Alzheimer’s is a serious and growing brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is not a normal part of getting older. The disease is caused by changes in the brain, where two abnormal proteins build up: plaques, which are clumps that form between brain cells, and tangles, which are twisted fibers that form inside the brain cells. These plaques and tangles damage and kill the cells, which leads to the symptoms of the disease.

A common point of confusion is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dementia is a general term for a group of symptoms that affect memory and thinking, and are severe enough to get in the way of daily life. Think of dementia as a symptom, like a fever, while Alzheimer’s is the specific disease, like the flu, that's causing it. In fact, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, making up about 60-80% of all cases. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, which is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, and Lewy body dementia, which is caused by abnormal protein deposits.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease get worse slowly over time. In the early stages, a person might forget new information, have trouble with planning, or misplace items. In the mid-stage, symptoms become more noticeable, including a lot of confusion about time, people, and places. At this stage, people may also have big changes in their mood and behaviour, and they may struggle with communication. In the final, severe stage, a person may lose the ability to communicate, walk, or swallow, and they will need full-time care.

Globally, more than 55 million people are living with dementia, and this number is expected to grow. In India, the numbers are especially significant due to the country’s large and aging population. It is estimated that more than 4 million people in India are currently living with some form of dementia. This number is projected to more than double by 2036, which shows that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are a growing public health challenge for the country.

If you would like to read more;

• Alzheimer's & Dementia in India (Alz.org): A general overview and statistics specific to India. https://www.alz.org/in/dementia-alzheimers-en.asp
• Prevalence of dementia in India (PubMed.gov): A scientific study providing national and state-level estimates. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36637034/

• Dementia in India: A Growing Concern (Business Standard): Discusses the rising risk and projected numbers. https://www.business-standard.com/health/india-s-ageing-population-at-high-risk-of-dementia-cases-to-double-by-2030-124121900852_1.html

• World Alzheimer's Report 2023 (Alzheimer's Disease International): General information on dementia types and global stats. https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2023/