Dr. Lokesh B, Consultant – Neurology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for the majority of dementia cases and often begins silently, with its early symptoms frequently mistaken for natural aging. While it primarily affects those aged 65 and older, women are also at a significantly higher risk due to their longer life expectancies, making early detection crucial. Subtle signs like memory lapses, disorientation, and poor decision-making are often overlooked, delaying diagnosis. Early detection, however, is very important because it would be the best chance that patients may have to slow down the progression of disease and potentially improve symptoms, especially in people who have a family history of Alzheimer’s, or conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Despite there being no cure for Alzheimer’s, treatment, early intervention can facilitate families planning their future care and decision-making at a time when the individual is still capable. Regular cognitive check-ups along with mentally stimulating activities such as doing puzzles, especially for old age, can help detect the disease early. Proper treatment and changes in lifestyle can help control the effects of Alzheimer’s, keeping cognition intact for as long as possible.”