“Treatable conditions can masquerade as Alzheimer’s disease, including autoimmune disorders and thyroid inflammation,” said Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy, founder and behavioural neurologist and neuropsychiatrist, Buddhi Clinic, stressing the importance of a specific diagnosis in people presenting with cognitive symptoms.

He was speaking at The Hindu Wellness Series webinar on Alzheimer’s dementia and the promise of brain stimulation, held on Sunday by The Hindu in association with Buddhi Clinic, marking World Alzheimer’s Day.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy said a detailed, case-based assessment was important to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease from other conditions that can cause cognitive symptoms and may be treatable. He also stressed the need to tailor care to the individual, noting that some medications may offer limited benefits or cause harm in certain patients. He said non-pharmacological interventions also had an important role in dementia care.

Vivek Misra, senior consultant – Neuromodulation and Clinical Neurosciences, 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. “It does not require sedation or seizure induction and can be done in an outpatient setting,” Mr. Misra said.

He said brain stimulation should not be viewed as a standalone treatment, but as one component of a broader, precision-based approach to dementia care, with interventions tailored to the individual’s clinical profile and needs.

The session was moderated by Athira Elssa Johnson, Senior Reporter, The Hindu.

The webinar can be viewed here:  https://newsth.live/THBCAY