Alzheimer’s blood tests are advancing diagnosis. What can they really tell us?

Experts gathered on Sunday for The Hindu Wellness Series webinar on Alzheimer's dementia and the potential of brain stimulation, marking World Alzheimer's Day. They discussed the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored care for individuals presenting with cognitive symptoms.

Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy, founder and behavioural neurologist and neuropsychiatrist at Buddhi Clinic, emphasized that treatable conditions can mimic Alzheimer's disease. These include autoimmune disorders and thyroid inflammation. He stressed the need for a specific diagnosis to distinguish Alzheimer's disease from other conditions that may cause cognitive symptoms and could potentially be treated.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy also highlighted the importance of a case-based assessment for accurate diagnosis, noting that some medications might offer limited benefits or even harm certain patients. He acknowledged the role of non-pharmacological interventions in dementia care.

Vivek Misra, senior consultant in Neuromodulation and Clinical Neurosciences at Buddhi Clinic, spoke about non-invasive brain stimulation as a potential component of dementia care. This technique involves external stimulation to modulate activity in specific regions of the brain. Mr. Misra explained that it does not require sedation or induce seizures and can be performed in an outpatient setting.

However, he clarified that brain stimulation should not be considered a standalone treatment but rather as one part of a comprehensive, precision-based approach to dementia care, with interventions personalized to the individual's clinical profile and needs.