Rise of Alzheimer disease among elderly in J&K

Srinagar, July 29: Four years ago, the family of 60-year-old Noora Begum began noticing significant changes in her behavior, such as forgetfulness and trouble recalling names. Within six months, her condition deteriorated rapidly, leaving her unable to recognize her own family members. Alarmed, her family sought medical help, resulting in a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Over time, her personality underwent noticeable changes, including increasing long-term memory loss, impaired reasoning, disorientation, confusion, and emotional instability. She has been on medication since her diagnosis,” one of her family members, said.

Alzheimer’s, a neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting those over 60, significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected. It is the most common form of dementia. Doctors explain that Alzheimer’s affects brain cells, leading to memory loss, behavioral changes, and the deterioration of bodily functions. Patients also face difficulties with concentration and decision-making. Over the years, doctors have noticed an increase in patients suffering from such disease in Kashmir.
A study titled “Deep Phenotyping and Genomic Data from a Nationally Representative Study on Dementia in India” reveals that at least 11 percent of the elderly population in Jammu and Kashmir suffers from Alzheimer’s, compared to the national average of 7.7 percent.
Experts highlight that common symptoms in the elderly, such as forgetting important dates, losing track of time and place, difficulty reading, and failing to recognize friends and relatives, are indicative of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Dr Altaf Ahmad says there has been a rise in Alzheimer’s cases among the elderly in Kashmir.
He explains that Alzheimer’s causes brain shrinkage and the death of brain cells, leading to chronic and irreversible progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, disorientation, and changes in personality and mood.
Doctors stress the importance of early intervention in managing Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing that raising awareness is crucial.
Doctors call for increased public knowledge about the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s to ensure timely medical attention and support for affected individuals and their families.