SHAH ALAM - Dementia is a silent thief, stealing memories and identities at an alarming rate. This insidious condition is on the rise, with cases doubling every two decades. Malaysia is not immune to this global crisis.
KPJ Sentosa KL Specialist Hospital Consultant Physician Geriatrician and Associate Professor Dr Yau Weng Keong painted a stark picture of the future.
He added that through group meta-analysis, they estimated their calculations indicated approximately 63,000 cases, with an incidence rate of around 20 new cases per year.
"To understand the dementia rate, consider this the prevalence is 0.7 per cent for ages 60 to 65, 1.4 per cent for ages 65 to 69, and 2.8 per cent for ages 70 to 74. The prevalence essentially doubles every five years.
"We projected that by 2022, there would be 126,000 dementia cases nationwide and 39,000 new incidents annually.
"However, our 2019 National Health Mobility Survey, which I was involved in, revealed a dementia prevalence of 8.5 per cent,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted recently.
Dr Yau also warned that by 2056, Malaysia could face around 600,000 dementia cases, a significant increase from the current estimate of 200,000.
He highlighted the complex challenges of managing dementia among the elderly, noting that unlike other disabilities, dementia is less visible and often goes unnoticed.
Unfortunately, surveys showed that many doctors lack proper training in diagnosing dementia.
According to Dr Yau, caring for individuals with dementia can be extremely challenging due to behavioral issues like aggression and social withdrawal.
"Patients often struggle with daily activities such as dressing and toileting, and their inability to recognise loved ones severely impacts their quality of life.
"As the disease progresses, the burden on caregivers increases significantly, making effective coping strategies essential," he said.
Definition
The Health Ministry (MOH) defined dementia as a progressive syndrome where cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, orientation, and language deteriorate, distinct from normal aging.
Dementia impacts various aspects, including judgment, emotional control, social behaviour, and motivation, often leading to significant disability and increased dependence.
The MOH highlighted that dementia can cause behavioral and psychological symptoms requiring intensive caregiving and may result in nursing home admission.
Misunderstanding and stigma surrounding dementia can delay diagnosis and care.
"The physical, psychological, social, and economic impact of dementia on caregivers, family, and society is tremendous and often overlooked.
"There are an estimated 50 million people with dementia worldwide, with 60 percent living in low- or middle-income countries. Nearly 10 million new cases emerge every year," stated the MOH on their online portal.
Tips to Prevent Dementia
Dr Yau emphasised addressing dementia risk factors in midlife as crucial for prevention.
He highlighted lifestyle changes such as exercising 150 minutes a week, following a Mediterranean diet, and keeping the brain active as essential.
Managing risk factors like hypertension and maintaining cognitive engagement can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia.
"Use your brain well, and there's less chance of getting dementia.
Engage in activities like Sudoku, reading, and calculations to keep your brain active.
"Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, weight management, and avoiding alcohol and smoking, is crucial for dementia prevention. As we age, focusing on physical activity and avoiding tobacco is important to maintain cognitive health," he advised.
He also cited studies that showed that individuals who actively engage their brains, even if they have dementia-related changes, often do not experience severe cognitive decline because their cognitive reserve remains strong.
Extensive literature exists on successful aging and active aging, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) stressing healthy aging.
Dr Yau integrated these concepts in his discussions on aging, stressing the importance of adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise early in life.