NEW DELHI: Forgetting a name or misplacing the keys is common with age. But repeatedly forgetting recent conversations, getting lost in familiar places or struggling with tasks once handled easily can be signs of something more serious.
“Alzheimer’s disease is not defined by memory loss alone. It is a complex, progressive neurological disorder in which changes in cognition can gradually affect a person’s ability to communicate, make decisions and function independently. This is why understanding the broader pattern of cognitive and functional changes is important in clinical practice.
“A careful medical evaluation allows us to look at these changes in context, assess their possible causes and determine the appropriate next steps. Improving awareness of this clinical complexity is essential to ensuring that concerns are recognized and evaluated rather than overlooked,” said Dr Vinit Banga, Director and HOD, Neurology, Fortis Escorts Faridabad. He was sharing his views at an event organised jointly by pharma firm Eli Lilly and Company (India) and Fortis Healthcare on World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.
Dr Banga also called for greater awareness of brain health and early recognition of changes in memory and cognitive function.
In India, such concerns are becoming increasingly important as the population ages. An estimated 8.8 million people aged 60 years and above are living with dementia, according to a nationally representative study based on the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India. The study estimated that 7.4% of Indians in this age group have dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. The number of older Indians living with dementia is projected to rise to about 16.9 million by 2036, adding to the pressure on families and the healthcare system.
Yet, awareness about the disease remains low. Memory changes are often dismissed as a normal part of ageing, delaying medical evaluation.
Dr Sahil Kohli, Additional Director – Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said early consultation can help families understand what they are dealing with and plan ahead.
“Recognising early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and speaking to a doctor can help patients and families better understand the condition and make informed decisions about the road ahead. It can help families plan care, access appropriate support and have meaningful conversations about the individual’s needs and preferences.
“Given that Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition, having this understanding earlier can be valuable for both patients and their caregivers. Strengthening awareness around early signs and timely medical guidance is therefore an important part of improving the overall patient journey.”
Alzheimer’s is also not a condition that begins suddenly when memory problems become obvious. Biological changes associated with the disease can begin years before typical symptoms appear.
Amyloid plaques and other changes may develop in the brain during this preclinical phase. This is one reason why doctors increasingly emphasise recognising changes early rather than waiting for severe memory loss.
“Alzheimer’s disease places a significant emotional, clinical and societal burden on people living with the condition, their families, caregivers and healthcare systems,” said Dr Rahul Kapur, Senior Director, Medical, Eli Lilly and Company (India). “Addressing this challenge requires greater awareness of cognitive changes associated with the disease, timely engagement with healthcare professionals, and stronger collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.”
The burden is not limited to the person with the disease. As memory, judgement and independence decline, families often become the main caregivers. The emotional, social and financial demands can continue for years.
Lara Dutta, who spoke about her experience as a caregiver, said greater openness around the condition was needed.
“Seeing Alzheimer’s disease up close changes the way you think about memory, independence and the everyday moments that make life meaningful. As a caregiver, I have seen how deeply it can affect not just the person living with the disease, but the entire family around them. It has made me realise how important it is to pay attention to changes in memory or cognitive health rather than dismissing them as a normal part of ageing,” said Dutta who has been taking care of her old mother suffering with the neurodegenerative disease.
