THE nation is confronting a significant public health issue, with the latest data revealing that approximately 10% of the population aged 60 and above are now living with dementia.
This statistic, released in the 2025 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) on April 20 in Putrajaya, marks an increase from 8.5% in 2018, underscoring the growing urgency to address the rising number of individuals affected by memory, cognitive, and daily functioning impairments.
Professor Dr Tan Maw Pin, a geriatric medicine expert from the University of Malaya, representing the national dementia alliance, described this rise as an early warning sign that prioritising brain health should become a central part of Malaysia’s national healthcare agenda.
"The increase in dementia cases is not solely due to aging; it is also linked to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol—key risk factors for cognitive decline," he said in a statement yesterday.
The alliance comprises several organisations dedicated to dementia care, including the Dementia Alliance of Malaysia (DAMAI), Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM), Johor Bahru Alzheimer's Disease Support Association (JOBADA), Dementia Society Perak, and Penang Dementia Association.
Dr Tan highlighted that while there have been improvements in certain aspects of healthy aging, such as reduced depression rates and better ability among seniors to perform daily activities, the progress is not yet sufficient to counter the growing incidence of dementia.
"The alliance urges the government to accelerate the implementation of the Dementia Action Plan 2023-2030, including providing dedicated funding to ensure its effectiveness," he added.
In addition to supporting the action plan, the alliance put forward several key proposals, including expanding public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, strengthening early screening in primary healthcare facilities, and promoting prevention programs that focus on healthy lifestyles and chronic disease management.
The group also called for more comprehensive support for caregivers and families of dementia patients, offering training, respite care services, and bolstered community-based services.
"Dementia is not just a health issue; it impacts social structures, economic productivity, and family well-being," Dr Tan told Bernama.
"As Malaysia is projected to become an ageing nation in the near future, the likelihood of a rise in dementia cases increases unless effective early interventions are implemented."
Dr Tan emphasised that with early and coordinated action, the progression of the disease could be slowed, allowing patients to live with dignity and ensuring that families receive the necessary support.
The alliance stressed that a comprehensive approach involving the government, healthcare sector, communities, and society at large is critical to providing better care for those affected by dementia. - May 2, 2026
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