Dementia should not be considered a normal or inevitable part of ageing, and persistent changes in memory, thinking or everyday functioning warrant appropriate medical evaluation, said Dr Rahul Mahajan, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali.
Speaking in connection with World Alzheimer’s Month, Dr Mahajan said dementia is an umbrella term covering a group of conditions that can affect memory, thinking, behaviour and a person’s ability to carry out routine activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
According to Dr Mahajan, ageing remains the strongest known risk factor for dementia, but increasing age alone should not be used to dismiss noticeable cognitive changes. Recognising symptoms at an early stage can help doctors assess their possible causes, plan appropriate care and provide support to patients and their families.
Not Every Memory Problem Is Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr Mahajan said one of the challenges in recognising cognitive decline is that early symptoms can sometimes be subtle. Family members may initially attribute forgetfulness, difficulty recalling information or changes in routine activities to normal ageing.
However, he stressed that there is an important distinction between occasional forgetfulness and memory problems that become persistent or progressively worse and begin interfering with daily life.
“Occasional forgetfulness can occur with normal ageing. However, persistent or progressively worsening changes that interfere with daily functioning should not be ignored,” Dr Mahajan said.
He also pointed out that not every memory problem is caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive difficulties can arise from a range of medical and neurological conditions and may sometimes be associated with factors that require separate evaluation.
According to the neurologist, possible causes can include certain medical conditions, medications, sleep-related problems, depression, nutritional deficiencies and other neurological or health conditions.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Dr Mahajan said seeking medical advice when concerning changes first become noticeable can provide several benefits. An evaluation may help doctors understand the nature of the cognitive symptoms and investigate possible underlying causes.
Early assessment can also help identify associated health conditions and allow doctors and families to discuss available treatment and support options.
For families, understanding what is happening can be equally important. A clearer assessment can help relatives plan for future care requirements, safety considerations and day-to-day support while taking the individual’s needs into account.
Changes in Daily Functioning Should Be Noticed
Dr Mahajan emphasised that families should pay attention not only to isolated incidents of forgetfulness but also to changes that affect a person’s ability to manage everyday activities.
Repeated difficulty with familiar tasks, increasingly frequent memory lapses or progressive changes in thinking and behaviour may deserve professional attention, particularly when such changes begin affecting normal daily functioning.
At the same time, he cautioned against assuming that every such symptom automatically indicates Alzheimer’s disease. A detailed clinical evaluation is required to understand the underlying reason for cognitive changes.
Healthy Lifestyle and Regular Attention to Health
Dr Mahajan also advised people to remain physically active and maintain a healthy weight as part of a broader approach to maintaining overall health.
Lifestyle measures alone cannot be treated as a substitute for medical evaluation when significant cognitive symptoms are present, but maintaining general physical health remains an important part of long-term wellbeing.
World Alzheimer’s Month provides an opportunity to increase awareness about dementia and encourage families to take changes in memory and cognitive functioning seriously without creating unnecessary fear.
For older adults and their families, the key message is to distinguish between occasional lapses that may occur with normal ageing and persistent or progressive changes that begin interfering with everyday life.
Early recognition, appropriate medical assessment and informed family support can help people and caregivers better understand the situation and plan the next steps.
CHANDIGARH | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
