Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disease that has garnered an infamous reputation worldwide as a deadly disease. Rightly so, since it leads to Dementia, ultimately impacting your ability to live independently.
In India alone, Neurologists have found that more than 4 million people suffer from Dementia (0:05). In simple terms, Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning like thinking, remembering and reasoning (0:17). It is synonymous with the problem of memory loss, leading to forgetfulness (0:26) in individuals.
The primary reason for the onset of Dementia is the loss of nerve connections to the brain. The condition can impact different areas of the brain, leading to varied symptoms in different patients.

Myth 1: If my parents have Dementia, I will too. (0:47)
As discussed by Dr Sandeep Nayani, a majority of Dementia cases are not inherited from parents or even grandparents. Only in sporadic cases can Dementia display a strong genetic link. Most individuals encounter a form of Dementia when they are between the ages of 70 to 80, which means that you can't contract it.
Myth 2: All Dementia is Alzheimer's. (1:53)
Neurologists in Hyderabad stress that Dementia is not merely memory loss; it is associated with symptoms like poor judgement, an inability to focus and alterations in language and behaviour, among others.
Dementia is an umbrella term under which Alzheimer's is classified. There are multiple other forms of Dementia:
- Parkinson's Disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Huntington's Disease
- Lewy Body Dementia
Alzheimer's is one form of brain disease that first impacts the brain's learning centre and progresses to induce confusion and other behavioural changes.
MYTH 3: I am forgetting things which means I have Dementia or Alzheimer's. (2:36)
Alzheimer's is a neurological condition most commonly associated with memory loss. However, merely forgetting things does not indicate Alzheimer's or Dementia.
For instance, memory loss is a natural occurrence that arrives with ageing. Mild forgetfulness occurs as ageing causes various changes to different body parts, including the brain. As long as the forgetfulness is not impacting your ability to function, it cannot point to the early onset of Dementia.
Similarly, multiple medical conditions can contribute to memory loss in patients. These are temporary and may be treatable, according to the intensity of the disease. Some of the conditions that can cause memory loss are as follows:
- Head injuries
- Lack of vitamin B12 in the body
- Thyroid, liver or kidney disorders
- Excess alcohol consumption
While Dr Sandeep Nayani has dispelled these myths, the question remains: Is Alzheimer's curable?
It is possible to manage the symptoms of the disorder using appropriate medication (3:37) from trusted vendors like Apollo 24/7. These medications work best during early Alzheimer's and may prolong the patient's independence, allowing them to perform day-to-day functions comfortably.
Medications are shown to boost memory (3:40) in individuals who have Alzheimer's. There are two major types of drugs in the market – one is focused towards easing the symptoms while the other slows the progression of the disease.

Quick Fact Check:
Q) What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer's?
A) Dementia is a broad term for brain-impacting disorders that target different areas of the brain to impact cognitive function and lead to behavioural changes. On the other hand, Alzheimer's is a form of Dementia affecting the brain's learning centre. It is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts your ability to function.
Q) Can you avoid getting Alzheimer's?
A) Currently, there is no way to detect or prevent the likelihood of Alzheimer's. The disorder can occur due to reasons like genetic, environmental and lifestyle changes.
Q) What comes first – Dementia or Alzheimer's?
A) Alzheimer's strikes first and leads to Dementia symptoms that worsen over time without proper treatment. The former is caused by complex brain changes due to cell damage.

Consult Dr Sandeep Nayani at Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad or online at the Apollo 24|7 here: https://www.apollo247.com/doctors/dr-Sandeep-Nayani-069fa5ce-8cef-40c2-b5f7-dd8876a1be92?utm_source=EP_YT&utm_medium=EP_YT&utm_campaign=EP_YT&utm_id=EP_YT


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