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Alzheimer's Disease: Expert Memory Assessment and Compassionate Care in Hyderabad
Expert Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis and memory assessment at KIMS Neuroscience, Hyderabad. Early diagnosis makes a real difference.
Neurodegenerative Disorders · Cognitive Neurology
Neurology · Neuropsychology
Donepezil · Rivastigmine · Memantine · Cognitive rehabilitation · Carer support
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, responsible for 60–70% of all dementia cases. It is caused by the progressive accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques between neurons and tau tangles inside them, beginning 15–20 years before the first symptoms appear. The hippocampus — the brain's memory centre — is affected first. It is a disease, not a normal part of ageing. In India, approximately 7.4% of all adults over 60 are living with dementia, with Andhra Pradesh among the five states with the highest burden.
- What it is
- The most common cause of dementia (60–70% of cases). Progressive amyloid and tau protein accumulation destroys brain cells beginning decades before symptoms appear.
- How common
- 7.4% of Indians over age 60 have dementia. Only 1 in 10 receives a proper diagnosis. Andhra Pradesh is among India's five highest-burden states.
- Earliest warning sign
- Short-term memory loss that does not resolve — recent conversations, appointments, and names permanently lost rather than slowly retrieved. Different from normal ageing.
- Diagnosis at KIMS
- MoCA / MMSE · full neuropsychological assessment · 3T MRI (hippocampal atrophy) · FDG-PET · serum biomarkers (plasma p-tau 217, Aβ42/40, GFAP) and CSF biomarkers (Aβ42/40 ratio, p-tau 181) available on outsourcing basis · blood tests to exclude treatable causes. All on site at KIMS Hyderabad.
- Treatment
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) · Memantine for moderate-severe · Anti-amyloid therapy (lecanemab) — now available in India for eligible patients with early Alzheimer's; KIMS assesses eligibility · Cognitive rehabilitation · Carer support programme.
- Can it be prevented?
- Around 40% of dementia risk is modifiable: blood pressure, exercise, social engagement, treating depression, controlling diabetes, no smoking, limiting alcohol.
- Contact KIMS
- 040-44885000 (Mon–Sat) · neuroscience@kimshospitals.com · No referral required
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical classification | Neurodegenerative · Primary dementia · Amyloidopathy and tauopathy |
| Prevalence (India) | 7.4% of adults over 60 · India has one of the world's highest dementia burdens · Andhra Pradesh among top 5 states |
| Key symptoms by stage | Early: short-term memory loss · word-finding · getting lost · Moderate: confusion · personality change · Late: dependence for all care |
| Core medications | Donepezil · Rivastigmine (patch) · Galantamine · Memantine (moderate-severe) · SSRIs for behavioural symptoms |
| New treatments | Lecanemab (Leqembi) now available in India · First disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's · Slows decline by ~27% in early-stage patients (CLARITY-AD trial) · Requires confirmed amyloid pathology (CSF biomarkers or PET) · KIMS assesses eligibility and guides access · Serial MRI monitoring for ARIA required |
| Diagnosis steps | History + MoCA · neuropsychological assessment · blood tests · 3T MRI · serum AD biomarkers (plasma p-tau 217, Aβ42/40) on outsourcing basis · CSF biomarkers (Aβ42/40 ratio, p-tau 181) on outsourcing basis · FDG-PET (selected) · exclude reversible causes first |
| When to seek help | Progressive memory loss · repeated questions · personality change · getting lost · difficulty with tasks once managed easily |
About This Condition
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of dementia in the world. Dementia is not a single disease it is a word that describes a group of symptoms: progressive loss of memory, thinking ability, and the capacity to carry out everyday tasks. Alzheimer's is responsible for approximately 60–70% of all dementia cases.
At its core, Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain. Long before any symptoms appear sometimes decades before abnormal proteins begin to build up inside and between brain cells. One protein, called amyloid-beta, forms clumps between neurons. Another, called tau, forms tangles inside them. Together, these deposits gradually damage and kill brain cells. The hippocampus — the part of the brain where new memories are formed is usually affected first. This is why memory loss is typically the earliest and most noticeable symptom.
Alzheimer's Disease is not the same as normal ageing. Forgetting where you put your keys occasionally, or taking longer to recall a name, are normal experiences as we get older. Alzheimer's is different it is a disease process in which memories are not merely slow to retrieve, but are permanently lost. In India, the numbers are significant and growing. A major national study found that around 7.4% of all adults over 60 in India are living with dementia and Andhra Pradesh is among the five states with the highest burden in the country. Despite this, only about 1 in 10 people with dementia in India ever receives a proper diagnosis. The reasons include limited awareness, social stigma around memory problems, and a shortage of specialist services particularly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
At KIMS Neuroscience, Hyderabad, our dedicated memory assessment service gives patients and families the clarity they need. Early diagnosis opens options for treatment, for planning, and for quality of life.
Book a Consultation
Speak directly with our specialist team. No referral required. Monday to Saturday.
040-44885000International enquiries: info@kimsneurosciences.comWhat Are the Symptoms?
Alzheimer's develops in stages, and the symptoms change and worsen as the disease progresses. Knowing what to look for at each stage helps families recognise when it is time to seek help.
Early Stage — Mild Alzheimer's
This is when the changes are subtle but real and when getting a specialist assessment makes the biggest difference.
Short-term memory loss
Forgetting recent conversations, appointments, or the names of people you have just met, while long-ago memories remain intact. This is different from normal ageing, where a name is temporarily forgotten but eventually recalled. In Alzheimer's, the memory is lost, not just slow to surface.
Asking the same question repeatedly
Asking the same thing several times in one conversation, having completely forgotten the answer given minutes earlier.
Struggling with tasks that used to be easy
Managing bills and finances, following a multi-step recipe, organising a trip, or following the plot of a TV series.
Getting lost in familiar places
Taking a wrong turn on a route driven hundreds of times, or becoming confused about where they are in the neighbourhood.
Putting things in wrong places
Keys found in the refrigerator; money found in a shoe. Unable to retrace the steps to find them.
Word-finding difficulties
Stopping mid-sentence unable to find the right word, or describing an object instead of naming it ('the thing you use to unlock the door').
Mood and personality changes
Becoming more anxious, withdrawn, suspicious, or irritable — often in situations that would previously not have bothered them.
Middle Stage — Moderate Alzheimer's
As the disease progresses, the level of care needed increases.
Forgetting the names of close family members
Forgetting the names of close family members, or their own address or phone number.
Becoming disoriented
Becoming confused about the day, month, or even the year.
Help with personal care
Needing step-by-step help with dressing, bathing, and toileting.
Wandering
Particularly at night or in unfamiliar environments.
Behavioural changes
Agitation, aggression, hallucinations, or depression may develop as the disease progresses.
Difficulty recognising familiar faces
Including close family members and familiar people.
Normal Ageing vs Early Alzheimer's — The Key Question Families Ask
Normal ageing slows down memory retrieval. You might take longer to recall a name but you do eventually remember it. In Alzheimer's, memories are not just slow — they are gone. The person does not eventually remember. They also do not realise they have forgotten. If you are asking this question about someone you love, a specialist assessment is the right next step.
Late Stage — Severe Alzheimer's
Loss of verbal communication
In the late stage of Alzheimer's, the ability to communicate verbally becomes severely limited or completely lost.
Dependence on others for all personal care
The person becomes fully dependent on others for dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, and all daily activities.
Physical complications
Difficulty swallowing, limited mobility, and increased vulnerability to infections become major concerns in severe Alzheimer's.
Loss of awareness of the surrounding environment
Awareness of people, places, and surroundings becomes significantly reduced in the advanced stage.
What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's Disease does not have one single cause. It develops from a combination of genetic factors, biological processes in the brain, and lifestyle influences all building up over decades.
The two hallmark proteins
The defining features of Alzheimer's at a biological level are two abnormal protein deposits: amyloid-beta plaques that build up between brain cells, and tau tangles that form inside them. These deposits begin accumulating in the brain 15–20 years before the first symptoms appear — which is why researchers are working so hard on early detection tests that can identify Alzheimer's before memory loss begins.
Genetic factors — what they mean for you
Most Alzheimer's Disease is not directly inherited. However:
A gene variant called APOE-ε4 increases the risk of Alzheimer's particularly if a person inherits a copy from each parent. Having this variant does not mean you will develop Alzheimer's, but it does increase the lifetime risk.
A small number of families carry gene mutations (in APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2) that cause early-onset Alzheimer's Disease typically before age 65. These are autosomal dominant, meaning each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. These families should discuss genetic counselling at KIMS.
For the vast majority of people, genetics is one of several factors that influence risk not a fixed destiny.
Modifiable risk factors — what you can actually do about
Importantly, research has identified that around 40% of worldwide dementia cases may be linked to lifestyle and health factors that can be modified. The most important ones include:
• High blood pressure — managing it reduces dementia risk significantly
• Physical inactivity — regular aerobic exercise is one of the most consistent protective factors found across dementia research
• Obesity in midlife
• Type 2 diabetes
• Excessive alcohol
• Smoking
• Depression — treating depression when it occurs, particularly in midlife, is associated with lower dementia risk
• Social isolation — staying socially connected protects brain health
• Hearing loss — untreated hearing loss is associated with higher dementia risk; wearing a hearing aid appears to reduce it
• Air pollution — increasingly recognised as a modifiable risk factor
Managing cardiovascular risk factors from your 40s and 50s onwards is probably the most impactful thing you can do to reduce your Alzheimer's risk.
Diagnosis at KIMS
How Is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed at KIMS?
Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease properly and distinguishing it from other treatable conditions that can cause memory problems requires a structured assessment by a specialist team. At KIMS Neuroscience, Hyderabad, no diagnosis is made without first excluding reversible causes of memory loss.
A conversation with the patient and their family
The specialist will take a detailed history when memory problems first appeared, how they have progressed, which daily tasks have become difficult, and whether there are any behavioural or personality changes. Critically, a family member's account is as important as the patient's because people with early Alzheimer's often underestimate their own difficulties.
Memory and thinking tests
Validated assessment tools — the MoCA, MMSE, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination give the specialist a structured, scored snapshot of how memory, attention, language, and reasoning are currently functioning. These take about 20–30 minutes to complete and are the starting point for tracking change over time.
Full neuropsychological assessment
When a more detailed cognitive picture is needed, our clinical neuropsychologist administers a comprehensive battery of tests. This goes much deeper than the bedside screening tools and precisely maps which areas of thinking are affected helping confirm whether the pattern matches Alzheimer's, or points to a different condition such as Frontotemporal Dementia or Lewy Body Dementia.
Blood tests
A standard set of blood tests is essential to rule out treatable causes of memory problems: thyroid problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, and certain infections. These causes of cognitive impairment are common, reversible, and must be excluded before a dementia diagnosis is made.
Brain MRI
An MRI gives the specialist a detailed image of the brain's structure. In Alzheimer's, the MRI often shows shrinkage (atrophy) of the hippocampus — the brain's memory centre which supports the diagnosis. The MRI also rules out other important causes of memory problems: a brain tumour, normal pressure hydrocephalus (a treatable fluid build-up), a subdural haematoma (a blood clot on the brain surface), or the effects of multiple small strokes.
FDG-PET scan (in selected cases)
This is a type of brain scan that shows how actively different areas of the brain are using energy. In Alzheimer's, certain areas show a characteristic reduction in activity visible before structural changes appear on an MRI. It is used when the diagnosis is uncertain or when distinguishing Alzheimer's from Frontotemporal Dementia is particularly important.
Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers — Serum and CSF
Alzheimer's Disease biomarkers allow the direct detection of amyloid and tau pathology in the living brain — distinguishing true Alzheimer's Disease from other causes of memory impairment with a precision that MRI and clinical assessment alone cannot achieve. At KIMS, serum (blood-based) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are available on an outsourcing basis: samples are collected at KIMS and sent to accredited reference laboratories for analysis. Results are reviewed and interpreted by the KIMS neurology team in the context of the patient's full clinical picture. Serum (blood-based) biomarkers: Plasma p-tau 217 — the most accurate blood biomarker for Alzheimer's pathology currently available, with published sensitivity and specificity exceeding 90% for discriminating Alzheimer's from other neurodegenerative conditions. Plasma p-tau 181 — a well-validated earlier-generation blood biomarker that correlates with amyloid PET positivity and clinical stage. Plasma amyloid beta 42/40 ratio — reduced in Alzheimer's, reflecting amyloid sequestration into plaques. GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) — a marker of astrogliosis and neuroinflammation that correlates with amyloid burden. NfL (neurofilament light chain) — a non-specific marker of neurodegeneration used for tracking progression rather than differential diagnosis. CSF biomarkers — the reference standard for amyloid confirmation, obtained by lumbar puncture performed at KIMS under local anaesthetic: CSF amyloid beta 42 (reduced in Alzheimer's), CSF amyloid beta 42/40 ratio (more accurate than Aβ42 alone), CSF phospho-tau 181 (elevated, reflecting tau hyperphosphorylation), and CSF total tau (a non-specific marker of neurodegeneration). Why biomarkers matter now more than ever: Alzheimer's biomarkers are no longer purely research tools — they are a clinical necessity in the era of disease-modifying therapy. Anti-amyloid treatments (lecanemab) require confirmed amyloid pathology as an eligibility criterion. Call 040-44885000 to discuss biomarker testing at KIMS.
Ruling out reversible causes first
This is a principle our team applies without exception: before diagnosing Alzheimer's, every possible reversible cause of cognitive impairment is excluded. Depression can look like early dementia. So can hypothyroidism, B12 deficiency, and certain medications. Treating these and reassessing is always the first step.
Treatment
How Is Alzheimer's Disease Treated at KIMS?
There is currently no treatment that cures Alzheimer's Disease or stops it from progressing. But several treatments significantly reduce symptoms and slow the rate of functional decline and the overall approach to care at KIMS Neuroscience makes a real, measurable difference to quality of life.
Cholinesterase inhibitors — the core medication
Three medications belong to this class: donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. They work by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that is critically important for memory and learning, and that is severely depleted in Alzheimer's Disease. In practical terms, these medications modestly improve memory and thinking, slow the rate of decline, and can reduce some behavioural symptoms. They do not reverse the disease but they give patients more good time. Donepezil is the most widely prescribed, taken once daily at night, and is approved for all stages of Alzheimer's. Rivastigmine is available as a daily skin patch particularly useful for patients who struggle with tablets or have digestive side effects. Galantamine is taken twice daily and works through a slightly different mechanism.
Memantine — for moderate to severe disease
Memantine works with differently from cholinesterase inhibitors. It reduces the effect of a chemical called the glutamate that becomes overactive in Alzheimer's Disease and it also contributes to the further cell damage. It provides the additional modest benefit in the moderate to the severe stages and is often combined with a cholinesterase inhibitor.
Managing behavioural symptoms
Agitation, aggression, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and sometimes hallucinations affect the majority of Alzheimer's patients at some point. At KIMS, we address these systematically starting always with non-medication approaches: Structured routine and consistent environment reducing confusion and unpredictability often dramatically reduces agitation. Meaningful activity engagement in purposeful activity (music, gentle exercise, simple craft) is strongly associated with reduced behavioural symptoms. Carer training teaching family members how to respond calmly and effectively in difficult moments often reduces the frequency of those moments. When medication is needed for specific symptoms, our team prescribes carefully using the lowest effective doses and monitoring closely.
Cognitive rehabilitation and stimulation
Group cognitive stimulation therapy structured sessions of mentally engaging activities is the most evidence-backed non-drug intervention for Alzheimer's and is associated with improvements in both cognition and quality of life. Individual cognitive rehabilitation programmes, tailored to the person's remaining strengths, are developed by our neuropsychology team.
Carer support — this is not optional
In India, where formal memory care facilities are very limited, almost all Alzheimer's care is provided by the family. This is an enormous responsibility that takes a severe toll physically, emotionally, and financially. At KIMS Neuroscience, Hyderabad, carer support is built into every management plan: Structured education sessions explaining what to expect at each stage of the disease, practical guidance on managing common difficult behaviours, safety planning driving, wandering, medication management, referral to community support services, and a direct point of contact for urgent questions between appointments. If you are caring for a family member with Alzheimer's and you are struggling — please tell us at any appointment. That conversation is as important as anything we prescribe.
Anti-Amyloid Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease — Now Available in India
Anti-amyloid immunotherapy represents the first class of treatment in Alzheimer's Disease history to slow the underlying disease process rather than only managing its symptoms. Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies bind to and clear amyloid-beta plaques from the brain — targeting the protein accumulation that drives Alzheimer's pathology for decades before symptoms appear. Lecanemab (Leqembi) has been approved in India and is now available. Clinical trials demonstrated that lecanemab slows cognitive and functional decline in early Alzheimer's by approximately 27% over 18 months compared to placebo — the first time any therapy has been shown to modify the Alzheimer's disease course in a large-scale trial. KIMS Neuroscience assesses eligibility for anti-amyloid therapy and can guide patients and families through the pathway to access. Who is eligible: early stage Alzheimer's (mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's, or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's) — patients in the moderate or severe stages are not currently eligible; confirmed amyloid pathology by CSF biomarkers (reduced Aβ42/40 ratio) or amyloid PET — a clinical diagnosis alone is insufficient; a pre-treatment brain MRI to exclude significant cerebrovascular disease, microhaemorrhages, or severe amyloid angiopathy, all of which increase ARIA risk; APOE genotyping, as APOE ε4 homozygotes have a substantially higher risk of ARIA; and no major anticoagulation or bleeding risk. What is ARIA: Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities are the most important treatment-related complication, occurring in approximately 21–26% of patients treated with lecanemab and more common in APOE ε4 carriers. Most episodes are asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms that resolve with a temporary dose hold; serious symptomatic ARIA occurs in approximately 2–3%. ARIA requires structured MRI monitoring at baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 52 weeks of treatment. Eligibility assessment at KIMS includes clinical staging, CSF biomarker testing to confirm amyloid positivity, brain MRI for baseline safety screening, APOE genotyping for risk stratification, and a full discussion of the risk-benefit profile individualised to the patient. Call 040-44885000 to arrange an eligibility assessment. No referral required.
When Should You Seek a Memory Assessment?
Come to KIMS Neuroscience, Hyderabad for a specialist memory assessment if you or your family notices any of the following. Earlier assessment means earlier treatment, earlier access to support, and the opportunity to make legal, financial, and care decisions while the person still has full capacity to be part of those decisions.
One clear message for families: Do not wait until things are serious. The most common thing families say when they finally bring a relative for assessment is that they wish they had come sooner.
Appointments at KIMS Neuroscience can be booked by calling 040-44885000 Monday to Saturday. You do not need a referral.
A family member is regularly forgetting recent conversations or repeating questions in the same sitting
They have become confused about dates, days, or where they are
They are struggling with tasks they previously managed confidently bills, cooking, navigating a familiar route
Their personality or behaviour has changed more anxious, more withdrawn, more irritable than their normal self
They have been getting lost in familiar places
There is a strong family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s and the person is approaching or in their 50s
What to Expect — Living with Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease progresses gradually over many years. On average, people live 8–12 years after first symptoms though some live for 20 years or more after diagnosis, and the pace varies considerably between individuals.
The early years, with the right medication and support, are often manageable. Many people with mild Alzheimer's continue to live at home, see friends, and enjoy the activities they love. As the disease moves into the moderate stage, more hands-on help is needed initially for complex tasks, gradually for personal care. The late stage requires full-time care for all personal needs.
Planning ahead for that journey while the person is still able to be part of the planning is one of the most important things a family can do after an Alzheimer's diagnosis. This means legal arrangements (power of attorney), financial planning, decisions about future living arrangements, and conversations about the person's wishes for their later care. The KIMS team will prompt and support these conversations at the right time.
For families in Hyderabad and across Telangana, the most important shift is from thinking of Alzheimer's as "old age" or "normal forgetfulness" to recognising it as a medical condition one that has a name, a diagnosis, specialist treatment, and a support infrastructure. Breaking that stigma, and seeking the help that is available, is the first step.
Related Conditions
Alzheimer's Disease belongs to a broader family of cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders:
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Concerned about memory loss in yourself or a loved one? Come and talk to us.
Early assessment of Alzheimer's Disease at KIMS Neuroscience, Hyderabad opens access to the right treatment, proper support, and time for the planning that makes a real difference. Our specialist memory assessment service is available Monday to Saturday at KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad. You do not need a referral.
International enquiries: info@kimsneurosciences.com