'Early diagnosis key to check Alzheimer's, dementia'

Pro chancellor of Manipal University Dr Surendra Shetty on Wednesday emphasised on early diagnosis of age-related illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“India, in particular, is likely to witness an alarming situation on the health front in future,” said the pro chancellor, addressing a gathering during World Alzheimer’s Day programme organised by People’s Association for Geriatric Empowerment (PAGE) at Town Hall here.

Dr Shetty said, “India is likely to be hit badly due to ageing population that is expected to touch 13% of the total population by the year 2025, only to grow further at 17% in the later future.”

He said that the condition is attributed to the improvement in quality life leading to longevity to 68 years as against the life span of 36 years to 40 years recorded during the pre-Independence days. In the wake of such a situation, early diagnosis of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia will help take up timely remedy in treating such people, he advised.

Quoting statistics, Shetty said, “Every three seconds, one person is being diagnosed of Alzheimer’s and dementia across the globe. In the existing scenario, 1.4 million people are suffering from the afore mentioned ailments, but the number may touch 13 million by the year 2050. The reasons are mainly diabetes, physical inactivity and smoking, to name a few. India, being a vast country, may account for 1.25 billion population by the year 2020, and the number might only double in the later years.”

Shetty made a mention of country’s commitment towards slow population growth with a dedicated policy, only to be stymied by the improvement in economy and also quality of life.
Former minister Krishna J Palemar said, “The younger generation should get rid of ‘Maggi culture’, as the consumption of such junk food is hazardous to health. In the earlier days, there were no complaints of ailments due to quality food.”

Nitte University Pro chancellor Dr Shantharam Shetty said, “People should treat their elders and parents with love and affection, which will go a long way in addressing age-related ailments.”

MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer, Women and Child Development Department Deputy Director Sundar Poojary, PAGE President Dr Olinda Pereira, Vice President Prabha Adhikari and MAA Founder Director Jerardin D’Souza were present.