Study: Diabetes, hearing loss among key factors for dementia in India; women more prone
A study reviewing 25 years of data identifies diabetes, hearing loss, and physical inactivity as primary modifiable risk factors for dementia in India. The research notes that women and rural populations are disproportionately affected.
Why it matters
Identifying these specific risk factors allows for targeted public health interventions to reduce the rising burden of dementia in India.
An earlier onset of diabetes, hearing loss, physical inactivity and undernourishment are among the critical and modifiable risk factors for dementia in India, according to a study that reviewed 25 years of data on dementia prevalence and risk factors.
Researchers, led by those at the US' Rutgers University, reviewed research conducted in the Indian population between 2000 and 2025 to assess the status of current research on dementia in India.
The researchers found that, as in Western countries, dementia is more common among women in India.
Prevalence in India was also higher among people in rural areas, most likely because of underdiagnosis of the risk factors contributing to dementia, they said.
Findings from the studies were weighed against 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia listed by the 2024 Lancet Commission.
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