Dementia Isn't Just Old Age Forgetfulness, It's A Fast-Growing Silent Epidemic

Barnama

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) – Dementia, which often begins subtly, like a forgotten name, a repeated story, a misplaced item, isn't just old age forgetfulness.
In Malaysia, with nearly 16 per cent of its population aged 60 and above, this silent epidemic is growing faster than most realise, driven by an ageing population and widespread chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Local studies suggest over 200,000 Malaysians are living with dementia, and the figure is likely underestimated due to low awareness and limited screening.
Globally, dementia affects more than 55 million people, and the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts this number will reach 78 million by 2030.
Dr Mohamad Imran Idris, Consultant Neurologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, in a statement today, said that 'When someone can no longer perform tasks, they once managed easily, such as cooking, managing finances, holding a conversation, that's when we begin to suspect dementia.'
He explained that while slower memory and reduced mental agility can come with age, dementia is different.
'The hallmark of dementia isn't just forgetfulness. It is when thinking skills interfere with daily life -language, judgement, even recognising familiar faces. That is when it is time to get help,' he said.
He also clarified a common confusion between dementia and Alzheimer's, saying that the latter is just one type of dementia.
'Dementia is an umbrella term. Alzheimer's is the most well-known, but in Malaysia, vascular dementia, caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke or due to chronic conditions like high blood pressure, is also very common,' he said.