INDIA: National dementia awareness week to be observed from Sept 20

. KOLKATA (The Statesman), September 4, 2008: Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India will observe National Dementia awareness week from September 20 to 26. Every year, 4.6 million cases of dementia are reported world wide. The global figure for people with dementia stands at 30 million and this is expected to increase to 100 million by 2050 unless there is a medical breakthrough. Dr Nilanjana Sanyal, professor and former head of department Psychology, Calcutta University said the psycho-social menace is fast increasing in the city and there is lack of awareness among common people. The disease starts with a sense of unfamiliarity regarding familiar things followed by slow and gradual cognitive deterioration. Although it is usually the aged people who are affected, people in their mid 50s are also found to be suffering from the disease. “It is very difficult for the relatives of the patient to bear the situation and awareness drives are required to combat the disease,” she said. Ms Nilanjana Moulick who trains people to treat patients suffering from Alzheimer disease said a memory screening camp was held on August 15. A seminar to generate awareness will be held on September 20. There will be workshops and symposia and memory screening camps. Statesman News Service Source: The Statesman