Overview

• Recent estimates indicate about 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above live with dementia, with projections near 16.9 million by 2036 if prevalence remains unchanged.
• Ageing combines with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease and lifestyle factors such as inactivity, poor sleep and stress to drive rising risk.
• Experts highlight late recognition and frequent misdiagnosis, noting India has roughly 100 memory clinics for its vast elderly population.
• Caregiver strain is severe, with an AIIMS study finding nearly three-quarters experience significant stress, and women face higher impact due to longevity and lower health‑seeking behavior.
• Advances such as blood biomarkers and a 2024 FDA‑approved disease‑modifying therapy exist abroad but remain largely inaccessible in India, prompting calls to scale prevention, early detection and community support.