Lilly, Fortis stress early recognition of Alzheimer’s on World Alzheimer’s Day
On Monday, World Alzheimer’s Day, Lilly and Fortis Hospitals brought together medical experts to highlight the importance of early recognition of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and to encourage families to seek timely medical advice.
The focus comes amid a growing dementia burden in India. “Around 8.8 million people aged 60 and above were estimated to be living with dementia in the country, with the number projected to rise to 16.9 million by 2036”, according to a nationwide study. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
Experts said Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain can begin much earlier than the appearance of noticeable symptoms. In some cases, the biological changes associated with the disease may start 20 years or more before typical symptoms become evident, making awareness and timely recognition particularly important.
Dementia is a syndrome caused by different diseases or injuries that affect the brain and can influence memory, communication, behaviour, independence, and relationships. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the conditions that can lead to dementia.
Doctors said changes that deserve attention include repeatedly forgetting recent events or conversations, asking the same questions, losing track of familiar places, difficulty finding words, problems with decision-making, and unexplained changes in personality or behaviour. Struggling with routine tasks that were previously easy can also be a sign.
At the same time, memory problems do not always indicate dementia. Depression, certain medications, nutritional deficiencies and other medical conditions can produce similar symptoms, making a professional assessment important.
Former Miss Universe Lara Dutta shared her experience of caring for her mother, Jennifer Maureen Dutta, who has been living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She spoke about changes she had observed, including repeated questions and difficulty recognising people.
Dr Vinat Banga, Director and HOD, Neurology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, said recognising persistent neurological changes can help families understand what may be causing them and seek appropriate care earlier.
Dr Sahil Kohli, Additional Director, Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, also pointed to repeated questions, difficulty following conversations, disorientation and behavioural changes as signs that should not be overlooked.
Her account added a personal dimension to the discussion, showing how cognitive decline can affect family relationships and caregivers' everyday lives. Lara Dutta has also previously spoken about her mother’s positive outlook while living with the condition.
The experts stressed that dementia affects each person differently and that awareness can help families distinguish concerning changes from ordinary forgetfulness, understand the condition and seek appropriate support without delay.
