Alzheimer’s disease is no longer a distant concern for India. The Dementia India Report projects that the number of people living with dementia will rise from 8.8 million in 2019 to nearly 14 million by 2036. Alzheimer’s, which accounts for 60–70% of these cases, represents the single largest contributor. This sharp increase is driven by longer life expectancy, urbanization, and lifestyle-related risk factors. For clinicians, the challenge is not only in managing the disease, but also in addressing the widespread confusion between what is described as “mild memory loss” and what is in fact the onset of Alzheimer’s. Normal Ageing vs. Alzheimer’s Onset: What's The Difference?Mild forgetfulness is common in ageing. Occasional lapses such as misplacing objects or briefly struggling to recall names are typically recognized by the individual and do not affect independence. In medical terms, this is often classified as age-associated memory impairment. It does not progress in a predictable manner, nor does it consistently interfere with daily living.Also Read: Kevin Jonas’ Wife Danielle Shares The Hidden Sign That Led To Her Lyme Disease Diagnosis Alzheimer’s, by contrast, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The initial manifestations may also involve forgetfulness, but the difference lies in persistence, pattern, and impact. Patients begin to forget recent events repeatedly, lose their way in familiar settings, and struggle with language and judgment. Over time, the ability to manage personal, financial, and social responsibilities declines. Unlike benign memory lapses, these deficits are noticed more by caregivers than by the individual, and they steadily worsen. Why Is It Difficult To Diagnose Mild Cognitive ImpairmentThe diagnostic overlap is further complicated by the intermediate state of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Epidemiological studies indicate that 10–15% of individuals with MCI convert to Alzheimer’s annually. Yet not all do some remain stable, and a minority even improve. This uncertainty often leads to misdiagnosis in both directions: dismissing early Alzheimer’s as “normal ageing,” or labelling harmless forgetfulness as dementia. Both outcomes are problematic, the former delaying intervention and the latter generating unnecessary stigma. Accurate differentiation requires structured evaluation. Clinical history, neurological examination, cognitive testing, and, where appropriate, neuroimaging or biomarker analysis form the basis of assessment. The aim is early identification, because therapeutic benefit is greater when intervention begins before significant decline has occurred.Also Read: RFK Jr. Claims Tylenol After Circumcision May Be Linked to AutismWhat Is The Best Way To Treat Cognitive Decline?Preventive strategies must be emphasized in parallel. Cohort studies from India and abroad show that up to 40% of dementia risk can be attributed to modifiable factors. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, social isolation, and hearing loss are prominent among them. Addressing these through regular medical care, physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social engagement can reduce incidence and delay onset. Public health efforts in India must therefore move beyond treatment to encompass risk reduction at a community level. As Alzheimer’s Awareness Month reminds us, memory complaints in older adults are not uniform. Some reflect the natural ageing of the brain; others signal a disease process that will progressively erode autonomy and quality of life. For physicians, families, and policymakers alike, the responsibility lies in recognizing the difference. Precision in diagnosis, combined with preventive care, remains our best opportunity to mitigate the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease in India.
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