Renowned neurologist Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, President of Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan, during her address at the “26th National PPS Psychiatry Conference 2025” in Karachi today, highlighted the profound effects of Alzheimer’s disease beyond mere memory loss.

Dr. Siddiqui explained that Alzheimer’s, the primary cause of dementia, is a complex disease that extends beyond forgetfulness to include significant psychological challenges. The disease can cause a loss of self, affecting an individual’s perception and identity, and these issues often overshadow memory impairment. She pointed out that up to 90 percent of affected individuals experience at least one symptom related to these psychological struggles, particularly in the early stages where depression and anxiety can signal an awareness of declining cognitive abilities.

In her address, Dr. Siddiqui cited modern research that shows the onset of Alzheimer’s begins long before clinical symptoms appear, signaling the need for earlier diagnosis and intervention. Despite the difficulty in managing the disease, she expressed hope that with ongoing research, Alzheimer’s could become a condition that is understandable and manageable.