Sensitive communication on dementia important: Minister Srinath

Fisheries Minister A. Srinath on Saturday stressed the need for greater awareness and sensitive communication about dementia, saying the way the condition is portrayed could shape how society perceives and treats persons living with it.

Speaking at the valedictory session of DEMCON 2026, organised by the Dementia India Alliance in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Tamil Nadu, Mr. Srinath said awareness should go beyond posters and programmes and help families find answers to practical questions on identifying symptoms, seeking help and supporting a loved one.

“Awareness must begin with understanding,” he said, pointing out that forgetfulness or confusion in an elderly person was often dismissed as a natural part of ageing. “But ageing and dementia are not the same,” he said.