A Brief Report on the proceedings of the National Dementia Summit

The National Dementia Summit was held in New Delhi for two days at India Islamic Cultural Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi during 20-21 September 2010, commemorating the World Alzheimer’s Day as a grand event.  The highlight of the event was release of Dementia India Report on 20th September 2010 and World Alzheimer’s Report on the 21st September 2010.
The speakers comprised learned professionals and experts in the field of Dementia research, care and management from various international and National level agencies.

Release of Dementia India Report 2010

The end of the first day witnessed release of Dementia India Report 2010.  Dr. Jacob Roy dwelt on the salient features of the reports ranging from prevalence, impact, costs and service gaps of Dementia; the methodology adopted to bring out this quintessential report from a developing country, which is nothing short of a National achievement. According to him at present there are 3.7 million Indians with dementia and the total societal costs is about Rs.14,700 crore.  These numbers are expected to double by 2030, with the likelihood of the costs getting escalated to three times that of the present. He stressed upon the support required by the patients’ families who have been the primary care givers through adequate exposure and pro policies. The report was unveiled by the President Emeritus of ARDSI Shrimati Nirmala Narula and the copy of it was handed over to Rev. Bishop of Malankara Church, who spoke on the noble humanitarian cause pursued by ARDSI and its collaborating agency in the service of Human beings.

Release of World Alzheimer’s Report

Similarly, at the end of the second day Mr. Marc Wortmann, Executive Director from Alzheimer’s Disease International, UK unveiled the World Alzheimer’s Report, in the presence of Mr. M.M. Sabharwal, President Emeritus, Helpage India and Mr. Mathew Cherian. Mr. Wortmann cited the significance of the report being released simultaneously at three different places worldwide and the importance of releasing it in Delhi commemorating the World Alzheimer’s Day.  Mr. Cherian highlighted the relevance of the report and the economics aspects could well be a critical input for the 12th Five Year Plan of Government of India. This release program was preceded by a colourful Kathakali rendition by an expert group.

 Kathakali rendition