To help people and households going through the challenges of dementia, a neurodegenerative mind illness, Dementia India Alliance (DIA), a non-profit, household carer-centered organisation, launched a nationwide dementia support line and DemClinic, an online memory screening clinic, on September 5.
The support line providers embody data, support and steering, and promotion of well timed prognosis, intervention by way of online memory screening providers.
“All providers offered by way of this support line shall be supplied solely freed from price, making certain entry to essential help to all. The free online memory screening goals to mitigate the stigma and encourage senior residents to get an evaluation to advertise early prognosis,” stated Radha S. Murthy, DIA president.
DIA office-bearers Prem Kumar Raja, Shyam Viswanathan, Dr. Radha S. Murthy, Wing Commander C.D.R. Sabharwal, Renu Sachdeva, Dr. N.S. Raju, and Mr. Srivals at launch of dementia support line and DemClinic on September 5, 2023.
Addressing mediapersons in Bengaluru, Dr. Murthy stated the support line will function from 8 a.m. to six p.m. all by way of the week, besides on Sundays. Services shall be supplied in English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu languages.
“Trained psychologists and social staff shall be on the forefront of addressing callers’ wants, offering empathetic and knowledgeable help. For these searching for steering, support, or help associated to dementia or memory-related points, the support line might be reached at 8585 990 990,” she stated.
DemClinic is an initiative to support households and individuals with dementia
“The DemClinic would be the first nationwide complete expert-led cognitive evaluation platform for the aged. The initiative is aimed toward supporting households and individuals with dementia by way of post-diagnostic care and support,” Dr. Murthy stated.
DIA secretary Shyam V. stated, “There is a dearth of memory clinics, psychiatrists, geriatricians and neurologists in India. This digital platform is anticipated to assist these with dementia and their households get well timed prognosis and skilled recommendation for post-diagnosis scientific administration. Post-screening, people who require medical help shall be guided to senior psychiatrists, neurologists and geriatricians, whose providers shall be supplied at an affordable price. Twelve consultants have been empanelled for the DemClinic.”
DemClinic leverages telemedicine know-how to extend entry to prognosis and care. This digital platform options interactive videoconferencing with consultants — one in all its key providers. The session will embody an in depth historical past and neuropsychological analysis as soon as clinicians have sufficient data to ascertain a possible prognosis, recommendation on administration, and medicine shall be offered. Periodic follow-up and continuum of care are important caveats of the providers.
Significance of Blue Button in dementia
That aside, DIA will organise ‘The Blue Button Movement’ on September 21 to mark World Alzheimer’s Day. The blue button is a logo of consciousness and support for individuals stricken by dementia.
This marketing campaign will embody formation of a human chain symbolically resembling the blue button, like a defend or a coat of arms, unifying and encouraging individuals to acknowledge the impression of dementia, empathize and take proactive steps to support sufferers. It shall be in line with programmes organised worldwide to boost consciousness, take away the stigma and construct applicable support techniques for dementia. The marketing campaign shall be organised in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Delhi, Gurugram, and Kochi. Numerous caregivers, senior residents, healthcare professionals, and these involved with dementia are anticipated to take part in the marketing campaign.
Ruhi Sridhar, co-founder of Cracker + Rush, who has designed the brand for DIA, stated the Blue Button carries deep symbolism for these affected by dementia. The capacity to button one’s personal garments is an indication of independence. The lack of this capacity is an early indicator of the onset of dementia.