Public policy and Alzheimer care in India

AbstractBackgroundIn India we do not have proper data in respect of Alzheimer disease and its impact on the social and demographic set up.MethodSome studies have been conducted in Kerala West Bengal and some parts of North India. The present study is aimed at analyzing the challenges faced by family caregivers and also institutional caregivers. The methods employed cause both quantitative and qualitative. The study was conducted in care centers run by ARDSI (Alzheimer’s Related Disorder Society of India) and family caregivers were interviewed at homes were Alzheimer’s patients are living. A total of197 caregivers and 70 Alzheimer’s patients were selected for the study overs a period of one year from Jan 2021to Jan2012. To analyze the burden level Zarit Burden Interview was adopted.ResultsThe study revealed that caregiving is a complex experience which involves strong inter professional collaboration and proper education among caregivers regarding elimination of social stigma. The results also revealed more than 80% of the caregivers belong to female gender and more than 90% of the Alzheimer’s patients are in the age group of 65 years and above. In Indian conditions institutional caregiving is highly selective and it has been utilized by high income group of families as they have to spend around 25000 per month for keeping the AD patient at care homes.ConclusionThrough the study it has been identified Government support in taking care of Alzheimer’s patients has been extraordinarily effective in the entire Kerala state whereas from available literature, such type of care centers are yet to be established in other states. Regarding family caregivers more awareness programs are needed which will facilitate proper care of Alzheimer’s patients without any social stigma.