Panaji: As Goa’s ageing population continues to grow, neurologists are raising concerns over a steady increase in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, warning that the condition could become a significant public health challenge for the state in the coming years.
Speaking during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Dr. Parul Dubey, Lead Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula, said dementia is now becoming a regular diagnosis in neurological practice, driven by increasing life expectancy and improved awareness.
“Based on what we are seeing in practice, I would say dementia is definitely increasing,” Dr. Dubey said.
Alzheimer’s is More Than Normal Ageing
Dr. Dubey explained that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, behaviour and daily functioning.
She clarified that Alzheimer’s should not be mistaken for the mild forgetfulness often associated with ageing.
“Dementia means a decline in thinking and memory that affects life, and it gets worse with time. Alzheimer’s disease is very different from normal age-related forgetfulness,” she explained.
According to Dr. Dubey, most patients diagnosed are aged 60 years and above, although symptoms can begin much earlier.
Early Signs Families Should Watch For
One of the earliest warning signs is persistent difficulty remembering recent events.
Common symptoms include:
- Repeatedly asking the same questions
- Forgetting appointments
- Misplacing everyday objects
- Difficulty following conversations
- Confusion with routine tasks
“Recent memory is usually affected first. Someone may forget something they were told in the morning by afternoon or repeatedly search for commonly used items,” Dr. Dubey noted.
Goa Faces a Growing Challenge
Goa has one of India’s oldest populations, with approximately 11.2% of residents being senior citizens, compared to the national average of 8.6%.
Medical experts believe this demographic shift is likely to increase the number of dementia cases, placing additional responsibility on families, caregivers and healthcare services.
Globally, more than 55 million people live with dementia, while India is estimated to have around 8.8 million people over the age of 60 living with the condition.
Lifestyle Plays an Important Role
Dr. Dubey highlighted that many Alzheimer’s risk factors overlap with cardiovascular diseases.
These include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Sleep disorders
“The same factors that increase the risk of stroke can also increase the risk of dementia. Managing blood pressure, controlling diabetes, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important,” she said.
Early Diagnosis Can Make a Difference
Although Alzheimer’s disease currently has no cure, early diagnosis allows doctors to manage symptoms more effectively while helping families prepare long-term care plans.
Neurologists typically rely on cognitive assessments, MRI scans and clinical evaluations to confirm dementia while ruling out treatable causes such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders or depression.
New Treatments Offer Hope
Recent advances have introduced antibody-based therapies such as Donanemab and Lecanemab, approved in the United States for patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Dubey noted that while these medicines are not cures, studies suggest they may slow cognitive decline by 20–30% in suitable patients.
However, access remains limited in India due to high costs.
Supporting Caregivers is Equally Important
Beyond medical treatment, Dr. Dubey stressed the emotional burden carried by caregivers.
As dementia progresses, patients may experience aggression, depression, confusion and behavioural changes, making caregiving increasingly demanding.
Maintaining familiar surroundings, encouraging mental stimulation and providing emotional support can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
Preserving Dignity
Concluding her message, Dr. Dubey emphasised that Alzheimer’s care must go beyond medicine.
“Every individual has a right to dignity. People with dementia gradually lose abilities, but they should never be allowed to lose their dignity. We must care for them in a way that allows them to live a dignified life.”
As Goa’s senior population continues to expand, healthcare experts believe greater awareness, preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and compassionate support systems will be essential to addressing the growing burden of Alzheimer’s disease.
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