Rising Alzheimer’s Cases in India Highlight Need for Early Detection and Care

On World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21), experts warn that Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health concern in India, affecting over 8.8 million people, with 60–70% of dementia cases attributed to the condition. Prevalence is highest in Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir, and aging populations are driving increased diagnoses. Awareness remains limited, often causing delayed detection or misattribution to normal aging.

Care remains fragmented, particularly outside major cities, leaving families to provide home-based support, which can lead to caregiver exhaustion. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, affecting people aged 40–60, is rarer but more aggressive and often misdiagnosed as stress or depression.

Recent advances, including functional MRI with AI and FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid plaques, offer earlier diagnosis and disease-modifying treatment. Experts emphasize investing in early screening, neuropsychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, and caregiver support to reduce disease burden and safeguard patients’ well-being in the coming decades.

21-09-2025