Many Sri Lankan adults suffer from loneliness and dementia, which need immediate attention of authorities, said psychiatrist Malsha Gunathilake.
Dementia prevails among between six and seven percent of the adult population, she said.
A recent survey conducted in Hikkaduwa found almost 48 pc of adults there lead lonely lives.
Dr. Gunathilake said at a media briefing that the prevalence of dementia is the same in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the world.
The last census on dementia patients was conducted around 20 years ago, with a lack of statistics and minimal facilities to look after adults impeding the quest for solutions.
Symptoms include forgetfulness, loss of the thinking ability and difficulty in speaking.
She added the government needs to introduce measures to look after patients who cannot be treated at home.
Also speaking here, Prof. Shamali Ekanayake said spending a lot of time in front of television is deteriorating the physical and mental condition of adults.
