The many challenges of dementia care in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Loh, Ken Joey, Ng, Alvin Lai Oon *, Elil, Renganathan *, Chia, Yook Chin *, Lee, Wan Ling, Devi, Mohan
• Format: Other
• Published: Star Media Group Berhad 2023
• Subjects: RC Internal medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.sunway.edu.my/2417/; https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2023/09/29/the-many-challenges-of-dementia-care-in-malaysia

SEPTEMBER is World Alzheimer’s Month. The theme for this year, “Never too early, never too late”, emphasises risk reduction actions to prevent dementia as well as to delay its progress. Dementia is a medical condition where damage to brain cells leads to memory loss, thinking impairments and behavioural changes. The two common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. People living with dementia find it difficult to remember things, think clearly, recognise familiar people and places, and perform basic daily tasks. Dementia often starts with mild changes but worsens over time to a point where a person can no longer communicate, walk, or control bowel movements. It is important to understand that dementia is not part of normal ageing. Rather, it is the result of underlying disease processes that affect the brain's ability to work properly.