DAD study published in 2023, approximately 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and older are currently living with dementia. As India undergoes a significant demographic shift, this number is expected to skyrocket to 16.9 million by 2036, assuming prevalence rates remain stable.
Addressing the conclave as chief guest, Dr. VK Paul emphasized that dementia must be treated as a massive public health challenge. He advocated for a response that utilizes both traditional and technological tools while maintaining a focus on human dignity.
“Dementia should be seen as a public health challenge, and it should be responded to through the tools that public health offers and can be crafted... and never losing sight that the person in front, above all, is to be offered the highest level of dignity and compassion,” said Dr. Paul.
Dr. Paul further highlighted that dementia is not an inevitability; to a significant extent, it can be averted, muted, or delayed through systematic prevention packages promoted as a societal movement. He suggested that the network of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs could serve as a vital platform for bringing awareness and early identification directly to local communities.
Shifting from Treatment to Brain Health
Experts at the conclave argued that the current medical approach must evolve. Dr. Atul Prasad, Chairman and Head of Neurology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, noted that India is entering a major ageing transition that requires a shift in mindset.
“Dementia is not just a medical condition; it is a societal challenge,” Dr. Prasad stated. He urged a transition from merely treating dementia to focusing on "brain health plus care," suggesting that the next five years should focus on making dementia risk reduction a standard part of healthy ageing.
The Need for a Holistic Ecosystem
Dr. Sushma Chawla, Founder President of Hope Ek ASHA, reflected on the organization's journey from a small support group to a comprehensive service provider. She emphasized that the responsibility for care cannot rest on the shoulders of a single individual or family.
“Dementia care cannot be the responsibility of one doctor, one family or one person. It requires all of us,” Dr. Chawla remarked, outlining a vision for a dementia-inclusive society where quality care is accessible and caregivers are not left behind.
During panel discussions, experts identified several critical areas requiring immediate attention to build a sustainable support system:
- Increased Investment: Greater funding for dementia-specific research.
- Integrated Services: Better integration of mental health within general health services and the creation of multidisciplinary memory clinics.
- Caregiver Support: Standardized training, respite care, and structured day care to support families.
- Policy and Infrastructure: Stronger insurance coverage, reliable data collection, and expanded outreach to rural communities.
The consensus among the specialists was clear: a dementia diagnosis impacts an entire household, necessitating a care model that respects the emotional life and dignity of the patient while providing a lifeline to the families supporting them.