Every 21st September, we observe World Alzheimer's Day—a day to raise awareness, demystify dementia and stand with the families who live with it every day. Over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60–70% of them. But the true burden goes far beyond this number. Alzheimer's is rightly called a family illness, because its psychosocial and financial impact falls on the entire household and on society.
This year's theme, "The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters," says exactly what we tell our patients in the OPD every week: a timely diagnosis is the key that unlocks treatment, care and support.
Kins Institute of NeuroSciences has observed this day every year.
Two of our earlier messages are still available to watch:
World Alzheimer's Day 2022 — "What is Alzheimer?" A short message on dementia, its types and why Alzheimer's is a family illness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjCE707qB1k
World Alzheimer's Day 2025 — Special podcast with the Managing Director, Kins Health, on causes, early signs, diagnosis, treatment and caregiving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuLueR69wzI
Forgetfulness, Dementia and Alzheimer's Are Not the Same
In everyday language these words are used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory—especially recent memory—along with changes in behaviour and problem-solving that begin to disturb day-to-day functioning. The forgetfulness of ageing does not take away your ability to run your life; dementia does. Alzheimer's is the most common specific type of dementia; the others include frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and vascular dementia. Forgetfulness is only a symptom—and it is precisely because it is dismissed as "just old age" that so much Alzheimer's goes undiagnosed.
Who Is at Risk
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative condition in which abnormal proteins—beta-amyloid and tau—are deposited in the brain. Age is the biggest risk factor and cannot be changed. But several risk factors can be modified:
- Sedentary lifestyle and low physical activity
- Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol
- Head injury
- Low level of education and mental engagement
What protects the heart also protects the brain.
Recognizing Early Signs
Alzheimer's slips into daily life quietly. The signs that should not be ignored are:
- Loss of recent memory while older memories remain intact
- Frequently misplacing items; forgetting recently learned information
- Disorientation to time and place—losing the way on a familiar route
- Difficulty with everyday planning and problem-solving
- Changes in behaviour, including loss of normal inhibitions
If forgetfulness is persistent, progressive and beginning to affect other abilities, it is time to consult a neurologist. These symptoms are not merely inconvenient—a person who forgets that the gas is lit or wanders onto a highway is at real risk of injury.
How Alzheimer's Is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of Alzheimer's is largely clinical—based on a detailed history and cognitive assessment, after ruling out other treatable causes of memory loss. In our OPD we begin with a brief screening test, the Mini-Cog, for anyone above 60 with a history of forgetfulness, and proceed to detailed batteries such as MoCA and MMSE where needed. MRI is used to rule out secondary causes, not to confirm Alzheimer's—it shows little apart from some atrophy until the disease is advanced. Amyloid PET and fluid biomarkers exist but remain limited to research centres in India. Do not get scans done on your own; consult a specialist first and let investigations follow the clinical assessment.
Treatment: Treatable Today, Hopefully Curable Tomorrow
There is no cure for Alzheimer's yet, but it is a treatable condition. Medicines such as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine give partial benefit in memory and functionality, and rivastigmine is also available as a skin patch for frail patients who cannot swallow tablets. An important step forward is that disease-modifying anti-amyloid therapy has now reached India—lecanemab is available in the country, with donanemab approved abroad and more molecules awaiting approval. These therapies act on the underlying disease process rather than the symptoms alone. They are costly, suitable only for carefully selected patients, and require close monitoring for side effects, so they must be given at centres equipped for them—but their arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for patients in India. Alongside medicines, cognitive rehabilitation—memory aids, brain exercises, a safer home and staying socially connected—helps patients keep their independence longer.
Caring for the Caregiver
From the first symptom to the daily routine of medication and safety, the caregiver—a spouse, a son or a daughter—is the most important person in the patient's treatment. Caregivers must also look after themselves; a burnt-out caregiver cannot care for anyone. Patient and caregiver support groups, where families share their experiences, are something we need far more of in our region.
Our Pledge
On this World Alzheimer's Day, Kins Institute of NeuroSciences renews its pledge to make life better for people living with Alzheimer's through early diagnosis and post-diagnostic support, and to advocate for making the newest treatments available and affordable for patients in India.
Do not wave aside the slightest persistent forgetfulness as "just ageing." Talk about Alzheimer's, and seek help early—because the earlier you know, the more you can do.
Dr. Swayam Prakash
MD(Medicine), DM(Neurology), SCE-Neurology (RCP-UK), FEBN, FRCP, FICP, FAAN
Sr. Consultant & HOD - Neurology
Kins Institute Of NeuroSciences
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