THERE is a serious misconception among many Sarawakians that mental health deterioration like dementia is a normal part of the ageing process, said State Minister for Women, Community Wellbeing and Early Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
There is also a lack of awareness that government hospitals have "memory clinic" programmes that can detect signs of dementia and offer early detection and treatment, she said when speaking at a community health programme in Kuching.
"Early detection will enable doctors to carry out intervention and hopefully prevent an onslaught of mental health woes.
"Dementia can be prevented or treated, but many do not know this.
"That is why there are those who do not seek help for their family members suffering memory loss or other mental health deterioration because they consider these as normal parts of the ageing process.
"This misconception must be overcome as it is prevailing among many in urban and rural communities who are not well-informed about mental health issues.
"We (ministry) are working closely with the state health authorities and community organisations to carry out more public awareness and education campaigns on physical and mental health issues affecting our senior population," she said.
Fatimah said the Sarawak government is formulating policies to ensure adequate community care for those aged 60 and above in the state.
She said new policies need to be drawn up fast as Sarawak will be categorised as an aged state by 2028.
"At least 16 per cent of the state population will be aged 60 and above by 2028.
"There are currently not enough facilities and programmes in Sarawak to ensure adequate care for our senior citizens.
"We must overcome these weaknesses by drawing up specific policies on community care for senior citizens," she said. - November 22, 2024
