Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 21: Goa is facing a growing health challenge linked to its ageing population, with an estimated 9 per cent of people aged 65 and above affected by Alzheimer’s disease, compared with a national prevalence of around 6 per cent in the same age group.

As World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21, health experts have called for greater awareness, early diagnosis and stronger public and private healthcare responses to dementia-related illnesses in the State.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It gradually damages memory and thinking abilities and eventually affects a person’s capacity to perform routine daily activities. The condition may initially appear as forgetfulness, such as repeatedly misplacing belongings or forgetting recent conversations, before progressing to confusion, personality changes and dependence on caregivers.

Former Goa Medical College professor Dr Roque Wiseman Pinto said Alzheimer’s disease should be viewed as a major public health concern rather than merely a condition affecting memory.

“Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is now the seventh leading cause of death. As societies age, the number of cases inevitably rise,” Dr Pinto said.

More than 55 million people are estimated to be living with dementia worldwide, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for around 60 to 70 per cent of cases. In India, an estimated 8 million to 8.8 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

According to Dr Pinto, age remains the biggest risk factor. The incidence rises sharply from around four new cases per 1,000 people among those aged 60 to 74 to about 76 new cases per 1,000 among people above the age of 85.

While genetic factors account for only a small proportion of cases, experts have identified several potentially modifiable risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, poor sleep and exposure to air pollution.

“Healthy living remains our best defence. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, control of blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, along with social and mental engagement, can help reduce the risk,” Dr Pinto said.

Doctors across Goa have reported a steady increase in dementia diagnoses at clinics and hospitals, a trend linked partly to the State’s higher life expectancy and growing elderly population. Social isolation, depression and sedentary lifestyles are also emerging as contributing factors, experts said.

Early diagnosis can make an important difference for patients and their families. Cognitive assessments, brain imaging and newer biomarker tests are improving the ability to identify Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier stage.

Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, available treatments and supportive care can help manage symptoms, slow functional decline in some patients and improve quality of life.

Doctors stressed that awareness, prevention and compassionate care are as important as medical advances in tackling Alzheimer’s disease, which affects not only patients but also their families and wider communities.