28 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Forgetfulness is often associated with growing older, but persistent memory loss, repeated questions and difficulty performing familiar everyday tasks should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing, health experts have warned. They emphasise that recognising the early signs of dementia can help people receive timely medical assessment, understand the condition and plan appropriate care.
With India’s elderly population growing, dementia is emerging as an important public health concern. Experts say greater awareness among families and caregivers is essential to identify changes in memory, behaviour and daily functioning before they significantly affect a person’s independence.
According to doctors, occasional forgetfulness can occur with normal ageing. However, a continuing pattern of cognitive decline that interferes with everyday life requires medical attention.
How to distinguish normal forgetfulness from dementia
Dr Harjit Singh Bhatti, consultant in geriatric medicine at Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, said families should pay attention when older people begin experiencing persistent changes in memory, behaviour or their ability to carry out routine activities.
Forgetting where spectacles were placed or taking longer to remember someone’s name may happen with age. More concerning signs include asking the same question repeatedly within a short period, forgetting important conversations, getting lost in familiar neighbourhoods or struggling with household tasks that were previously easy to manage.
Other warning signs can include unexplained financial mistakes, difficulty managing medicines, language problems and unusual changes in behaviour, such as increased irritability, suspicion or apathy.
Doctors stress that a single episode of forgetfulness does not automatically indicate dementia. The pattern, frequency and effect of these changes on everyday life are important considerations.
Changes in daily functioning should not be ignored
Dr Shelly Dutta, associate professor of medicine at RML Hospital, said families should look for progressive changes rather than judge memory problems based on an isolated incident.
If a person who has independently managed household responsibilities for years suddenly struggles with familiar tasks, repeatedly misses appointments or finds it difficult to handle routine financial transactions, medical advice should be sought.
Experts say families sometimes attribute every change in memory or behaviour to old age. Stigma and a lack of awareness can delay medical assessment, making it more difficult to plan care and provide appropriate support.
Family members can help by recording the changes they observe, noting when symptoms began and explaining their concerns during a medical consultation. Approaching the person with patience and dignity, rather than confrontation, can also make the process easier.
Why early diagnosis matters
Dr Avinash Chakrawarty, head of geriatric medicine at the National Centre for Ageing at AIIMS, Delhi, said dementia assessment requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation. A diagnosis cannot be made reliably on the basis of one memory test or an isolated symptom.
Doctors may review the person’s medical history, medicines, neurological health and ability to manage daily activities. They may also use validated screening tools to identify possible cognitive impairment.
Depending on the findings, investigations may include blood tests to assess vitamin B12 levels, thyroid function and other metabolic abnormalities. Brain imaging may be recommended when clinically indicated.
Early assessment is important because memory problems can have several causes. Depression, sleep disorders, medication side effects and certain medical conditions can affect memory and concentration, and some of these problems may be treatable.
Identifying the underlying cause helps doctors determine the appropriate course of action and allows families to make informed decisions about future care.
Dementia is an umbrella term for several conditions
Dementia is not a single disease. It is a broad term for a group of conditions that cause a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with independent functioning.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause. It typically affects memory and can gradually influence communication, judgement, decision-making and everyday activities.
Other forms include vascular dementia, which is associated with damage to the brain’s blood vessels; dementia with Lewy bodies, which may involve fluctuating alertness, visual hallucinations and movement-related symptoms; and frontotemporal dementia, which can initially affect personality, behaviour or language.
Because different conditions can produce different symptoms, doctors say assessment should consider the full range of changes rather than focus only on memory loss.
India faces a growing dementia challenge
India’s ageing population has increased the urgency of improving dementia awareness, diagnosis and care. An NDTV report published in September 2026 cited an estimate of 8.8 million people aged 60 and above living with dementia in India, with the number projected to rise to 16.9 million by 2036.
Experts say these figures highlight the need for greater public understanding, timely medical guidance and stronger support systems for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
The condition can affect entire families, particularly when a person gradually needs more assistance with everyday activities. Early recognition gives families more time to understand the diagnosis, discuss safety, organise support and plan for changing care needs.
Families urged to seek medical advice
Doctors advise families not to panic over occasional memory lapses, but to seek professional assessment when changes become persistent, progressive or interfere with independent living.
Caregivers should document symptoms, share relevant observations with healthcare professionals and approach the affected person with patience and respect. Unexplained falls alongside cognitive changes also warrant medical attention.
Although not every case of dementia can be prevented, timely recognition can help people access appropriate care and support. Experts say awareness, early evaluation and compassionate caregiving are essential to protecting dignity and improving quality of life for people experiencing cognitive decline.