“Early detection”, according to city doctors, “could pave the way for beginning the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease”. Samir Parikh, director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Hospital, says, “Even though the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s disease cannot be reversed or stalled, its progress can be slowed, with the provision of appropriate support networks for the person as well as the family in order to help preserve the functioning for a longer period of time.’’
Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21. The WHO had earlier estimated that while there are currently over 15 million people worldwide with the disease, this figure is projected to nearly double by 2025, especially in the developing countries.
Warning that whenever a person is suffering from memory loss that disrupts the person’s functioning in his or her daily life, there is an indication of suspecting the diagnosis for an Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Parikh notes, “Even though its lifetime prevalence rates are significantly higher in the older population, nevertheless an earlier onset is not uncommon, and hence we should be aware of the signs and symptoms .’’
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The check list provided by the hospital includes inability to recall previously-learnt information, difficulty in recalling vocabulary of common words, social withdrawal, difficulty in recognising familiar people, disturbances in executive functioning, disorientation, and changes in mood and personality.