ARMED forces medical services have started giving a lot of importance to geriatric medicine. Studies have revealed that a large number of patients admitted to military hospitals suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other neurocognitive disorders. By 2020, the number of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease will double in India to 37 million, with one out of every 11 Indians over the age of 60 suffering from the disease. According to P N Tandon, professor emeritus. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, the future treatment of the disease will depend on combination therapy. "Three drugs have already been tried. Four are awaiting release, and 16 are in phase-3 clinical trials. But we still have hope for a herbal remedy in our own country," said Tandon. A new area of concern has been the combat related post-traumatic stress in areas like the Siachen and the Northeast.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.