For most Alzheimer’s patients, early detection remains a critical challenge. Initial signs such as forgetfulness, irritability, mood fluctuations, and confusion are often dismissed as stress, hormonal changes, or sleep disturbances. By the time clearer symptoms like delayed emotional responses appear, the disease has already caused significant brain damage, making treatment and care more complex for patients, doctors, and families.
On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day 2025, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road hosted a special workshop under its #MemoryVault campaign. Organized in collaboration with the Alzheimer's & Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) and supported by Roche Diagnostics India, the initiative brought together patients, caregivers, and medical experts to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s and its management.
The session began with caregivers sharing their personal experiences—ranging from the struggles of delayed diagnosis to the daily challenges of caring for patients. Interactive activities such as brain games, a “memory tree” installation, and cognitive exercises encouraged mental stimulation while reinforcing the value of early intervention.
A key theme of the discussion was the difficulty in timely diagnosis, often worsened by misinformation circulating on platforms like WhatsApp or Google searches, which leads to misinterpretation of symptoms. Experts emphasized that regular mental engagement through art, music, reading, and creative tasks can help patients maintain cognitive abilities for longer.
Speakers also highlighted the emotional burden on caregivers, noting the importance of empathy, patience, and the role of support groups. These groups provide caregivers with a safe space to share concerns, learn coping strategies, and manage the anxiety and depression commonly experienced during long-term care. Since Alzheimer’s affects the entire family—including children—experts encouraged families to approach the subject with compassion, which can ease emotional stress and build a supportive environment.
“At Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, 60% of all dementia patients that we have seen have Alzheimer's disease. More than 70% of them come to us with a symptom duration of 2-3 years,” said Dr. Pramod Krishnan, HOD & Consultant – Neurology Epileptology & Sleep Medicine, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. “Early identification of Alzheimer's symptoms leads to early diagnosis and using accurate investigations like CSF biomarkers is the key to initiating suitable therapies and lifestyle modifications necessary to slow down the disease and improve a patient's quality of life.”
“ARDSI's single-minded focus is to spread awareness on cognitive issues like Alzheimer's,” said Renu Vohra, Chairperson, ARDSI. “The Memory Health Day workshop was designed to enhance understanding of early signs, emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis, and provide structured resources for effective management. We are on a mission to ensure no one faces Alzheimer's in isolation.”
The workshop saw the participation of around 60 members from across Bengaluru, serving as a meaningful platform to promote awareness, empower caregivers, and provide guidance for better patient care.