Dementia Care In Keralam: State Plans Annual Screening For All People Aged 60 And Above

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has announced a slew of senior-focused initiatives on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons. He mentioned a slew of initiatives for the elderly, such as a senior citizens vulnerability registry, a care-giving workforce, a local support network, and creating opportunities for intergenerational connections. 

One of the notable initiatives includes dementia care. The state’s elderly population is rising rapidly. At present, seniors comprise 16.50 per cent of the state’s total population, and it is projected to reach 23 per cent by 2036. The challenge doesn’t stop here, because the changing demography will mean an increasing number of dependents. 

According to a report by the New Indian Express, the old-age dependency ratio in the state is projected to reach 34.30 per cent by 2031.

To address this, the state is now launching an initiative to conduct annual cognitive screening for its entire elderly population to ensure early detection of dementia. Dementia is a type of Alzheimer’s disease that can affect one’s memory, thinking abilities, and even everyday functioning in the advanced stage.  

According to official estimates, dementia is more prevalent among those aged 65 and above (4.86 per cent). Its overall prevalence is estimated to be in the range of 3.83-5.89 per cent.

Under the state’s action plan for dementia care, the screening of patients in rural areas will be conducted through primary health centres (PHCs), and there will be monthly multi-speciality clinics at the block level which will have neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists. 

In the urban regions, it will be managed under the existing Vayomithram initiative.

ASHA and Anganwadi workers will be roped in for outreach. To evaluate the condition, a screening tool will be developed and validated by the State Resource Centre for Older People (SRCOP) at the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS).

The action plan also establishes a tiered referral chain for complex medical cases needing dedicated care. For this, district hospitals and government medical colleges across all 14 districts will set up memory clinics.

Reportedly, the existing Smruthipadham dementia-care centres in Edavanakkad (Ernakulam) and Kunnamkulam (Thrissur) will form the initial tier. The proposal calls for establishing at least one dedicated centre in every district within three years.

The framework puts families at the centre as care providers. While newly diagnosed individuals will receive coordinated post-diagnostic support through Vayomithram, family and paid caregivers would be provided training on daily care, safe-home set-ups, and managing behavioural symptoms.

Caregivers will also get access to respite care through the Pakal Veedu and Samayaprabha network, which has caregiver groups and an integrated helpline. A state-level dementia registry will be maintained to monitor the coverage and diagnostic outcomes and will connect data with the existing Vayomithram and welfare databases.

The senior-focused initiatives are aimed at providing proper care to the elderly for a dignified life. The dementia care initiative will follow a three-year rollout. Under Phase I, screening protocols and a coordination mechanism will be established; Phase II will expand services to the district level, and Phase III will see completion of the framework with the establishment of statewide caregiver support and workforce development.