Where to seek help
According to a 2014 report by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), Dementia in the Asia Pacific Region, it is estimated that there are 123,000 dementia patients in Malaysia in 2015. The number is expected to increase to 590,000 by 2050.
According to ADFM, these statistics are an understatement, as this number only shows people who are diagnosed with dementia, but there are many more patients in rural areas who do not have access to awareness, diagnosis or treatment. There is still a lack of care centres focusing on the elderly with dementia in Malaysia and a lot more support is needed to help patients and caregivers.
Nevertheless, this news should not be a deterrent if you are a dementia patient or caregiver. Reaching out for help at your local dementia care centres or caregiver support groups will actually benefit both parties.
They will not only provide you resources to improve your quality of life, but you will also be part of a community whose members hold each other up when they are faced with challenges during this journey.
Currently, there are a few dementia organisation chapters in Selangor, Penang, Perak, Melaka and Johor. As for caregiver support groups, they can be found in many places such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Perak, Kelantan, Melaka, Seremban and Sabah.
If you are hesitant to reach out for help, you can start by going to various talks and events organised by dementia organisations for more information, such as the 21st Asia Pacific Regional Conference by ADI on Aug 16 to 18 to provide resources and disseminate knowledge to local health professionals and caregivers.