World Alzheimer’s Day: For Those Who Forget, We Must Remember

Every year, on 21st September, the world unites to observe World Alzheimer’s Day—a day that shines a light on a condition that quietly but profoundly changes millions of lives.

Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, reasoning, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. There are several types of dementia, and among them, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, accounting for nearly 60–70% of all cases. Alzheimer’s disease, does more than steal memories. It gradually erodes independence, dignity, and connection, leaving families to navigate an emotional, physical, and financial journey of care.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), In 2021, 57 million people had dementia worldwide, and nearly 70% of these cases are Alzheimer’s disease. That’s not just a statistic—it’s millions of untold stories: parents who no longer recognize their children, grandparents who can no longer share family stories, and caregivers who quietly carry the weight of care every single day.

Alzheimer’s in India: The Growing Reality

Closer home, India is experiencing this challenge at an alarming pace. Studies estimate that nearly 8.8 million Indians above the age of 60 live with dementia, and this figure is projected to double in the next two decades. What was once dismissed as “just old age” is now being recognized as a public health priority.

The cultural context in India makes this even more complex. Unlike in many Western countries where institutional eldercare is more common, in India, care is largely a family responsibility. Spouses, children, and even daughters-in-law step into roles as full-time caregivers. While this reflects our strong tradition of family support, it also creates significant emotional, financial, and physical strain on households.

The financial cost alone can range from ₹30,000 annually in rural areas to as high as ₹3 lakh in urban households. Add to this the invisible cost of stress, fatigue, and career sacrifices by caregivers, and the true burden becomes clear.

How does the onset look like?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. It starts subtly, forgetting names, losing track of time, misplacing everyday items. But over time, the symptoms intensify: language difficulties, disorientation, confusion, mood swings, and personality changes.

As brain cells die and communication between them falters, the individual’s ability to function independently diminishes. While there is no cure yet, early detection can make a world of difference. FDA-approved drugs can help manage symptoms and slow its progression, particularly in the early to middle stages. Researchers are exploring new treatment and prevention strategies, including personalized, biomarker-driven therapies and lifestyle interventions like the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and managing other health conditions, which may help slow the disease's evolution.  

The Global Burden, Seen Locally

Globally, nearly 10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed every year. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 139 million. For India, this means a growing need for systemic change.

Encouragingly, some states are beginning to take action. For instance, Karnataka has partnered with institutes like NIMHANS to design dementia action plans. Such steps are crucial in ensuring that Alzheimer’s is seen not just as a family problem, but as a public health issue that needs infrastructure, policy, and awareness.

Caregivers: Love Beyond Recognition

Perhaps the most profound impact of Alzheimer’s is not only on those who live with it, but also on those who love them. Caregivers are often the unseen backbone of this journey. Many describe the experience as both an act of love and a test of endurance.

They give up careers, social lives, and sometimes even their own health to ensure their loved one is safe and cared for. Across India, NGOs such as the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) provide support groups and respite care. However, awareness and accessibility remain limited.

This is where communities can step in. Small gestures matter—helping with errands, offering a few hours of relief, or simply listening without judgment, can ease the burden on caregivers.

Path to Protection: Change (what you can)

While a cure remains elusive, research highlights several modifiable lifestyle factors that can reduce risk or delay onset:

• Smoking
• Physical activity
• Social engagement
• Cognitive stimulation
• Maintain a Healthy Diet

By making these changes, families can build resilience and potentially reduce future risk.

How can others help?

This Alzheimer’s Day, every individual can play a part. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Keep essentials organized – Store keys, wallets, phones, and other valuables in one designated spot to avoid losing them.
• Secure medications – Place medicines in a safe location and use a daily checklist to track doses.
• Ensure safety at home – By removing unnecessary clutter and rugs and installing sturdy handrails on stairs and in bathrooms.
• Use reminders and routines – Rely on calendars or whiteboards for schedules and try to keep appointments at consistent times.
• Provide identification and support – Ensure the person carries a form of identification, a medical alert bracelet, or a phone with emergency contacts and location tracking.

Here’s something to remember

Alzheimer’s may take away memories, but it cannot take away the bonds of love, the power of care, or the strength of community. Every step we take - whether it is learning the early signs, supporting a caregiver, or adopting healthier habits- creates ripples of change.

On this World Alzheimer’s Day, let us choose to be part of that change. Let us speak openly, support generously, and live mindfully. Because when awareness grows, stigma fades. And when communities come together, resilience grows stronger than the disease itself.

We believe health is not only about treatment, but also about protection, prevention, and compassion. By standing with families, empowering caregivers, and encouraging healthier lifestyles, we can help India prepare for the future together.

This World Alzheimer’s Day, let’s remember not only for those who cannot, but also act for those who still can.