Arjumand Shah
Srinagar, Oct 17: Alzheimer’s disease affects 10 per cent of the elderly population in Jammu and Kashmir, a rate significantly higher than the national average of 7.4 percent.
According to a recent study, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s in J&K is among the highest in the country.
In comparison, Delhi reports the lowest rate at 4.5 percent, while Odisha and West Bengal report 9.9 percent and 9.2 percent respectively.
Alzheimer’s, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, primarily impacts individuals over the age of 60 and is the most common form of dementia. It severely affects memory, cognitive abilities, and behavior, often leading to confusion, disorientation, and difficulty in decision-making. Over time, it impairs the person’s ability to perform daily activities.
Hamida Bano, a 60-year-old woman from J&K, began showing signs of forgetfulness and difficulty in recognizing family members four years ago. “Within six months, her condition worsened, leading to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s,” one of her family members said.
Her family recalls the gradual decline in her memory, reasoning, and personality, and she has been under treatment since then.
Dr. Mohammad Shafi, says that Alzheimer’s leads to brain shrinkage and cell death. He describes it as a chronic, irreversible condition that progressively worsens, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.
Doctors stress the importance of early intervention and emphasize the need to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, especially in regions with higher prevalence like Jammu and Kashmir. (KINS)
