Neurologists say cases have doubled in a decade & could rise 2 to 3 times; urge families to seek help for persistent cognitive changes. Neurologists in Ahmedabad are urging families to take persistent memory problems seriously ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, amid projections of a sharp rise in dementia cases as Gujarat’s population ages.
Cases could rise further
Doctors warn that Alzheimer’s cases have doubled in the past decade and could increase two to three times in Gujarat over the coming decade, largely driven by the growing elderly population.
Dr Arvind Sharma, an executive member of the Indian Academy of Neurology, said, “In the past decade, Alzheimer’s cases have doubled, and in the coming decade it is likely to further increase by two to three times in Gujarat. Therefore, along with moderate physical free-weight exercise and yoga, cognitive (brain) exercise is equally important.”
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but memory loss can also have other causes, some of which may be treatable.
Early recognition is particularly important, with testing facilities now available via blood test and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI (PET-MRI), among other options.
When forgetfulness needs attention
“Families often attribute repeated forgetfulness, confusion or behavioural changes to normal ageing. But when these changes begin interfering with a person’s routine, they need to be evaluated,” Dr Rohan Mehta, a neurologist at Health and Care Foundation.
He added, “Early symptoms can include repeatedly asking the same questions, forgetting recent conversations, misplacing objects, difficulty finding familiar words, getting lost in places the person knows well, difficulty handling money or medicines and changes in mood or personality.”
Early diagnosis opens options
A medical evaluation can include a detailed history, cognitive assessment and neurological examination, with blood tests, brain imaging or biomarker testing where appropriate.
Early diagnosis allows doctors to address potentially reversible causes, begin symptomatic treatment where indicated and, in selected patients, consider newer disease-modifying therapies.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but medicines can help manage symptoms. Experts say newer treatments targeting amyloid have been shown to slow progression in appropriately selected patients.
Exercise body and brain
Dr Sharma said, “Lifestyle measures – including regular physical activity, control of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, cognitive stimulation and social engagement – are also important components of dementia care and risk reduction.”
Neurologists advise Ahmedabad families not to dismiss persistent cognitive changes as “old age”.
Early assessment can give patients more time to plan treatment, maintain independence and allow families to prepare for care that may eventually be needed.
Source: https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/