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N Pakistan today, we often talk about young people as our biggest asset. A young population that is full of potential, phenomena and hope. But while our eyes are on the aspirations of the youth, a quiet settlement is taking place, which can renounce the country’s social and economic fabric. Pakistan’s elderly population – which is 60 years and older – will increase threefold in the next three decades. By 2050, we will have more than 40 million older adults, many of which will survive for a long time, but not necessarily a healthy or more free life.
Health challenges of this deep age of our population: The most essential in dementia is still considered the least. Often excluded as simple forgetfulness or “old age”, dementia is a brain disease that people have their memory, their personality, their ability to work – and eventually remove their dignity. In a country like Pakistan, the poor health system, with limited age care services and deep roots around mental decline, the burden of this disease has just begun to emerge.
In a small village near Multan, rural Punjab, 68 -year -old Fazil Hussain was once a respected school teacher. Classic poetry is known for the crisp memory, he had retired for many years and spent most of his time going to his previous garden.
Over time, his family saw the changes. He repeated stories, in the wrong places and sometimes forgotten familiar faces. Then come more disturbing symbols – walking around the village aimlessly, wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather, and once making a mistake for your son for a stranger. Her family, which is happening. He was not sure that he was probably scared or punished by destiny.
It was not until a local NGO had arranged a visit to the Mobile Health Unit that was inspected by a doctor who received basic training in academic screening. Dementia was diagnosed – possibly Alzheimer’s disease. But even despite the diagnosis, the family of grace was at a loss. He was not a close expert. The Public Rural Health Center has not offered any support for dementia. And neighbor? He whispered, “His Demig has gone to the eagle (his mind is over).”
This is not an unusual story. In fact, in most Pakistan, rural and citizens, it has begun to get greater than when we care about admitting.
Pakistan is not badly ready for the growing wave of dementia. Research from all over the country indicates a fact that most people with dementia in Pakistan do not diagnose especially in rural and influential communities. Until the families seek medical help, often from a close general practitioner, the disease often develops significantly.
And, GPS, who is the first point to contact most families, rarely train dementia or manage to manage or manage it. Special memory clinics, geographic neurologists or elderly care facilities are very few and between, which are mostly found in private hospitals in major urban centers. In families, women-especially daughters and daughters-in-law-carry the burden of care for any help or respite, and often with little understanding about responding to changing behaviors with the disease.
Unlike many chronic diseases, dementia not only requires medicines or periodic checkups-it demands a comprehensive approach to maintenance, including permanent emotional support. Patience with changes of behavior; Editing the domestic environment; Long -term financial planning and compassionate care, often in many years.
The health system, which is already suffering from infectious diseases, maternity deaths and now growing non -communication diseases, has no systematic reaction to the care of people with dementia. The absence of geographical care policies, long -term care plans or community -based services is deep isolated and emotionally exhausting.
Unlike many chronic diseases, dementia not only requires medicines or periodic checkups-it demands a comprehensive approach to maintenance, including permanent emotional support. Patience with changes of behavior; Editing the domestic environment; Long -term financial planning and compassionate care, often in many years.
In Pakistan’s collective society, where the elders traditionally respect, dementia has an extra layer of reproach and denial. People with dementia are often hidden from theory, dismissed as “crazy” or “occupation”, or only neglected until their symptoms are irregular.
One study highlights that when left only to deal with dementia, Pakistani families face severe psychological problems, financial stress and malfunction in family relations. The moral responsibility of taking care, while culturally strong, is not similar to institutional support.
Although widespread reforms will take time, the families facing dementia today cannot wait. There are sympathy and practically founded actions, which can make a meaningful difference in their daily life.
It begins with observation and medical help. When a dear dear reflects a symbol of confusion, confusion or strange behavior, it is important not to reject it as “just being old”. Consulting a trained doctor, even a GP, with a basic understanding of academic fall, can help diagnose quickly.
Once the disease comes, families often feel helpless despite memory deficiency or deception. Trying to correct or discuss with someone who is dementia rarely helps. If a dead relative insists on meeting or talks about events that have never happened, it is better to fight them slowly with them in their emotional world. This reduces the discomfort for everyone involved.
Routines. When the world begins to feel unnoticed, eating at the same time, praying together, going for a walk or sitting every evening can provide a very important comfort and forecast. These small movements of consistency become anchor in confusion.
That is important to ensure that the whole family understands what dementia is – and what it is. Often, the responsibility is fully a careful, usually on a woman at home, while others remain inactive. Sharing knowledge through family conversation, accessing Urdu language videos or care groups on WhatsApp, and learning from others in similar situations can not only lead to guidance, but also a sense of solidarity.
Above all, the family should not separate itself. Although services are limited, there are NGOs, Elder Care Associations and Religious Institutions that offer training sessions, drops these advice and moral support. In many communities, finding just someone who is passing through you may make all the difference.
Throughout Pakistan, dementia needs to be seen not only as a family issue but as a national challenge. As the age of the country’s population, the state should start dementia into its extensive health and aging strategies, and recognizes it as a non -communicable disease that deserves serious attention.
We need more than announcements – we need action that touches real life. This includes training of doctors and nurses at the basic care levels so that they can soon identify the symbols of dementia. This means to launch a daily language campaign, using storytelling and using the community to reduce embarrassment and misunderstanding. This includes the development of basic aging care services: local centers where caregivers can get respite, advice. Even a few hours support.
Dementia should no longer be hidden behind closed doors. Belief -based institutions, which play a powerful role in shaping social attitudes, can be mobilized to spread messages of dignity, sympathy and shared responsibility.
As we look at the future, we should also learn from others who have faced this path before us. Countries such as Malaysia-with such cultural values and economic challenges-have shown that despite limited resources, it is possible to form a dementia-based society. He has invested in training local health workers, supporting family careers and the burden of old age, but as a phase of life that deserves support and honor.
In the Qur’an, we were reminded: “It is Allah who created you in weakness, then gave you strength, then after the strength you have a weakness and brown hair …” (Surah R Ram 30:54). Being old is not a burden – this is part of the divine design. The way we treat our elders, especially with those who start to forget us, is a reflection of the society we are becoming.
If we work now, Pakistan still has time to prepare. But if we do not do so, dementia will become one of the explanatory crises of our elderly society.
Author is former Vice Chancellor of Government College University, Lahore
