Rising Alzheimer's Cases in Jharkhand: A Growing Concern for Individuals in Their 50s

Ranchi: Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and cognitive skills, is now being increasingly reported among individuals in their fifties. Once associated with the elderly, the disease is expanding its footprints due to changing lifestyle, erratic sleeping patterns and unhealthy eating habits, health experts in the city said.Dr Deepak Chandra Prakash, senior consultant (neurology) at Bhagwan Mahavir Manipal Hospital, said dementia cases have risen in the country over the past few decades. “Nearly 5 lakh people over 65 years are currently living with dementia in Jharkhand,” he said.Despite its growing numbers, Alzheimer’s remains underdiagnosed in the state. “Low awareness, social stigma, and the common misperception of dementia as normal ageing are major barriers to timely diagnosis.

The absence of routine cognitive screening at the primary care level and resource constraints further widens the treatment gap," he said.Doctors said early detection of symptoms such memory loss, difficulty in planning, challenges with daily tasks, confusion, and sudden mood changes remains low.Saint Anna, mental health consultant at National Health Mission Jharkhand, said, "Cases that were once typically seen in individuals aged 60 and above are now increasingly being identified in people in their 50s.”

Though there is no dedicated program for Alzheimer’s patients, several state initiatives such as Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana and the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) extend support to elderly care, including dementia patients, through day-care centres and medical facilities. Ranchi civil surgeon Dr. Prabhat Kumar said, “There is no record-keeping of Alzheimer’s patients, but plans are afoot to document such cases at sadar hospital.

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