World Alzheimer's Day 2026 : The earlier you know, the more you can do
- A dementia diagnosis matters -

Dr Mona Nongmeikapam *

I would like to start out with an apology- No, we cannot cure Alzheimer’s Disease. You cannot leave your affected family members with us to be fixed, there are no medicines yet to undo the symptoms of Dementia and yes, Caregiver Burnout in Dementia is real.

The World Alzheimer’s Day is observed every year on September 21st as part of World Alzheimer’s Month to raise global awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It was first started in 2012 under the aegis of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and has been annually observed world-wide since then.

No, I didn’t forget either. It was very heartening to be reminded by my few ardent readers that they were actually looking forward to my article on the said day. So here it goes, and thank you for inspiring me to write on.

Theme and Focus of this month this time will be recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical evaluations instead of dismissing symptoms as normal aging. Over 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, with Alzheimer’s accounting for 60% to 70% of cases.

Timely diagnosis allows patients and families to access appropriate care, plan for the future, and reduce social stigma. According to the Alzheimer’s Disease International, every 3 seconds a diagnosis of Dementia is being made (10 million new cases every year). Official figures hint at close to 3000 persons suffering from Dementia in our State (6.7% of individuals above the age of 60 years).

Coming to the FAQs (frequently asked questions) :

What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common cause of dementia, especially in older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. Over time, it worsens, making it difficult for those affected to carry out daily tasks.

Is Alzheimer’s Disease the same as Dementia? Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Other types of Dementia:

* Vascular Dementia
* Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
* Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
* Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
* Traumatic Brain Injury, etc.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease:

• Early Stage: Memory loss happens slowly and noticeably. People may forget recently occurring events or familiar names.

• Moderate Stage: In this stage, cognitive decline becomes more apparent. The patient may have problems with problem-solving, speaking, or carrying on with routine activities. They may become increasingly irritable or moody towards care-givers for what they may perceive as “neglect” or “challenging of authority”, which might actually be concern by the immediate family members or vigilance secondary to their dementia symptoms.

• Advanced Stage: At this stage, patients can become unable to talk and may require full-time care since they are challenged in the basic functions of eating and walking.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease:

Recognising the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is helpful in its early detection. The common warning signs include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Difficulty planning or solving problems
• Confusion about time or place
• Misplacing things and inability to trace back the steps
• Mood and personality changes

Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease : The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not known with complete certainty; however, it is generally believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

It involves abnormal protein buildup in the brain, in which the accumulation of these proteins causes damage to nerve cells, thereby affecting cognitive functions. While age is the highest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, it is not solely age that contributes to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease:

• Age: The risk increases sharply after the age of 65.
• Family history: A positive family history increases the vulnerability.
• Genetics: Specific genes can raise the risk.
• Health issues like poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may contribute to Dementia.
• Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor diet, poor quality of sleep, lack of exercise and lack of socialising can all speed up the progress of illness. A regular observation in the OPDs is the stark progress of forgetfulness after individuals retire from their jobs and are resting, especially in front of the idiot box!

Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease involves a process to evaluate cognitive function and eliminate other potential causes. Detecting the disease early on enables better care and management.

The key steps in diagnosing Alzheimer’s are as follows:

• Reviewing Medical History of both personal and family medical histories, along with noting changes in behaviour, memory, and daily activities.

• Physical and Neurological Exams could help identify signs of damage or other possible reasons for cognitive decline.

• Mental Status and Cognitive Tests like the Mini- Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) can evaluate memory, attention, language, and problem-solving abilities.

• Laboratory Tests such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues or other metabolic conditions that could contribute to memory problems.

• Brain Imaging Techniques: MRI or CT scans provide insights into brain changes, like atrophy or abnormalities that might suggest Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions. PET

Scan of the brain also plays an important role.

Complications of Alzheimer’s Disease:

• Infections : Poor ability for self-care and neglect could be the cause.

• Injuries: Falls occur more often as their balance and coordination get worse. They may also be confused. An 80 year old gentleman jumped off this bed thinking he was climbing a tree in his youthful days, to unfortunate consequences.

• Malnutrition and dehydration: In the later stages, people might lose their appetite or find it hard to eat. A late and fatal development could be forgetting how to swallow.

Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease : There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow down the progress of the disease. Medications may help manage problems with memory and behaviour, while therapies like cognitive training try to maintain daily functions.

Support from caregivers also plays a vital role in improving the quality of life. And hence the need for understanding, empathizing and managing care-giver burden. You cannot and should not pour from an empty cup.

Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease: Although we cannot completely prevent Alzheimer’s, certain lifestyle changes can lower the risk. These include:

• Staying active: Regular exercise improves brain health.

• Diet: Healthy dietary patterns are those that are rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains namely our “kangsois, champhuts and anganbas” seem to be designed to ward off Dementia.

• Staying mentally active: Engaging oneself in activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles, reading, and skill development.

• Social networks: Attending our Deva Karmas, social-calls and catching up with your loved ones or getting involved in community service are major boon for elderly mental well-being.

When to Seek Medical Care?

If you or a family member are experiencing memo- ry lapses, misunderstandings, or difficulties in per- forming routine tasks, it is crucial to consult a doctor.

An early diagnosis can assist individuals in coping with symptoms and making future preparations. Every year, World Alzheimer’s Day serves as a reminder for both individuals and society to take action against Dementia and Alzheimer’s. By raising awareness and recognising symptoms, we can make a difference.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, research and care are progressing towards helping those affected with the promise of better management and an improved quality of life. At present, treatments can help alleviate its symptoms and slow the course of Alzheimer’s disease, but there is yet no cure.

Why is Alzheimer’s awareness important ?

Awareness is crucial for early diagnosis, better care, and reducing the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. So I beg, wear a purple ribbon today, and if anyone enquires, spread the word for those who have forgotten.

Please, you don’t forget!