- Dementia India Alliance has launched the National Dementia Support Line to offer information, guidance, support and memory screening to individuals and families facing the challenges of dementia, absolutely free of cost
- The national non-profit organisation has also set up DemClinic (www.DemClinic.com) – an expert-led cognitive assessment platform for the elderly
Bengaluru, NFAPost: Dementia India Alliance (DIA) – a non-profit, family carer-centred national organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia and their families, has launched two pivotal initiatives to address the pressing challenges of dementia.
Dementia India Alliance (DIA) has launched the National Dementia Support Line with the primary objective of assisting individuals and families facing the challenges of dementia. The services include information, support and guidance, and promote timely diagnosis, and intervention through online memory screening services. All services provided through the National Dementia Support Line will be offered entirely free of cost ensuring access to crucial assistance to all. The free online memory screening aims to mitigate the stigma and encourage senior citizens to get an assessment to promote early diagnosis.
The Support Line will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, offering services in English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu. Trained psychologists and social workers will be at the forefront of addressing callers’ needs and providing empathetic and informed assistance. For those seeking guidance, support, or assistance related to dementia or memory-related issues, the National Dementia Support Line can be reached at 8585 990 990.
Dementia India Alliance (DIA) has also launched DemClinic (www.DemClinic.com) – India’s first comprehensive expert-led cognitive assessment platform for the elderly. The initiative is aimed at supporting families and persons with dementia through post-diagnostic care and support. While there is a huge dearth of memory clinics, psychiatrists, geriatricians and neurologists in our country, this virtual platform is expected to help those with dementia and their families get timely diagnosis and expert advice for post-diagnosis clinical management. Twelve senior psychiatrists, neurologists and geriatricians are empanelled for the DemClinic and this service will be offered at a reasonable fee.
Currently, there is no known cure for dementia. DemClinic leverages telemedicine technology to increase access to diagnosis and care. This virtual platform features interactive videoconferencing with experts – one of its key services. The consultation will include a detailed history and neuropsychological evaluation once clinicians have enough information to establish a probable diagnosis, advice on management and medications will be provided. Periodic follow-ups and continuum of care are essential caveats of the services.
People can book and get an assessment with the medical experts by calling 8585 990 990 or logging into DemClinic. (www.DemClinic.com).
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, the Dementia India Alliance plans to organise the Blue Button Campaign, on September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day. In line with programmes organised worldwide to raise awareness, remove the stigma and build appropriate support systems for dementia, Dementia India Alliance has plans to conduct the blue button campaign across six prominent cities in India – Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Vizag, Delhi, Gurgaon and Kochi. The blue button is a symbol of awareness and support for people living with dementia. A large number of caregivers, senior citizens, healthcare professionals, and those concerned with dementia are expected to participate in these campaigns. Participants will gather to form a human chain symbolically resembling the blue button like a shield, a coat of arms unifying and encouraging people to recognize the impact of dementia, empathize and take proactive steps to support. Placards will be carried, and pamphlets on dementia will be distributed as part of public education. This multifaceted approach seeks to not only raise awareness but also to lay the foundation for compassionate action and a more informed society.
About Dementia and its Impact
Dementia, a neurodegenerative brain disease, is a hidden epidemic affecting millions of elderly individuals in India. The estimated dementia prevalence for people above the age of 60 is 7.4%, with nearly 90 lac Indians currently living with dementia. With no cure in sight, individuals with dementia face severe memory loss, disorientation, challenging behaviours, and dependency, causing immense physical, financial, and emotional burdens for them and their families. By 2036, the number of individuals with dementia will rise to 1.7 Cr.
There is widespread ignorance, low awareness, stigma and a scarce number of memory clinics surrounding this condition leading to almost 90% of people never getting a diagnosis. The scarcity of experts, the dearth of services, the lack of trained professionals, and the low priority given to the disease by the government make the situation immensely challenging. Support services are often unavailable, inaccessible, unaffordable, and unsuited to meet the needs of people suffering from dementia or their families. This leads to increased suffering, owing to the direct and indirect costs associated with caring. Amidst this crisis, family caregivers urgently need information, guidance, accessible quality care, professional support, and practical resources to cope with the challenges.
About Dementia India Alliance (DIA)
Dementia India Alliance (DIA) is a non-profit, family-centred national organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia and their families. The organisation is led by a founding team of a diverse group of organisations and individual family caregivers who bring extensive experience and expertise in dementia care. DIA is focused on supporting family caregivers and fostering a dementia-inclusive society. By connecting, inspiring, and empowering individuals, organisations, and governments, DIA aims to enhance the well-being of those living with dementia and their families. DIA stands at the forefront of the fight against dementia, striving to improve quality of life and provide compassionate care.
Quotes – Dr Radha S Murthy, President DIA
Dementia India Alliance (DIA) is a beacon of hope in the fight against dementia, committed to enriching the lives of those affected by this condition by providing compassionate care and continuous support. Our mission is to connect, inspire, and empower, catalyzing positive transformation toward a more inclusive society.”
Quotes – Mr Shyam V, Secretary DIA
DIA has come into existence with the purpose of bringing help and hope to individuals with dementia and their family caregivers. Our focus is on bringing the most relevant information, expertise and care services in the most easily accessible way to the family affected by this terrible disease.
Quotes –Ms Ruhi Sridhar, Co-founder of Cracker + Rush, who has designed the logo for Dementia India Alliance,
The ability to button one’s own clothes is a sign of independence. The loss of this ability, universally, is an early indicator of the onset of dementia. The idea was to use the button and interconnected threads as a symbol of hope and support. I hope this is the beginning of ‘The Blue Button Movement’ for Dementia’.
