Shrimati Hira Devi, a 85 year old grandmother in India, is confused. She is surrounded by her family. She is not able to remember name of most of them. She asks, “Why strangers have surrounded me?”Her family members laugh. It is a serious issue. You will forget to laugh when you will read about the lurking danger of dementia around us.

Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is not a single disease, but an umbrella term covering disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), dementia has become 7^th leading cause of death. It is one of the fastest-growing public health emergencies, with profound social, economic, and care giving consequences.

As populations age worldwide, dementia is increasingly viewed not just as a medical issue, but as a slow-onset disaster—placing immense strain on families, healthcare systems, and national economies.

1. In 2021, 57 million people had dementia worldwide, over 60% of whom live in low-and middle-income countries. Every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases.
2. Dementia results from a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases.
3. Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally.
4. In 2019, dementia cost economies globally US$ 1.3 trillion, approximately 50% of these costs are attributable to care provided by informal carers (e.g. family members and close friends), who provide on average 5 hours of care and supervision per day.
5. Women are disproportionately affected by dementia, both directly and indirectly. Women experience higher disability-adjusted life years and mortality due to dementia, but also provide 70% of care hours for people living with dementia.

Source-WHO

What are symptoms of Dementia ?

Dementia is a syndrome that can be caused by a number of diseases.The damage of nerve cell typically leads to reduced ability to process thought. Normally, people asscociate with the usual consequences of biological ageing. Dementia does not affect consciousness hence other symtoms are normally not noticed in early stages.

The impairment in cognitive function is commonly compensated by adjuctment in life style. The onset of impairment in cognitive function arrive after arrival of warning signs of changes in mood, emotional control, behaviour, or motivation.Ironically ,we miss these early warning signs. We see these early warning signs as normal part of aging.

Dementia occurs when nerve cells are destroyed and brain is damaged,disrupting communication between neurons. This leads to symptoms such as:

1. Memory loss and confusion
2. Difficulty with language and problem-solving
3. Changes in emotional control,
4. Changes in behaviour,
5. Reduction in motivation level
6. Deterioration in cognitive function
7. Personality or mood changes
8. Loss of independence in later stages

What can cause dementia?

While aging is the greatest risk factor, dementia is not a normal part of aging."It is a problem which we invite with our bad lifstyle and food habits." says Dr Pavi Pratyaksha Pandey.There are several factors which cause dementia. Some of which are:-

1. Age (more common in those 65 or older)
2. high blood pressure (hypertension)
3. high blood sugar (diabetes)
4. being overweight or obese
5. smoking
6. drinking too much alcohol
7. being physically inactive
8. being socially isolated
9. depression .

Why Dementia Is a Disaster-Risk Issue ?

Dr Sarvesh Pandey,Joint Replacement & Orthoscopic surgeon in Indraprasth Aplolo Hospital,Delhi, says , "Dementia causes severe bone fractures due to fall as the people suffering from it faces challanges in maintaining balance.They are not able to react quickly in dangerous situation and incure injuries." Dementia silently amplifies vulnerability during emergencies because of following reasons:-

1. 
   
2. People with dementia struggle to evacuate, follow instructions, or recognize danger
3. Care systems collapse quickly during disasters and conflicts
4. Caregivers face burnout, poverty, and psychological stress

Without prevention and planning, dementia increases disaster mortality, displacement risks, and long-term social instability.

Shri Ganesh Pandey,Advocate in Delhi High court, says " Dementia is causing legal problems as old people forget about their property details.Their loss of memory can be exploited by bad elements to capture their property.We will be seeing emergence of large number of such cases of fraud with people suffering from dementia in future."

Pic Credits - Pixabay , Moondance

How to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Dementia ?

As dementia is largely a life style disease ,we can reduce its chances of occurance by life style modifications. Although there is no guaranteed cure, up to 40% of dementia cases are considered preventable or delayable through lifestyle and environmental interventions.

1. Protect Brain Health Early

1. Maintain regular physical activity
2. Do yoga regularly (at least 45 minutes daily)
3. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
4. Control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol
5. Be vegetarian it largely reduces the risks

2. Stay Mentally and Socially Active

1. Lifelong learning, reading, and problem-solving strengthen cognitive reserve
2. Social isolation significantly increases dementia risk
3. Join singing, dancing or other activity groups
4. Even regular visit to temples and participating in its activity is good for retired people.
5. Maintain a circle of friends and actively participate in morning walk with them

3. Reduce Environmental and Disaster-Related Risks

1. Avoid air pollution and exposure to toxic substances
2. Use protective headgear to prevent brain injuries
3. Address hearing loss early—untreated hearing loss is a major risk factor

4. Prioritize Mental Health

1. Chronic stress, depression, and poor sleep accelerate cognitive decline
2. Do pranayam and dhyan
3. Community-level mental health support is essential, especially after disasters

5. Plan Dementia-Inclusive Communities

1. Early screening and awareness programs
2. Disaster preparedness plans that include elderly and cognitively impaired populations
3. Plan and write everything for ready reference
4. Keep all important contacts,and other details written in note book
5. Write a diary regularly
6. Be part of a self help group

A Call for Preventive Action

Dementia is knocking on the door. Dementia is no longer a future threat—it is a present global health challenge. Preventing dementia requires coordinated action across health, urban planning, disaster preparedness, and social protection systems. Investing in prevention today can significantly reduce the humanitarian and economic burden tomorrow.

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