Srinagar- Amina Khan, a vibrant 62-year-old woman from the bustling town of Anantnag, has always been the heart of her family. Known for her culinary skills and warmth, she dedicated her life to caring for her three children and nurturing close ties with her extended family. However, over the past two years, her family has witnessed a troubling change.
Initially, Amina began misplacing items—her glasses, keys, and even her favorite cookbook. “We thought it was just forgetfulness,” her son, Ali, recalls. “But then, she started repeating questions and forgetting conversations we had just moments before.” The family grew increasingly alarmed as Amina’s condition worsened, leading them to seek medical advice.
Amina was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six months ago. The news hit her family hard. “It felt like we were losing her little by little,” Ali explains, tears welling in his eyes. The once lively discussions over family meals turned into moments of silence as Amina struggled to remember names and faces.
Alzheimer’s disease affects 11 percent 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.
In another similar case, 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. (inputs from KINS)
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