Dementia India Alliance (DIA), a national NGO focused on dementia awareness, care, and advocacy, has partnered with Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, the precision Ayurveda hospital network under Apollo Hospitals Group, to promote integrative dementia care in India. This partnership brings together DIA’s community-based support and advocacy initiatives with Apollo AyurVAID’s clinical expertise in precision Ayurveda and integrative medicine. The joint effort aims to encourage timely medical consultation, facilitate early diagnosis, and improve the long-term management of dementia.
Rising Dementia Burden in an Ageing Population
India’s elderly population is projected to reach 319 million by 2050—nearly 20% of the country’s population. Currently, an estimated 7.4% of Indians aged 60 and above, or about 88 lakh people, live with dementia. This number is expected to increase to 1.7 crore by 2036.
Despite the scale of the condition, nearly 90% of individuals with dementia remain undiagnosed, largely due to limited access to memory clinics and specialist care. Risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle conditions are on the rise. This highlights the urgent need for preventive measures and early intervention.
Against this backdrop, the MoU between DIA and Apollo AyurVAID establishes a collaborative framework. It integrates evidence-based Ayurveda protocols with sustained community advocacy to promote early detection, prevention, and holistic dementia care.
Ayurveda’s Role in Early-Stage Dementia and Healthy Ageing
Rajiv Vasudevan, Founder and Managing Director, Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, emphasized, “Dementia represents one of India’s most pressing yet under-recognized health challenges. Ayurveda, through Jara Chikitsa (elder care) and Rasayana Chikitsa (promotive health), provides a preventive and disease-modifying approach that can help delay the onset and progression of dementia—particularly in the early stages—by addressing metabolic, inflammatory, and cognitive imbalances,” he stated. He added that Apollo AyurVAID will implement dementia-friendly care protocols across its centers. The hospital will also provide training to support healthy and dignified ageing.
Community Support and Whole-Person Care Model
Dr. Radha S. Murthy, President, Dementia India Alliance, highlighted, “We have long worked to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their families through compassionate care and structured support. Our partnership with Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals creates an integrative model that combines Ayurveda’s whole-person approach with advocacy, training, and awareness,” she said.
The collaboration will focus on:
*Integrative risk assessment and therapeutic care pathways
*Community education and awareness programs
*Capacity-building for caregivers and healthcare practitioners
*Strategies for early identification and preventive care
*Development of dementia-friendly protocols and support systems
Toward a Dementia-Inclusive Healthcare Framework
As per the press release, the partnership merges clinical expertise with community engagement. It aims to address systemic gaps, empower families and caregivers, and promote prevention-focused dementia care across India’s healthcare ecosystem.