One in 25 elderly Indians may have Alzheimer's by 2030, experts warn

Alzheimer's disease could affect one in every 20 to 25 elderly people in India by 2030, health experts have warned, urging greater awareness and early diagnosis of symptoms often dismissed as normal ageing.

The warning comes during Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, observed globally in June to highlight the growing burden of neurodegenerative disorders.

Doctors said symptoms such as frequently forgetting familiar names, household objects or even one's home address should not be ignored, as they could indicate the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

According to medical experts, Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disorder and the most common cause of dementia, accounting for nearly 60 to 70% of all dementia cases.

A study conducted in recent years estimated that around 8.8 million people in India were living with dementia in 2019. Experts project that if India's elderly population reaches around 20 crore by 2030, one in every 15 to 18 senior citizens could be affected by dementia, while one in every 20 to 25 may develop Alzheimer's disease.

Doctors said people living with chronic stress, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes and those with a family history of Alzheimer's face a higher risk of developing the condition.

They cautioned against dismissing memory-related problems as a natural consequence of ageing and stressed the importance of seeking medical advice even for mild symptoms.

Experts also pointed to changing lifestyles and increasing dependence on technology as factors reducing mental exercise.

"Earlier, people memorised phone numbers, directions and daily tasks. Such habits kept the brain active. Today, navigation apps, reminders and digital tools have largely replaced natural memory functions," a doctor said.

According to estimates, Gujarat alone could have around 8.17 lakh people living with dementia by 2036.

Medical professionals said maintaining an active lifestyle, controlling chronic diseases, engaging in cognitive activities and seeking timely medical intervention can help delay or manage the progression of the disease.