Dementia in India: Doctors concerned about rising cases in rural areas, women | Health News

According to a Research Paper- using nationally representative data collected in India from 2017 to 2020- Published in ‘Alzheimer’s and Dementia’ – The Journal of Alzheimer’s Association revealed that 7.4% of people aged 60 and older live with dementia, amounting to roughly 8.8 million individuals.

World Alzheimer’s Day presents an urgent call to action.

New Delhi: Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating neurological disorder, gradually erodes a person’s memory, thinking skills, and ability to perform even the simplest tasks. It primarily affects individuals over the age of 60 and is the leading cause of dementia in older adults. In India, Alzheimer’s poses an alarming challenge, especially for women, who are at a significantly higher risk than men of developing this condition. The World Alzheimer’s Day campaign, “Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s,” focuses on raising awareness and addressing the stigma and discrimination that still exists around the disease. Experts said it is indeed right ‘Time to Act.’

According to a Research Paper- using nationally representative data collected in India from 2017 to 2020- Published in ‘Alzheimer’s and Dementia’ – The Journal of Alzheimer’s Association revealed that 7.4% of people aged 60 and older live with dementia, amounting to roughly 8.8 million individuals. Strikingly, dementia prevalence was found to be higher among females (9%) compared to males (5.8%), particularly in rural areas. The research highlights that the number of Indians with dementia could rise to 16.9 million by 2036 if current trends continue.

Dr Arindam Ghosh, Consultant, Neurologist, Narayana Health, Kolkata said, “Women have a much higher lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s than men. This could be due to a mix of biological, genetic, and lifestyle factors. In India, where women’s life expectancy is longer, we see a notable gender disparity in Alzheimer’s cases. We need to check future cases through awareness, lifestyle changes, and early diagnosis. At the same time, there is a need to create a robust support system for those living with Alzheimer’s. Public health efforts must include gender-specific strategies, and we must work towards making brain health a priority for women across all demographics,” said Dr Ghosh.

Numerous global studies have shown that women are at a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. In India, women in their 60s are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s during their lifetime compared to the risk of breast cancer, a statistic that raises critical concerns about the nation’s awareness of the disease. However, a 2024 study indicates that more than 80% of Indian women were unaware of their elevated risk for Alzheimer’s, and very few had discussed brain health with their doctors.

Dr Gautam Arora, Senior Consultant, Neurology Dharamshila Narayana Hospital Said, “Alzheimer’s disproportionately affects women not only because they live longer, but also due to hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors. India faces a growing Alzheimer’s burden, especially among women in rural regions where access to healthcare is limited. Educating women about the risks and encouraging regular health check-ups can go a long way in addressing this issue.”

Several mechanisms may explain the gender disparity in Alzheimer’s prevalence. Genetic risk factors are more pronounced in women. Additionally, researchers at leading medical institutions in India are exploring the role of the MGMT gene in increasing women’s susceptibility to Alzheimer’s. Hormonal changes, particularly post-menopause, as well as higher rates of depression and insomnia, further contribute to this elevated risk.

” It is evident that women frequently face higher levels of psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, and depression, which can elevate their risk of developing Alzheimer’s among them. Other factors, including educational disparities and lower cognitive reserve, also play a part. India must prioritize interventions that focus on women’s brain health, especially in underserved rural communities,” said Dr. A.K Sahani, Director and Chief of Neurology, at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre New Delhi.

While age and genetics remain uncontrollable factors, other risk factors for Alzheimer’s can be mitigated through lifestyle modifications. In India, where cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are on the rise, efforts to control these conditions can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

“A heart-healthy lifestyle can help protect the brain as well. Simple measures like regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and maintaining social connections can delay the onset of cognitive decline,” added Dr Sahni.

According to Dr Ashish Bansal MD, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-founder of House of Aesthetics in New Delhi- exercise, in particular, has been shown to increase blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain, enhancing cognitive functions. Social engagement also plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, as staying mentally active helps build neural connections and may slow down the progression of the disease.

The elderly population in the country is projected to grow considerably. Hence, the number of men and women affected by Alzheimer’s will also go up. According to recent projections, the country may face a steep rise in dementia cases, especially among women. However, global trends show that it’s possible to reduce the incidence of dementia through aggressive public health campaigns, early diagnosis, and lifestyle interventions. World Alzheimer’s Day presents an urgent call to action. India must focus on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting healthy aging. Efforts should include targeted health campaigns aimed at women, with a focus on early diagnosis and intervention.

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