THE launch of a new plan by the Punjab government to identify and treat dementia patients is a welcome step. It is a sign that the country`s health authorities are not averse to new approaches to healthcare, as compared to the traditional disease-based treatment model followed in the country. Initiated in partnership with the World Health Organisation, the Punjab Dementia Plan intends to provide comprehensive dementia services ranging from diagnosis and care to spreading awareness and research on the subject. WHO describes dementia as a syndrome that causes significant loss and degeneration of cognitive functions in the brain. It is often preceded by mood changes and a deterioration of the thought process. It is estimated there are more than 55m dementia patients in the world, with 10m new cases every year. Between 60pc and 70pc of these, however, are of Alzheimer`s disease, the most commonly reported type of dementia.

With more than 400,000 dementia patients in Pakistan, and the elderly population the age group most affected by the disease expected to swell to 43m by 2025, the plan is a good first step in recognising the overlapping and multiple healthcare needs of senior citizens. However, it should be kept in mind that though dementia might appear to affect the elderly more, experts say it is not a direct outcome of the aging process. If executed well enough, the dementia plan might also enable improvement in services for patients with multiple medical needs because it could underpin the conversion of at least some parts of the country`s healthcare system, built on a disease-based treatment approach, towards integrated and supportive care. Such a shift would automatically enhance the health apparatus`s performance in treating other neurological or physiological diseases requiring more supportive and nursing care for patients, and also extend support to their families who are usually deeply impacted by the physical, social and behavioural changes in their loved ones.

Other provinces should follow suit and roll out their own dementia treatment plans.