“NITI Aayog to Release National Brain Health Blueprint to Combat Rising Cognitive Disorders”

NITI Aayog is in the final stages of drafting a National Brain Health Blueprint to address the rising burden of neurological and cognitive disorders in India. The blueprint will focus on early identification, prevention, and management of conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and stroke.

Key Objectives

• Improve early diagnosis of cognitive disorders through dedicated brain health clinics.
• Strengthen healthcare delivery across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
• Bridge gaps in treatment access and affordability.
• Promote awareness and preventive interventions for dementia and other brain health conditions.

Stakeholders Involved

• NITI Aayog (lead policy maker)
• IBHAS, NIMHANS, AIIMS
• Mental health professionals and psychologists from private sector

Proposed Model

• Creation of a “Brain Health Service Model”, similar to physical or digital mental health clinics.
• Professionals will be trained to identify early cognitive decline and reduce risk of dementia.
• Integration of services for lifestyle modification, affordability, and interventions (both digital and in-person).