Alzheimer - Causes, Symptoms, Health Insurance Coverage

Alzheimer's disease is a disorder that impacts the memory, behaviour and thinking ability of an individual over time. It is often considered to be the first form of dementia and can easily cause issues in a person’s day-to-day life.

Given the seriousness of this medical condition, it is crucial to know whether there is any health insurance for Alzheimer's. This blog discusses the inclusion of Alzheimer's disease in health insurance to help you plan for the necessary medical expenses.

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a disease that directly impacts a person’s ability to think and remember things. Moreover, it impacts their behaviour, resulting in difficulty while performing daily activities with ease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that develops and worsens over time, slowly destroying a person’s memory. With this disorder, a person cannot single-handedly carry out conversations and tasks or control their behaviour, resulting in various limitations.

It is typically a common disease that occurs with age and requires urgent attention to tackle the disorder before it fully takes over. According to doctors, you might not notice the first sign of Alzheimer’s for the first 10 or more years.

Thus, given the severity of this disease, early detection and timely treatment are crucial for leading a normal life.

Types of Alzheimer's Disease

• Late- Onset Alzheimer's- The most common type of Alzheimer's disease is late-onset Alzheimer's. It is more prevalent among the ageing population, and the initial symptoms become noticeable when a person reaches mid-60s.

This type of Alzheimer's disease is caused due to a combination of environmental factors and genetic issues. Genetically, people with the apolipoprotein E gene 4 are considered to be at a higher risk of this disease. However, it does not confirm that every person with this gene will have Alzheimer's disease.

• Early-onset Alzheimer's- This is a rare type of Alzheimer's disease that impacts people below the age of 60 years. It commonly targets people between the ages of 40 and 50 years and is caused by specific genetic mutations.

This type of Alzheimer's disease is also referred to as familial Alzheimer's disease, which is also caused by genetic mutations and has a more speedy progression, requiring urgent treatment.

Alzheimer's Disease Causes - Risk Factors and Who is at Risk?

The main cause of Alzheimer's disease is known to be the slow but gradual destruction of the nerve fibres, which target one side of the brain and then move around.

In simple words, when protein accumulation in the brain increases or significantly exceeds the optimal requirement, it leads to Alzheimer's disease. This disease causes the brain to reduce its ability to perform basic tasks over time.

People Who Have Higher Risk Factors for Alzheimer

Given the main cause, here are people who are at an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

• Age- People above the age of 60-65 years have a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease.
• Genetics- People with specific genes, like the APOE4, have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• Family Medical History- Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease are at an increased risk of contracting this disease.
• Medical Conditions- People with high BP, sugar, or cholesterol also have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer's disease than those with no such issues.
• Lifestyle- Lifestyle habits such as poor diet consumption, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, etc, might also increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Potential Stages of Alzheimer's Based on Causes

• Stage 1 - In the initial stage of Alzheimer's, mild symptoms begin to surface. It begins with a slight cognitive impairment that directly impacts a person’s ability to remember routine tasks. However, these early signs of Alzheimer's are often not alarming enough for people to get the required treatment.
• Stage 2 - The next stage is moderate Alzheimer's. Here, the symptoms are a little more intense as the nerve damage is higher. Due to this, a person’s ability to remember information is significantly reduced, increasing their dependence on other people.
• Stage 3 - This is the most severe stage of Alzheimer's. In this stage, the brain cells start to die, reducing the brain tissue. Due to this, their ability to talk and communicate is reduced completely, and they are often bedridden.

Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms

Some of the common Alzheimer's signs and symptoms include the following -

Early Signs of Alzheimer

• Loss of memory
• Confusion about people, place or time
• Difficulty in concentration and making decisions
• Sudden changes in mood or behaviour - anxiety or irritation
• Struggle to find the right words or things to say, reducing the ability to convey the right thoughts

Major Signs of Alzheimer

• Disoriented judgement resulting in poor decisions
• Sudden changes in personality, such as aggression, suspicion or isolation
• Significant difficulty in completing simple tasks, such as dressing up, eating, etc.
• Forgetting the basics, such as how to go home, office, and other regular places
• Hearing or seeing things that are not around or real
• Insomnia
• Extreme mood swings

How Is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?

• Medical History - A thorough examination of the patient’s medical history, records and reports, and lifestyle habits to rule out the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
• Neurological Exams - A physical exam is conducted by a medical practitioner, which tests your sense of hearing, reflexes, balance, coordination, muscle strength and ability to sit up, stand and walk.
• Lab Tests - Standard lab tests, especially blood tests, are performed to check the functionality of the liver and kidneys, as well as blood, thyroid and mineral levels, to rule out the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
• Brain Scans - MRI, PET and CT Scans are conducted to identify any visible changes to the brain that can be associated with Alzheimer's disease.
• Lumbar Puncture - In this procedure, a spinal tap is done to look for any plaque build-ups in the spine due to amyloid proteins, which can result in Alzheimer's disease or help detect the development of the disorder in the body.

Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

Currently, there is no permanent cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, there are specific medications which can help control the symptoms and reduce the progression of the disease.

Depending on the stage of Alzheimer's disease, a doctor can prescribe medicines to counter the reaction of the disease in your brain, helping the patient get back to their normal being.

• The medicines prescribed in the initial stage deposit a component that pushes the nerve cells in the brain to send and receive signals to reduce the impact of the disease.
• The medicines prescribed for the milder stages of Alzheimer's disease prevent the severity of the impact of overaccumulation of glutamate in the brain, reducing the impact.
• For people with Alzheimer's disease and serious behavioural issues, doctors might prescribe antidepressants and other similar medicines to calm the anxiety or stress.

How to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?

There is no definitive measure that can be adopted to prevent Alzheimer's. However, some straightforward Alzheimer prevention tips which can help reduce the risk of contracting this disease include the following -

• Eat a proper diet that is rich in nutrients to maintain and improve your brain health.
• Participate in some form of physical activity for 20-30 minutes daily to reduce the risk of many health problems and improve your cognitive function.
• Get regular checkups done to determine and monitor your blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol.
• Keep your brain active by stimulating it with activities like puzzles, quizzes, reading, and other new skills.
• Participate in social interactions whenever possible to maintain social connections that can help improve brain health and function.
• Reduce frequent consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
• Implement ways to manage your stresslevels better.
• Sleep for at least 8 hours a day to give your brain the rest it requires to function properly.

Living With Alzheimer's Disease

Living with Alzheimer's can be challenging for both the patient and the people around them. However, to ensure a safe and welcoming environment around, here are some tips you can adopt as a patient of Alzheimer's or their caregiver.

• Keep your surroundings clear of any harmful objects or potential health hazards to reduce any unfortunate accidents.
• Try not to get overwhelmed when you feel low. Instead, listen to your favourite music, as that will release dopamine to help your brain relax and feel better.
• Offer or create a supporting environment that encourages open communication and discussions.
• Get regular checkups done to stay informed about your condition and take the necessary steps to reduce its impact.
• Create a clear, simple and consistent routine for yourself or the patient. Consistency will help you or them remember routines and feel safe.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

Given that there are different stages of Alzheimer's, it is recommended to see your healthcare provider when you start noticing small but consistent changes in the following -

• Mood swings
• Irritation levels
• Memory
• Communication skills
• Understanding processes or instructions

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?

• How should I maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the impact of the disease?
• Is there any other therapy or counselling program I must participate in to get better faster?
• What stage of Alzheimer’s am I at currently?
• Are there any side effects to the medicines that have been prescribed to me?
• Will my medication dosage be monitored and reduced over time?
• How can I cope with the emotional stress caused by this disease?
• Is there a way to improve my condition on my own?

These simple questions will help you manage your stress and anxiety about the disease and guide you in the right direction. Moreover, the answers to these questions will help you learn more about how you can help yourself improve to reduce the overall impact.

Alzheimer’s Disease VS Dementia

Why Buy a Medical Insurance Plan for Alzheimer’s?

A medical insurance plan is designed to offer comprehensive coverage for medical needs in emergencies. It is a financial safety net, protecting your health and finances during unforeseen circumstances.

Here are some of the top reasons why you must buy health insurance for Alzheimer's Disease.

• Rising Medical Costs - Rising medical costs in India are limiting people's ability to get the right treatment for Alzheimer’s due to high expenses. However, with a medical plan, you get comprehensive financial coverage to manage these expenses better.
• Increased Access to Quality Healthcare - With a medical insurance plan in place, you have better access to necessary quality treatments without a financial burden.
• Preventive Care - Many medical plans offer coverage for preventive health check-ups, vaccinations and other tests to allow early detection of Alzheimer’s.
• Treatment Expenses - Most medical plans that cover Alzheimer’s offer extensive coverage for all treatments related to the disease, including medication and tests, ensuring your out-of-pocket expenses are limited.
• Post-Treatment Expenses - Many medical insurance policies also offer post-treatment coverage, which covers any expense related to one's well-being after being treated for Alzheimer’s.
• Tax Benefits - Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act (old regime), you are eligible for tax deductions on the premiums paid towards your medical insurance policy, reducing your tax liability.

Reliance Health Plans for Alzheimer's Disease

Some Reliance Health Plans offer coverage for Alzheimer’s disease. However, you must note that all these plans have the same clause, and that is as follows -

• Health coverage for Alzheimer’s is only available to the policyholder if it is not a pre-existing condition. If it is a pre-existing condition, it becomes part of the policy exclusions.

In simple words, you cannot file a claim for Alzheimer’s if you have this disease before purchasing the plan. You will only get coverage for the disease if you develop it after purchasing any of the below-mentioned health plans.

*We advise you to review individual policy wordings and check with us to confirm specific eligibility for Alzheimer’s coverage.

How to Buy Reliance General Insurance's Health Insurance?

• Step 1- Visit the Reliance General website.
• Step 2- Select “Explore Products” → “Health Insurance” and enter your name, mobile number and PIN code.
• Step 3- Once done, accept the terms and conditions, and then select “View Prices”.
• Step 4- On the next screen, check all the health plans available. Read the coverage and terms and conditions to assess which plans offer coverage for Alzheimer's.
• Step 5- Select the plan that meets your needs. Next, add your personal information, choose the sum insured amount, and combine add-ons as required.
• Step 6- Based on your selection, a premium quote will appear on the screen. If satisfactory, make the payment to buy the chosen health insurance for Alzheimer's.

Documents Needed to Buy Reliance General Insurance's Medical Insurance Plan

• Proof of Identity - Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, birth certificate, etc.
• Address Proof - Rental agreement, Aadhaar, utility bills, etc.
• Proof of Age - Aadhaar card, birth certificate, passport, etc.
• Previous medical reports, especially the ones related to Alzheimer's
• Completion proof of the C-KYC process according to the IRDAI’sguidelines

Things to Remember Before Buying and Filing a Claim for Alzheimer's Disease Insurance

Before Buying Alzheimer's Disease Insurance

• Assess your Needs- Assess your coverage needs and budget to choose a plan that meets your specific requirements related to Alzheimer’s without overspending.
• Compare Plans - Compare different health plans that cover Alzheimer's disease to shortlist and buy a plan that best aligns with your requirements and budget.
• Policy Document- Before the final purchase, carefully review the policy document to understand what policy inclusions, exclusions, waiting periods, and terms and conditions apply to you as a policyholder.
• Online Convenience- Opt for a plan and insurer that offers maximum coverage for your needs and utmost purchase, renewal, and claim convenience. Reliance General offers online processes for all your policy-related requirements.
• Claim Settlement Ratio - Insurers with high claim settlement ratios ensureyour claims are accepted and settled promptly. Reliance General Insurance has a 100%* CSR, ensuring quick claim settlements.  

Before Filing a Claim under Alzheimer's Disease Insurance

• Reports and Records- Keep track of and file all your medical records, reports, doctor’s prescriptions, etc. related to Alzheimer's disease.
• Claim Filing- For a smooth claim process, file the claim within 24 hours for planned treatments and 48 hours for unplanned hospitalisation.
• Policy Terms- Understand the applicable policy terms, eligibility, and waiting periods beforehand to avoid claim rejections.
• Claim Process- Assess your chosen insurer's claim filing process to reduce the time required to file a claim during medical emergencies.
• Claim-Related Updates- Look for recent updates on claims for health insurance for Alzheimer's. One such update is the convenience of cashless hospitalisation at both network and non-network hospitals in India.

Conclusion

In India, many people above the age of 65 years face the challenge of navigating their lives with Alzheimer's disease. It is a complex condition that currently has no cure, and thus, it requires a combined effort from the patient and the family members to make it better.

Individuals with this disease must understand the stages of Alzheimer's, potential treatments, benefits of early detection, and symptoms to watch out for to be prepared.

Moreover, to manage your finances better when diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, opt for a health insurance plan from Reliance General.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Alzheimer's disease genetic?

   Alzheimer’s is not a genetic disease. However, genetics is one of the major contributing factors that lead to the development of Alzheimer’s. This is because certain genes called APOE4 increase the risk of this disorder.

2. What are some quick tips to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s?

   Some easy tips to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's while also improving your overall health include the following -

   • Eat a proper and balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, grains and pulses.
   • Do regular exercise to keep your mind and body active.
   • Reduce smoking and drinking.
   • Keep your brain active by participating in activities such as puzzles, quizzes, reading, or any other creative task that stimulates your brain.
3. What type of medical expenses are incurred by a patient with Alzheimer's disease?

   Given that there is no permanent treatment medical expense associated with Alzheimer's, the frequent medical expenses include -

   • Medications
   • Therapy
   • Lab tests
   • Brain scanning tests
   • In-home care
   • Nursing home care
   • Assisted living support, if required.
4. What are the types of health claims I can file with Reliance General?

   Reliance General typically offers two types of claim processes: Reimbursement claims and cashless claims. In a reimbursement claim, you will first need to pay the medical bills from your out-of-pocket expenses and then file a claim to get the applicable claim amount reimbursed in your account.

   With cashless claims, you only have to worry about getting the required medical support. Once done, we will settle your bills directly with the hospital on your behalf.

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Disclaimers:

*T&C Apply. For more details on risk factors, terms conditions, brochure, and exclusions, please read the policy wording and CIS carefully before concluding a sale.

Customer Count: The total no. of customers insured data is for FY24 and has been picked up from the number of lives insured for Health, Personal Accident, Overseas Travel, Domestic Travel, Workmen Compensation and Crop Insurance, Weather LOB & Fire LOB provided by IRDAI count that is master policy count. Other than these LOBs, we have also provided data for the number of certificates issued.

Claim Settlement Ratio: This is the overall claim settlement ratio for FY 2023-24 without claim outstanding at the start of the financial year as per public disclosure of Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd.

Premium: The premium mentioned is excluding taxes for single person aged between 5 years to 20 years with individual health policy for Sum Insured of ₹3 lakhs considering no adverse health conditions/pre-existing disease/medical conditions with waiting period of 3 years. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings. Premium used is 2,919/year converted into a month which gives us Rs.243/month (2,919/12).

Health Infinity UIN: The details mentioned above are for Reliance Health Infinity Insurance UIN: RELHLIP23120V042223

Health Super Top-Up UIN: The details mentioned above are for Reliance Health Super Top Up. UIN- RELHLIP21617V012021.

Health Global: Details mentioned above are for Reliance Health Global UIN: IRDAN103RP0001V01202324

Tax benefits: Tax benefits are subject to conditions under Section 80D of the Act and amendments thereof. The tax laws are subject to amendments/changes from time to time. Please consult your tax advisor for details.​