Breaking the Silence: Niti Aayog’s Mission to Improve Brain Health in India

As the world grapples with the rising cases of neurological disorders, India is taking a proactive step towards addressing this critical issue. The Niti Aayog, in collaboration with top medical institutions and experts, is on the verge of unveiling a comprehensive blueprint to enhance brain health and detect early signs of cognitive disorders and dementia. This initiative is a beacon of hope for the millions of Indians affected by these debilitating conditions.

The Alarming Rise of Neurological Disorders

The statistics are staggering. Currently, around 7.4% of Indians aged 60 and above are affected by dementia, with this number expected to skyrocket by 93% to 17 million by 2036. The burden of mental health problems in India is equally alarming, with 2,443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10,000 population, resulting in an estimated economic loss of $1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030. It’s clear that immediate action is required to prevent these numbers from escalating further.

A New Era in Brain Health: The Blueprint

The Niti Aayog’s blueprint is the result of a year-long collaboration between top officials, medical institutions, and experts. The goal is to develop a service model, akin to a brain health clinic, which will enable professionals to identify individuals with early cognitive decline and work with them to improve brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. This pioneering approach will focus on preventive measures, interventions, and treatment strategies to combat brain diseases at all levels of healthcare – primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Expert Insights: A Much-Needed Initiative

Dr. Samir Parikh, a renowned psychiatrist and director of the department of mental health and behavioral sciences at Fortis Healthcare, underscores the significance of this initiative. “Mental health needs a lot of focus, both on the preventive side as well as interventions. Anything we do, either in terms of access, affordability, lifestyle changes, or through interventions like digital and physical centers for early diagnosis, would be of great significance in improving mental health across all age groups in the country.”

The Road Ahead: A Meeting to Finalize the Roadmap

A crucial meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday to firm up the roadmap, with the report expected to be submitted to the government by the end of June. This meeting will bring together experts from the Aayog, the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and psychologists from the private sector.

A Call to Action: Prioritizing Mental Health

The ministry of health and family welfare reports that 15% of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention, with urban areas having a higher prevalence of 13.5% compared to 6.9% in rural areas. It’s imperative that we prioritize mental health and brain wellness, recognizing that any initiative towards this cause will make a significant difference in controlling the rising instances of neurological disorders.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Brain Health in India

As the Niti Aayog prepares to unveil its blueprint, there is a sense of hope and optimism in the air. This groundbreaking initiative has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach brain health and neurological disorders in India. By acknowledging the importance of mental health and taking proactive steps towards prevention and intervention, we can create a better future for millions of Indians affected by these conditions. The time to act is now – let us join hands in supporting this mission and work towards a healthier, happier India.

Content originally published by economictimes.indiatimes.com