Specific diagnosis key in Alzheimer's care, say experts at wellness webinar
Experts at a World Alzheimer's Day webinar stressed distinguishing Alzheimer's from treatable conditions and using brain stimulation as part of individualised dementia care.
Cognitive symptoms that appear to indicate Alzheimer's disease may sometimes stem from other, treatable conditions, according to specialists who spoke at a webinar marking World Alzheimer's Day.
Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy, founder and behavioural neurologist and neuropsychiatrist at Buddhi Clinic, said autoimmune disorders and thyroid inflammation were among the conditions that can masquerade as Alzheimer's disease. He stressed the importance of a specific diagnosis for people who present with cognitive symptoms, noting that a detailed, case-based assessment helps distinguish Alzheimer's from other causes that may be treatable.
Dr. Krishnamoorthy also underlined the need to tailor care to the individual. Some medications may offer only limited benefit or could cause harm in certain patients, he said, adding that non-pharmacological interventions have an important role in dementia care.
Vivek Misra, senior consultant in neuromodulation and clinical neurosciences at Buddhi Clinic, discussed the potential of non-invasive brain stimulation as part of dementia care. The technique uses external stimulation to modulate activity in specific areas of the brain, he said, and does not require sedation or seizure induction, making it suitable for an outpatient setting.
Mr. Misra cautioned that brain stimulation should not be seen as a standalone treatment. Instead, it should form one component of a broader, precision-based approach in which interventions are matched to an individual's clinical profile and needs.
The session was moderated by Athira Elssa Johnson, senior reporter at The Hindu. It was held on Sunday as part of The Hindu Wellness Series, in association with Buddhi Clinic.