About 70-80% of those affected by dementia are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease: Dr. Amit Shankar Singh

Mohali, September 20, 2022: As old age progresses, dementia, also termed as the disease of forgetfulness, becomes synonymous with the elderly. However, the occurrence of dementia is not limited to age alone. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and about 70-80% of those affected by dementia are diagnosed with the disease. To raise awareness on Alzheimer’s disease and remove the misconceptions surrounding it, World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on 21^st September every year. The theme of World Alzheimer’s Day-2022 is -- Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s -- laying emphasis on the warning signs and diagnosis of the medical condition.

Dr Amit Shankar Singh, Associate Consultant, Neurology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, in an advisory explains the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment options of Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?
It is a neuro-degenerative disorder of the brain that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. The disease is characterized by a decline in the cognitive abilities of an individual such as learning, memory, language, attention, motor and social skills.

Causes
Even as the causes of Alzheimer’s remain unclear, genetic inheritance is one of the prime causes of the disease. It is also caused due to the abnormal deposition of proteins -- amyloid protein and neuritic plaques -- in the brain, thereby causing the brain cells to die. People above 65 years of age are more likely to be affected by Alzheimer’s. The incidence of the disease is also higher in women compared to men.

Symptoms
The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease that are easily identifiable are as follows:

• Memory impairment: Memory impairment is the initial symptom of this disease. Dementia sets in and there is progressive deterioration in memory. This leads to difficulty in thinking, reasoning and understanding.
• Behavioural changes: Patients affected with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit symptoms such as depression, confusion and inability to concentrate. They tend to become unaware about their surroundings.
• Difficulty of language, speech: Alzheimer’s disease causes problems with speech. Those affected are unable to convey the meaning of things and are unable to understand, thereby causing confusion.
• Unable to complete daily tasks: Patients have slowed thinking and this effects their cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease increases an individual’s dependency on others as they are unable to communicate their needs.

Diagnosis
Alzheimer’s disease should be suspected in any older adult with a progressive decline in memory. Neurologists conduct brain imaging, diagnostic and mental ability tests etc. to detect the disease. These help identify the possible causes of brain impairment.

Prevention
Shedding light on Alzheimer’s disease, Dr Shankar, said, “Even as there are no proven ways to prevent the disease, regular physical activity, meditation, balanced diet, maintaining healthy weight and keeping blood pressure under control help to keep the brain healthy.”

Dr Shankar further said, “It should be kept in mind that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. A few medications help in controlling the symptoms of the disease. Along with medication, family support, physical and cognitive rehabilitation are an integral part in the management of the disease.”

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.