September is World Alzheimer's Month — a reminder that dementia affects millions of families, yet early diagnosis is often delayed because memory changes are dismissed as "normal ageing". Here is how to tell the difference.
In my practice at ZOI Hospital, Attapur and Kondapur, families from Hyderabad frequently bring elderly parents saying, "Doctor, he forgets names — is this dementia?" The answer requires careful evaluation, not guesswork.
Normal Ageing vs Concerning Memory Loss
Normal ageing may include occasionally forgetting names but remembering later, misplacing keys but finding them, and maintaining independence in daily activities.
Concerning signs include repeatedly forgetting recent information, difficulty managing finances or medications, getting lost in familiar places, struggling with familiar tasks, personality changes, and reduced judgment.
Types of Memory Disorders We Evaluate
- Alzheimer's disease — the most common cause of dementia; often begins with episodic memory loss.
- Vascular dementia — linked to stroke and small vessel disease.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — memory problems beyond normal ageing but not yet disabling.
- Reversible causes — B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, depression, and sleep apnoea can mimic dementia.
What Happens During a Memory Evaluation?
A thorough assessment includes detailed history from the patient and a family informant, cognitive screening tests (MMSE or MoCA), medication review, mood assessment, and often brain MRI and blood tests to rule out reversible causes.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Early diagnosis allows safety planning, evidence-based treatments that may slow progression, behavioural management, and connecting families with support resources. Delaying until a crisis — a fall, getting lost, or financial fraud — makes management far harder.
Supporting a Loved One
Accompany your family member to the consultation. Patients often under-report symptoms. Bring medication lists, previous MRI reports, and specific examples of concerning incidents.
Schedule a cognitive evaluation with Dr. Nishanth Ponaganti at ZOI Hospital, Attapur and Kondapur.
