World Alzheimer’s Day 21 September 2025
Everyday, in my clinic, I meet families who are watching a loved one slowly slip away into the fog of memory loss. Imagine forgetting your way home, the names of your children, or even how to dress yourself. For many elders in Kashmir, this is not imagination, it is daily life with Alzheimer’s disease. Behind each case is a family learning to live with absence inside presence.
At the Moul Mouj Health Centre, where we run a dedicated Alzheimer’s OPD, the reality is stark. Since the beginning of September, observed globally as World Alzheimer’s Month, we have seen nearly 236 patients diagnosed with the disease, carried out over 28 home visits, and delivered 147 teleconsultations. Each number represents a family’s struggle with memory loss, confusion, and the slow fading of a loved one’s identity. The burden is not confined to cities. Even in the remotest hills—like Waltengo, where we held a camp for 114 seniors—two patients were newly diagnosed with dementia. This is not an isolated finding. A landmark study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, has revealed that Jammu and Kashmir has the highest prevalence of dementia in India, with an estimated 11.04 percent of the population affected.
The statistics are sobering. But behind every statistic is a story. And behind every story is a family learning the painful reality of memory loss.
When is Forgetfulness Normal, and When is it Not?
We all forget. Misplacing keys, struggling to recall a name, or leaving a utensil on the stove, these lapses are often part of age-related forgetfulness. They may be irritating, even worrying, but they usually do not disrupt daily life.
Between normal forgetfulness and dementia lies a middle ground known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Here, memory problems are noticeable and greater than expected for age, yet the person remains largely independent. MCI can remain stable for years, but in many cases, it becomes a precursor to dementia.
Dementia, on the other hand, is not just forgetfulness. It is a syndrome marked by progressive decline in memory, reasoning, behavior and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60–70 percent of cases.
The Face of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease often begins subtly. A parent repeats the same question multiple times. A spouse forgets familiar routes. A grandmother who once managed the household effortlessly now struggles with basic tasks. Symptoms gradually extend beyond memory:
Difficulty in speaking, reading, or writing
Trouble recognizing family members
Poor judgment and decision-making
Personality changes, mood swings, or withdrawal from social life
Disorientation in time and place
When should we worry?
If forgetfulness is frequent, disrupts daily functioning, or is accompanied by confusion, difficulty in planning, or behavior changes, it is time to seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis is crucial, not only for treatment but also for planning care and support.
Why is Alzheimer’s Rising in Kashmir?
Several factors are converging to create a higher burden in our region:
Rapidly aging population: With more people living longer, age-related diseases are naturally on the rise.
Genetic predisposition: Emerging evidence suggests certain populations, including Kashmir, may have higher genetic susceptibility.
Cardiovascular risks: High prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and stroke, untreated or poorly controlled, accelerates cognitive decline.
Trauma and stress: Decades of conflict and psychosocial stress also play a role in increasing vulnerability.
Lifestyle changes: Sedentary habits, poor diets and social isolation are known risk factors.
Elder abuse: When children neglect or mistreat their aging parents, the emotional stress accelerates cognitive decline, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented or Delayed?
There is no cure yet. But research and clinical experience show that we can delay its onset or slow its progression. The keys lie in prevention and lifestyle:
Control blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
Stay mentally active: Reading, puzzles, learning new skills keep the brain engaged
Regular physical exercise improves blood flow to the brain
Balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and nuts lowers risk
Social engagement: Active community participation and meaningful relationships protect against cognitive decline
Sleep and stress management: Both are essential for brain health especially faith based activities
Respecting, emotionally supporting and engaging meaningfully with ageing parents helps create a caring environment that safeguards their mental health In simple terms, what is good for the heart is also good for the brain.
The Role of Caregivers
Alzheimer’s does not only affect the patient; it transforms the entire family. Caregivers, often adult children, sometimes even spouses, face emotional, physical, and financial stress. Sleepless nights, repetitive conversations, and the heartbreaking task of watching a loved one fade can lead to burnout.
Supporting caregivers is as important as supporting patients. They need:
Practical training in handling behavioral changes
Respite care so they can rest and recover
Peer support groups to share experiences and reduce isolation
Recognition from society and institutions for their silent labor of love
At our camps and OPDs, we remind caregivers that patience is medicine too. Compassion, structure, and reassurance often matter more than drugs. This month, we also conducted two workshops for caregivers and paramedics, along with special lectures on Alzheimer’s for interns at Bibi Halima College of Nursing.
In the words of one of my patients’ daughters: “Alzheimer’s takes away memories, but it cannot take away love.” That love, expressed through awareness, care, and collective effort, remains our strongest medicine.
This World Alzheimer’s Day, let us pledge to give our elders not just longer lives, but lives filled with dignity, compassion, and remembrance.
