Srinagar: The Medical experts on Thursday held threadbare discussions on various stages of dementia at the government medical college (GMC) Srinagar here, with particular focus on identifying and treating reversible dementia and underlining the importance of early detection, timely interventions, and holistic care strategies.
The discussion was part of Continuing Medical Education (CME) organized by the Department of Neurology, Superspeciality hospital, Srinagar at the GMC Auditorium, to commemorate World Alzheimer’s Day, officials said. This year’s CME was centered around the theme ‘Ask about dementia’, and was attended by a large gathering of doctors, neurologists, postgraduate students, neuroscience students and caregivers of dementia patients from across the valley.
Principal GMC, Dr Iffat Hassan inaugurated the CME. Director health services Dr Jehangir Bakhshi and Prof Parvaiz A Shah were the guests of honors. It was also attended by administrator GMC and associated hospitals Mr Ashraf Hakak and Medical Superintendent Dr Rubeena.
The heart of the CME was an engaging panel discussion, where experts deliberated on both the medical and social aspects of dementia. Topics such as accurate diagnosis, caregiver burden, social stigma, and community support were thoroughly discussed, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary solutions.
The deliberations put forth several key recommendations: Adoption of healthy lifestyle practices to help prevent certain types of dementia. A greater need for awareness campaigns and broader community discussions to reduce stigma and identify practical solutions. Establishment of more memory clinics and geriatric clinics, alongside training and recruitment of geriatricians and strengthening of geriatric departments. Enhanced focus on non-pharmacological treatments for dementia symptoms. Greater emphasis on the identification and management of treatable dementias. The importance of open discussions on old-age homes, removing stigma, and fostering societal acceptance.
Speaking on the occasion, Organizing Chairman, Prof. (Dr) Bashir Ahmad Sanaie remarked: “Dementia is not only a neurological condition but also a major social issue. Through this CME, we sought to highlight the need to recognize reversible causes, provide timely treatment, and extend support to caregivers who are the backbone of dementia care.”
Organizing Secretary, Dr. Sheikh Hilal Ahmad, in his address, stated: “We designed this CME to combine academic knowledge with real-world perspectives. The participation of caregivers alongside doctors and neurologists enriched the discussions and emphasized the need for patient-centered and family-oriented approaches.”
Earlier, a poster competition was also organized as part of the event, with enthusiastic participation from young doctors and trainees. The winners were felicitated for their innovative presentations. A unique feature of the program was the special session for caregivers of dementia patients, who were invited to interact directly with leading neurologists of the valley.
This session provided a valuable platform for caregivers to share their experiences, seek guidance, and understand practical approaches to managing the challenges of dementia care.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge from the Department of Neurology, GMC Srinagar, to continue academic initiatives and outreach programs aimed at raising awareness and strengthening dementia care in the region.
