Rising dementia cases in Nepal highlight need for awareness and action

KATHMANDU, Sept 21: The number of dementia patients visiting Bir Hospital’s Neuro Medicine department has been rising steadily over the past few years, a marked change from a decade and a half ago when such cases were sparse.

According to Dr Sunil Ram Koirala, head of the Neuro Medicine department at Bir Hospital, they now see an average of seven dementia patients daily. “Previously, dementia patients came sporadically, but now their numbers are increasing,” Koirala said.

The Mental Health Survey 2022 revealed that 7 percent of individuals aged 60 and above in Nepal show signs of dementia. A community-level study conducted in Dharan in 2023, involving 1,009 participants, found that 10 percent of people over 60 have dementia. The study was a collaboration between the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society of Nepal and Newcastle University, estimating that 300,000 individuals aged 60 and above are affected by dementia in the country.

On a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10 percent of people over 60 suffer from some form of dementia, with 55 million affected worldwide.

Professor Dr Nidesh Sapkota, from the Memory Clinic at Patan Hospital, noted that the rise in dementia cases correlates with Nepal’s increasing life expectancy and elderly population growth. "The average lifespan in Nepal used to be only 68 years, but it has been steadily rising, contributing to more dementia cases," he explained.

Understanding dementia

Dementia is marked by a decline in cognitive functions, especially memory, caused by damage to the brain’s nerves and cells. The condition hampers individuals’ ability to store new information and respond appropriately to situations. In severe cases, it can lead to forgetting familiar people, losing one’s way home, and struggling with daily activities.

One of the most well-known types of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which is linked to the buildup of a protein called amyloid in the brain. This blocks nerve communication, leading to memory loss.

According to Dr Sapkota, factors contributing to dementia include vitamin B-12 deficiency, diabetes, high blood pressure, nutrient deficiencies, obesity, inactivity, loneliness, and a stressful lifestyle. He also added that a leisurely and carefree lifestyle can heighten the risk of dementia.

Hira Kumari Niraula, director of the Nursing and Social Security Division under the Department of Health, emphasized that memory loss is becoming a major challenge in healthcare.

Can dementia be controlled?

While the causes of dementia may vary, Dr Sapkota stressed that regular medication, exercise, music therapy, active social participation, a balanced diet, and proper care can help prevent dementia from worsening. “With family support, social harmony, and medical treatment, dementia patients can lead comfortable lives,” he said.

A public health issue

With the growing number of dementia patients worldwide, including in Nepal, experts highlight the urgent need for awareness and collaborative action. “Dementia has become a public health issue, requiring joint efforts from all stakeholders,” said Dr Rakesh Pandey, WHO's representative in Nepal.

Dr Sangita Mishra, director general of the Department of Health Services, stressed the need for greater public education, as awareness about dementia remains low. Similarly, Dr RP Bichha of the National Planning Commission announced that programs addressing dementia will be included in the 16th national plan.

The role of cultural respect

Dr Deependra Raman Singh at the Ministry of Health and Population noted that maintaining a culture of love and respect for the elderly within families can help control dementia. “In the Newar community, the culture of respecting the elderly is evident in the long life of figures like Satyamohan Joshi,” he said.

World Dementia and Alzheimer’s Day is observed annually on September 21, and this year, Nepal marked the occasion under the theme "Dementia and Alzheimer’s Activism."