India, Sept. 21 -- On Monday, World Alzheimer's Day, Lilly and Fortis Hospitals brought together medical experts to highlight the importance of early recognition of Alzheimer's disease and dementia and to encourage families to seek timely medical advice.

The focus comes amid a growing dementia burden in India. "Around 8.8 million people aged 60 and above were estimated to be living with dementia in the country, with the number projected to rise to 16.9 million by 2036", according to a nationwide study. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Experts said Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain can begin much earlier than the appearance of noticeable symptoms. In some cases, the biological changes associated with the d...