KARACHI: Experts at a seminar on World Alzheimer’s Day said on Saturday that Pakistan was expected to become the third most populous country in the world in less than 40 years with a sizeable aging population.

They said it was estimated that 36 million Pakistanis would be well over 50 years by that time and at possible risk of developing dementia — a progressive disease which results in severe decline in a person’s mental ability interfering with daily life.

Experts from various fields at Aga Khan University at an awareness session said Alzheimer’s was the most common form of dementia which usually started around 60 years of age and was characterised by short-term memory problems whereas memories from the remote past were usually spared. They said an urgent need existed to raise awareness of the disease.

“It is not a curable disease, but the choices made in midlife can help keep the brain healthy as you age. Research shows that those who adopt a ‘brain healthy’ lifestyle have a reduced risk of dementia in later life,” said Dr Qurat ul ain Khan, assistant professor, department of psychiatry.

Brain healthy means keeping oneself mentally active, they said.

According to Dr Mahmood Rehman depression, anxiety, suspiciousness, agitation, hallucinations and sleep difficulties were frequent complications and might cause disruption and caregiver distress; however, they could be effectively treated with medication or behavioural modification along with educating the family of patient.

“People may have difficulty walking, swallowing, controlling urine or bowel and may eventually become unresponsive and bed bound,” said Dr Saad Shafqat, head of the neurology section. “In advanced stages of the disease they may need specialised medical and nursing care,” he further added.

The experts also asserted the importance of educating families about the disease and how it develops. Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, prior head injuries and some childhood conditions such as Down’s syndrome seem to increase the risk of dementia. Risk increases with age and the disease is found to be more prevalent in women.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2014