DIA-Intro

Dementia India Alliance (DIA)

Dementia India Alliance (DIA) is a non-profit, family carer-centered organization under the Societies Act. With a strong focus on supporting family caregivers, DIA strives to connect, inspire, and empower individuals, organizations, and governments to enhance the well-being of those living with dementia and their families. By addressing the profound challenges faced by individuals and families affected by dementia in India, DIA aims to be at the forefront of the fight against this condition, working towards improving quality of life and fostering a compassionate and supportive environment.

DIA is dedicated to providing essential services which not only benefit those directly impacted by dementia but also provide much-needed relief and hope to their family caregivers. These are:

The National Dementia Support Line
Online Memory Clinic
Caregiver training
Awareness campaigns

Model support services such
as daycare and residential care
Community outreach programs
Educational workshops / Conferences

Why Dementia India Alliance

India is facing a rapid increase in the elderly population. By 2050, people over 60 years of age are predicted to constitute 19.1% of the total population.

The estimated dementia prevalence for people above the age of 60, in India, is 7.4%.

There are, currently almost 9 million Indians with dementia. It's estimated that in 2036 there will be 1.7 Cr. (17 million) Indians with dementia

In the absence of a cure, the impact of dementia is profound. Individuals experience severe memory loss, disorientation, and wandering, struggling with tasks and social interactions. This creates unrelenting hardship for them and their immediate families.

The resulting physical, financial, and emotional toll is immense, leading to a diminished quality of life for family caregivers. Their own lives, livelihoods, and relationships face serious jeopardy due to the demands of caregiving.

The challenges surrounding this condition include
Limited Caregiver Availability: The scarcity of qualified professional caregivers and reliable service providers leaves many family caregivers in a state of despair.
Lack of Diagnosis: Widespread ignorance, low awareness, and stigma surrounding dementia result in nearly 90% of individuals going undiagnosed.
Challenging Landscape: The lack of community awareness, the stigma attached to the disease, the scarcity of experts, the dearth of services, the shortage of trained professionals, and inadequate government prioritization collectively contribute to immense challenges.
Inaccessible Support: Support services often remain unavailable, inaccessible, unaffordable, and unsuited to address the needs of individuals with dementia and their families.

Family caregivers are in dire need of access to (and information about):
• Reliable service providers offering diverse care options (home-based care, daycare, residential care) in close proximity, with assured standards of professional caregiving via trained and certified caregivers.
• Easily accessible qualified doctors, psychiatrists, and counselors for consultation.
• Straightforward and easily accessible practical tips to enhance their caregiving capabilities.
• Support groups that provide a platform to exchange experiences and gather strength.
• A straightforward method for obtaining diagnoses and continuous guidance throughout the various stages of the disease's progression

Dementia India Alliance envisions a future where family caregivers are equipped with the resources they need to provide the best care for their loved ones. By 2036, we aim to play a significant role in facilitating the availability of these essential services and information to benefit a substantial percentage of the approximately 50 million affected Indians.

Our Objectives

Offer services that provide practical solutions and relief for caregivers tending to family members with dementia.

Support initiatives targeting memory screening, early diagnosis, home care, day care, respite care, residential care, public education, caregiver empowerment, and skill-building.

Establish dementia-friendly environments, helplines, and services nationwide to foster better understanding and support.

Set quality benchmarks for care providers through Standard Operating Procedures, training, monitoring, mentorship, and guidance.

Provide opportunities for individuals affected by dementia to actively contribute to shaping the initiatives of Dementia India Alliance.

Collaborate with key stakeholders and decision-makers to influence national policies, expanding support and hope for those with dementia and their caregivers.

Promote community screening, dementia risk reduction, and cognitive training to enhance the well-being of those with dementia.

Encourage and support research focused on risk reduction, therapies, and quality of life improvements for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.