World Alzheimer’s Day and Sri Lanka’s challenge

World Alzheimer’s Day falls on 21 September each year and it is a day to focus attention on a disease that is on the rise world over including in Sri Lanka. According to the data published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020 Alzheimer’s and Dementia deaths in Sri Lanka reached 6,939 or 5.98% of total deaths and this trend is on the rise.

As the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, degenerative disease of the brain, increases with age, Sri Lanka with one of the fastest ageing populations in the region, has much to focus on to assist those who would be afflicted by the related conditions in years to come. The Sri Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) says that predictions are that by 2036 every fifth person in the country will be over 60 years and we can expect an increasing number of people with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, and it is estimated that by 2050 there will be almost half a million people living with dementia in Sri Lanka.

The LAF, a member of the global association, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), is focused on post-diagnosis support for those living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias and to enhance the wellbeing of their family carers but this is an area which would need governmental support in the future. While there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, its onset can be delayed, and progression prevented from worsening with early screening and treatment of patients.

As the initial signs of Alzheimer’s disease and onset of dementia are subtle, it is usually ignored as forgetfulness that sets in with age. Medical professionals advise that you seek help if there are any memory or cognitive changes that concern you. The advice is to seek an assessment by a doctor instead of making self-diagnosis which could delay a person from getting the required treatment. As with any other medical condition, treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is most effective when started early. Treatment includes medications as well as some alternative therapies.

Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation President Professor Shehan Williams in a recent interview touched on an aspect of concern with regard to patients with these conditions which is often not addressed. He warned that a person with dementia is vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Given the harsh economic conditions that a majority of people in the country face, the exploitation of such people is likely to take place more often than not.

 The LAF campaign slogan for this year is ‘Never too early, never too late’ to learn about dementia and take steps to prevent its onset and progression. As more awareness of these conditions grows among the public, there is an increase in reported cases which has made more people seek professional help early on but there is little help for families by way of advice on how to handle such patients.

 There is a mammoth task ahead for the country as it faces a future with an ageing population and with an increased risk of persons afflicted with conditions such as Alzheimer’s diseases as well as dementia. It will take a concerted effort not only by institutes such as the LAF but also governmental bodies to train caregivers as well as related medical personnel so that there would be a proper structure in place to assist those who will end such care. Raising wider public awareness is also of equal importance.