For most of us, the thought of cognitive decline, particularly dementia, affecting our loved ones is often terrifying. Studies estimate that close to 9 million Indians over the age of 60 have dementia. The WHO found that between 60 and 70 per cent of these cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common type of dementia. Despite being a common ailment, the immediate reaction to an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis is often avoidance or denial.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs cognitive functions, including memory, reasoning, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Unlike the usual changes that come with ageing, the cognitive loss caused by Alzheimer's disease is significant and interferes with the capability of the patient to live independently.
