The Sunita Sanghi Centre of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases (SCAN Centre) organized its annual symposium to commemorate its third anniversary, with the theme "Neurodegenerative Disorders in India: Current Practices and Challenges" during 9th-10th January, 2026.
The symposium was inaugurated by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, followed by insightful addresses by the Prof. Sachin C. Patwardhan, Dean (Research & Development); Prof. Upendra V. Bhandarkar, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) and inspiring words from Mr. Sharad Sanghi, the Centre’s esteemed donor. This event featured eminent clinicians and distinguished professors across the country.
Globally, the population aged 60 years and above is projected to double by 2050, reaching over 2 billion. In India, the elderly population is expected to increase from the current 10% to nearly 20% in the coming decades. This rapid demographic transition poses significant challenges, particularly with respect to age-related neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
In this context, the symposium aimed to enhance understanding of the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases, their biomarkers, underlying mechanisms and ongoing research initiatives at leading institutions nationwide. The distinguished speakers delivered insightful presentations that provided the audience with a comprehensive overview of the current neurodegenerative research landscape. Additionally, the sessions addressed methodologies for early detection, advances in therapeutic strategies, emerging vaccine research, and policy frameworks, supported by evidence from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI).
The interactive question-and-answer sessions fostered thoughtful discussions and underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between clinicians and the scientific research community. The Symposium served as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing SCAN’s commitment to advancing research and clinical practice in aging and neurodegenerative diseases in India. Additionally, the poster session showcased ongoing research by students and researchers, encouraging academic exchange and constructive feedback. The Institute extends its sincere gratitude to all the speakers, participants and collaborators who contributed to the remarkable success of the event.