Help for Alzheimer’s patients

The Delhi government has finally woken up to the needs of Alzheimer’s patients in the city. Delhi finance minister A.K. Walia on Sunday announced setting up of a day-care centre for those suffering from the disease.

The Delhi government has finally woken up to the needs of Alzheimer’s patients in the city. Delhi finance minister A.K. Walia on Sunday announced setting up of a day-care centre for those suffering from the disease.

HT Image

“The Delhi government will provide centrally located land for building an Alzheimer’s day-care centre,” said Walia.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness of the brain, which affects the elderly the most.

There are an estimated 18 million people worldwide suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

India accounts for six million of these patients.

“AD patients require constant care. Though medication helps calm down patients, there is no cure available,” said Dr L. K. Malhotra, neurologist, VIMHANS.

Malhotra was speaking at the 9th annual Caregivers Meet of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients organised by NGO Hope Ek ASHA, in Delhi on Sunday.

“AD affects the whole family, especially the primary caregiver. Stress and depression are two major problems faced by caregivers,” said Dr Sushma Chawla, founder of Hope Ek ASHA, an NGO.

According to Hope Ek ASHA, there are an estimated 350,000 patients of AD in Delhi.