| |
| |
![]() |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SINGAPORE: Dementia-based illnesses like Alzheimer's Disease may soon overtake heart disease and cancer as the biggest health threat in the Asia Pacific region.
A report commissioned by Alzheimer's Disease International has also warned that dementia may cause significant economic and social problems.
Ms Joyce Fernandez is a caregiver who quit her job to take care of her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease two years ago.
She says besides the financial burden, dealing with ignorance about the disease can be as difficult.
"When I tell my friends my mom has dementia, then in the conversation, I'll say Alzheimer's. They will say, 'I thought you said she has dementia? When did Alzheimer's come into it?' Dementia is part of the aspect. One part of it is actually Alzheimer's," said Ms Fernandez.
A patient suffering from early dementia agrees.
Dr Myrna Blake, a 71-year-old former university lecturer, says dementia should not be an end to an active life.
"We need to be prepared for how to keep them active and involved in the society and not just put aside as somebody who is not functioning anymore. I believe the more active you are, you can keep your mind going for while," said Dr Blake.
In Singapore alone, there are 22,000 dementia patients, a figure that will rise to 186,000 by 2050, especially with a greying population.
In the Asia Pacific region, the number of new dementia cases is projected to rise from 4.3 million new cases a year, to 19.7 million by 2050.
The disease already costs countries US$60b a year, and is projected to rise, so more needs to be done.
"There are three major things we need to look at. One, we need to make sure Alzheimer's becomes a health care priority. Two, we need to make sure we begin to develop cost effective interventions. Three; we need to create the policy framework and work together," said Dr Ang Peng Chye, President, Alzheimer's Disease Association.
September 21st will mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Alzheimer's Disease. - CNA /dt
|
