By Peter Omopo
A Clinical Research Coordinator at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, Dr. Omobolanle Ayo, has called for intensified public awareness to help families better understand the difference between normal ageing and Alzheimer’s disease, noting that the distinction could be the key to early intervention and improved quality of life.
Speaking in a statement on Friday, Ayo stressed that misinterpreting normal cognitive changes associated with ageing for Alzheimer’s often delays diagnosis and treatment, leading to preventable suffering for patients and their families.
“Every day in this field reminds me that science is not just about data; it is about people. Behind every clinical study is someone’s father, mother, or friend,” she said. “That human connection is what drives me to help families understand what is happening to their loved ones.”
Citing statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ayo revealed that over 55 million people currently live with dementia worldwide, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for between 60 and 70 per cent of all cases.
She explained that her research focuses on identifying subtle but significant differences between natural cognitive decline and the onset of Alzheimer’s, combining medical diagnostics, neuropsychological assessment, and community engagement.
According to her, while occasional forgetfulness — such as misplacing household items or momentarily struggling to recall a name — can be a normal part of ageing, Alzheimer’s disease represents a progressive and irreversible decline in memory, reasoning, and behaviour due to brain cell damage.
“Many people assume every memory lapse signals dementia,” she said. “But ageing and Alzheimer’s are not the same. By helping people understand that distinction, we can encourage early diagnosis, provide appropriate support, and reduce the fear surrounding cognitive decline.”
Ayo lamented that in many low- and middle-income countries, lack of awareness remains a major barrier to early detection. Families, she said, often ignore early warning signs, believing them to be a natural part of ageing.
“We often see families delay seeking help because they believe memory loss is normal with age,” she noted. “That delay can mean the difference between early intervention and irreversible decline. Raising awareness, especially in underrepresented communities, can change that narrative.”
Experts say that improved education, early screening, and destigmatisation of dementia remain critical in tackling the global Alzheimer’s challenge.
