Inactive lifestyles are contributing to the rise in dementia cases, with only 10% receiving timely treatment.:

News Topical, Digital Desk : The number of dementia patients in India is steadily increasing due to sedentary life after retirement and changing lifestyles.

Experts from the Department of Neurology and Anatomy of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) say that currently more than 88 lakh people in India are affected by dementia, but only 10 percent of these cases are diagnosed on time.

At an awareness program organized by AIIMS and the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India on World Alzheimer's Day, experts said that this problem is now becoming a public health crisis. Dr. Manjari Tripathi, professor in the AIIMS Department of Neurology, explained that there are many types of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common, affecting 60 to 70 percent of patients.

Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease-related dementia, and syphilis. Initially, the disease progresses asymptomatically, but gradually, behavioral changes become noticeable. Key symptoms include repeating things repeatedly, forgetting after eating, and responding differently than normal. If such symptoms appear, family members should immediately consult a specialist. Patients may not even realize they soiled their clothes if they are late.

Causes of disease progression

Research has shown that smoking, alcohol, junk food, lack of exercise, diabetes, and high blood pressure increase the risk of dementia. Experts say that lifestyle changes can reduce this risk by about 40 percent.

AIIMS experts said that this disease is more prevalent in rural areas, where people become less active after a certain age and show less interest in learning new things. Social isolation and loneliness are also major factors.

Yoga can provide relief

Dr. Reema Dada, professor in the AIIMS Anatomy Department and yoga expert, said that yoga and pranayama may be effective in reducing the risk of dementia. Yoga improves sleep quality and reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

At the same time, increasing melanin hormone levels can protect brain cells from damage. He advised people to practice pranayama, anulom-vilom, and other yoga asanas for at least 45 minutes daily under the supervision of an expert.