Frequent forgetfulness after 60 may signal Alzheimer's, doctors warn

Many people find their memory weakening gradually after the age of 60, forgetting small everyday things. This is not just an effect of age but can also be a key sign of Alzheimer's disease. Reduced memory, difficulty retaining important information and forgetting dates are all signs seen in a disease like Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is a disease that affects a person's memory, thinking ability and behaviour. It is mostly seen in the elderly, but its symptoms begin appearing much earlier. If a patient seeks help as early as possible, it greatly helps in slowing the progress of the disease and maintaining quality of life. Across the country and other countries combined, more than 5.5 million people are struggling with diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.

A person suffering from Alzheimer's repeatedly forgets names, cannot retain information given to them, asks the same question again and again, and forgets important dates and events. Such patients may also have difficulty concentrating. Other symptoms include forgetting the names of times and places, trouble understanding things and places in front of their eyes such as difficulty reading, being unable to tell colours apart, and difficulty in speaking and writing.

Alzheimer's patients often feel confused and tired, and as a result begin to withdraw from their hobbies, social events or favourite activities. Their desire to meet friends and take part in social events also fades. Such a patient often remains confused, suspicious, sad, fearful or anxious. Recognising these symptoms early gives the patient or their family a chance to begin treatment, plan ahead and reach support services. There is still no definite cure for it, but there are certainly ways to manage symptoms, improve brain health and slow the pace at which the disease progresses.

At least two or three such factors are commonly found together in Alzheimer's patients, including conditions like blood pressure and diabetes. Lack of physical activity and substance addiction can also be contributing causes. A multi-disciplinary team of neurologists, psychologists, geriatric disease experts and counsellors works together in hospitals to treat Alzheimer's patients. This team provides early diagnosis and testing, treatment and memory care plans tailored to the patient, support for families and caregivers, advanced imaging and cognitive assessment tools, and therapy to improve memory, thinking and emotional wellbeing. If you or someone in your family feels symptoms like these, do not ignore it, and consult an expert doctor, counsellor and professional as soon as possible.