Experts discuss specific diagnosis and brain modulation in Alzheimer’s care

“Treatable conditions can masquerade as Alzheimer’s, including autoimmune disorders and thyroid inflammation,” said Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy, founder and behavioral neurologist and neuropsychiatrist, Buddhi Clinic, emphasizing the importance of specific diagnosis in people with cognitive symptoms.

He was speaking at The Hindu Wellness Series webinar on Alzheimer’s dementia and the promise of brain stimulation, organized by The Hindu in association with Buddhi Clinic to mark World Alzheimer’s Day on Sunday.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy said a detailed case-by-case assessment is important for distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease from other conditions that can cause cognitive symptoms and may be treatable. He also stressed the need to tailor care to the individual, noting that some drugs may offer limited benefits or may cause harm in some patients. He said non-pharmacological interventions also play an important role in dementia care.

Vivek Misra, Senior Consultant – Neuromodulation and Clinical Neurosciences, Buddhi Clinic, discussed the potential of non-invasive brain stimulation as part of dementia care. This technique uses external stimulation to modulate activity in specific areas of the brain. “It does not require sedation or seizure induction and can be done on an outpatient basis,” Mr. Misra said.

He said brain stimulation should not be seen as a stand-alone treatment, but as one part of a wider, precision-based approach to dementia care, with interventions tailored to the individual’s clinical profile and needs.

The session was moderated by Athira Elssa Johnson, senior reporter at The Hindu.

The webinar can be viewed here:

Published – 21 Sep 2026 0:13 IST