{
  "id": 8821182,
  "title": "At 87, she was losing memories to Alzheimer’s. Then she learnt to spell her name again",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/at-87-she-was-losing-memories-to-alzheimers-then-she-learnt-to-spell",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-21T02:16:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/alzheimers-losing-memories-spell-her-name-again-10886779/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At 87, Tara Pal was experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease. As the disease progressed, she struggled to recall even the simplest things and her identity began to fade. Her grandson introduced her to alphabet blocks, which helped her recall her own name, TARA. Dr. Prasun Chatterjee, a geriatrician, explained that Alzheimer's affects memory formation, but doesn't destroy all types of learning. Some memory systems can remain intact even with severe cognitive decline. In another case, 78-year-old Kamla Mehra from Noida began asking the same question repeatedly, indicating early signs of cognitive decline. Her family sought help, leading to a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. India's growing elderly population faces a growing dementia crisis, with 7.4% of Indians aged 60 and above affected. Early detection and intervention are crucial to improving the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "87-year-old Tara Pal lost memory to Alzheimer’s disease.",
    "Alphabet blocks helped Tara recall her name, TARA again.",
    "7.4% of Indians aged 60+ affected by dementia crisis."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}