NITI Aayog Set to Unveil Blueprint for Brain Health & Early Detection of Cognitive Disorders

The policy aims to tackle rising neurological diseases with preventive care and service models across healthcare levels.

In a significant move to tackle the growing burden of neurological and cognitive disorders in India, NITI Aayog is preparing to release a comprehensive blueprint focused on improving brain health and identifying early signs of conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and stroke. 

The policy framework, currently in its final stages, is expected to be submitted to the government by the end of June.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

A senior government official told The Economic Times that the blueprint results from over a year of inter-ministerial work and expert consultations.

Key contributors to the initiative include the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and mental health professionals from the private sector.

A high-level meeting scheduled for Tuesday will finalize the road map, which will be submitted shortly thereafter. 

The framework is expected to lay the foundation for a nationwide brain health strategy to prevent and manage cognitive disorders before they become irreversible.

Brain Health Clinics & Service Models

A proposed service model, potentially modeled after brain health clinics, is at the heart of the strategy. These centers would be designed to identify early cognitive decline and intervene through lifestyle, therapeutic, and behavioral modifications. 

They would work across the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care, helping mitigate the risks of dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders.

The proposed clinics would also offer counseling, diagnostic assessments, and referrals to neurologists or psychiatrists when needed, forming a continuum of care from early diagnosis to management.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by stark data. According to the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India, about 7.4% of Indians aged 60 and above currently live with dementia. 

This number is expected to nearly double by 2036, reaching 17 million, up from the current 8.8 million.

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that India bears a mental health burden of 2,443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10,000 population. 

The economic loss from mental health conditions between 2012 and 2030 is estimated at $1.03 trillion, making this not only a healthcare but also a socioeconomic priority.

Need for Preventive & Accessible Care

Dr. Samir Parikh, psychiatrist and director of the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare, emphasized the initiative's importance. 

"Mental health needs a lot of focus, both on the preventive side and interventions," he said. "Anything we do in terms of access, affordability, lifestyle changes, or through digital and physical centers for early diagnosis will be significant for improving brain health across all age groups."

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, around 15% of India's adult population needs mental health interventions.

Notably, urban areas show a higher prevalence of 13.5% compared to 6.9% in rural areas, indicating the need for region-specific strategies and infrastructure.

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