Archive · 22 Sep 2026
India’s Dementia Burden Could Nearly Double by 2036
Dementia is a condition that can make thinking, remembering and everyday tasks harder.
India currently has about 8.8 million older people living with dementia.
Experts expect that number to rise to about 16.9 million by 2036.
Alzheimer’s disease causes most dementia cases.
Doctors say memory or thinking changes should not automatically be treated as a normal part of getting older.
Seeing a doctor early can help families understand what is happening and plan care.
Alzheimer’s can begin developing many years before obvious symptoms appear.
Caregivers also say the condition affects the whole family.
An estimated 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are living with dementia.
The number is projected to nearly double to 16.9 million by 2036.
Doctors said early changes in memory, cognition and daily functioning should not be dismissed as normal ageing.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for most dementia cases and can affect communication, decisions and independence.
Healthcare experts made the observations during an awareness initiative by Eli Lilly India and Fortis Healthcare on World Alzheimer’s Day.
- Who
- About 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above with dementia, their families, healthcare experts, and caregivers.
- What
- Doctors warned that India’s dementia burden could nearly double and urged earlier recognition of cognitive changes.
- When
- The observations were made during an initiative held on World Alzheimer’s Day; the projected increase is measured through 2036.
- Where
- India, with comments from doctors at Fortis facilities in Faridabad and Gurugram.
- Why
- Earlier medical evaluation can help identify possible causes, plan care, access support and discuss patients’ needs and preferences.
- Current dementia estimate
- 8.8 million people aged 60 and above in India
- 2036 projection
- 16.9 million people
- Main disease linked to cases
- Alzheimer’s disease accounts for the majority of dementia cases
- Possible early changes
- Changes in memory, cognition and everyday functioning
- Disease progression
- Alzheimer’s can affect cognition, communication, decision-making, independence and daily life
- Early development
- The disease can begin developing as early as 20 years before typical symptoms appear
- Awareness initiative
- Organised by Eli Lilly and Company (India) and Fortis Healthcare on World Alzheimer’s Day