Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s neurologists are raising concerns over a growing number of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease cases, describing the trend as an emerging healthcare challenge as the State’s elderly population continues to expand.
Medical experts say hospitals and clinics are seeing more senior citizens reporting persistent memory problems, confusion and difficulties with thinking and reasoning, underscoring the need for timely diagnosis and long-term care planning.
Dr Parul Dubey, Lead Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula, said dementia cases have become noticeably more common in recent years. She explained that Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia and differs from the occasional forgetfulness associated with normal ageing.
Goa has one of the country’s oldest populations, with senior citizens making up 11.2 per cent of its residents, compared to the national average of 8.6 per cent. Specialists believe this demographic shift will inevitably lead to a higher number of people living with age-related cognitive disorders.
Worldwide, dementia affects more than 55 million people, while India is estimated to have around 8.8 million elderly individuals living with the condition. Health experts note that improved awareness campaigns, including those held during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June, are encouraging more people to seek medical evaluation.
According to Dr Dubey, the earliest warning signs often appear during a person’s 60s. These may include difficulty remembering recent conversations, repeatedly losing everyday items, forgetting scheduled appointments and finding it hard to follow discussions.
She said advances in diagnostic techniques, including cognitive assessments and brain imaging such as MRI scans, have also helped doctors identify the disease at earlier stages.
Neurologists point out that many factors associated with Alzheimer’s overlap with those linked to cardiovascular disease. Uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, obesity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol intake, poor sleep and a lack of regular exercise can all increase the likelihood of developing dementia later in life.
Doctors recommend maintaining healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels, staying physically active and adopting a balanced lifestyle to reduce the risk.
Although Alzheimer’s disease cannot yet be cured, early identification allows patients and families to prepare for future care needs and begin treatment that may help slow the progression of symptoms. New therapies, including antibody-based drugs such as Donanemab and Lecanemab, have shown encouraging results in slowing cognitive decline in selected patients.
Experts also emphasise that dementia affects entire families, with caregivers often facing emotional, physical and financial pressures while supporting loved ones through behavioural changes and increasing dependence. Creating a familiar environment, encouraging mental stimulation and ensuring compassionate care can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
Dr Dubey stressed that while dementia gradually robs individuals of their cognitive abilities, it should never take away their dignity, urging society to treat every patient with understanding, patience and respect.
