
With an aim to gauge at the level of awareness of Alzheimer's and Dementia, experts at Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj (FHVK) conducted a study. Surprisingly, it was found that the youth in India does not consider forgetfulness as a disease or an ailment. Dr Madhuri Behari, Consultant, Neurology at Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj carried out a survey wherein sample answers were collected between December 2016 and January 2017. Nearly 200 people were interviewed ageing 15-40yrs. The findings were surprisingly shocking.
- 97% didn't know the cause of dementia
- 91% youth don't consider forgetfulness as a disease and didn't know that it can be reversed.
- 90 % didn't know that repeated stroke can cause memory impairment
- 85% didn't know about Alzheimer as a disease
- 82% said diabetes doesn't predispose to dementia
- 72% said alcoholism cannot predispose to dementia(Also Read: 14 Natural Ways to Improve Brain Power: Train Your Brain)

Understanding Dementia

It is important to factor in some crucial points in order to understand the illness. At first, the onset is hard to find, they appear and progress gradually. In most people it may start with memory disturbances especially for recent events like day to day routine. Many others may find it difficult to recall words or their pronunciation. Some people may find it difficult to locate ways and passages - like getting inside the house or vice-versa - while others may go to the kitchen thinking it is toilet or some room. A sense of estrangement also seeps in, people with dementia may not recognize their immediate family members.

"In Asia the number of people living with dementia was 22.9 million in 2015 which is expected to grow to 38.5 million by 2030 and to 67.2 million in 2050. Today more than 80% people living with dementia live in the G20 countries, in India the numbers of Alzheimer's patients is expected to double by 2030 and the costs involved will increase three folds. This study was aimed to build a base for comprehensive development of dementia program. Experts call for an urgent move by the government and the private sector to create a program where dementia-care program can be developed," Sandeep Guduru, Facility Director, FHVK
Some of the ways to keep your brain sharp and steer clear of memory decline is to continually train it. Play puzzles and memory enhancing games like Soduko.Inputs from ANI