Forum: Concerns about status of dementia in national disability agenda
I am part of a caregiver group from Dementia Singapore's Voices for Hope initiative and would like to raise some questions regarding the status of dementia within Singapore's national disability policy framework.
As Singapore faces a rapidly ageing population, the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia continues to rise.
As a degenerative brain condition, dementia often results in significant cognitive and functional decline, severely impacting a person's ability to perform daily activities and live independently.
However, based on a review of the Enabling Masterplan 2030, there appears to be no explicit mention of dementia, including young-onset dementia, as a recognised disability. This omission raises concerns about how consistently people with dementia are included within our national disability agenda.
For example, some of our members were advised that their loved ones living with dementia do not qualify for the Persons with Disabilities Concession Card – raising concerns about practical recognition and inclusion.
In another case, a person living with dementia was nominated for a national-level award recognising individuals with disabilities.
However, the nomination was not accepted – reportedly because dementia is not considered a qualifying disability.
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This has led to confusion and concern within our community about the practical interpretation of who qualifies as a person with disability in Singapore.
I would like to ask: What are the criteria used to determine what qualifies as a disability under national policy?
Are there plans to formally review this gap in recognition of, and to better align disability policies with, the realities of cognitive and mental decline faced by people with dementia?
I hope the relevant agencies and the wider public will re-examine how we define and support disability in Singapore, especially as we strive towards a more inclusive society.
Wong Loke Kit
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