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

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.

According to Dr Mohamad Imran, conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes are key contributors to vascular dementia, and all are common among Malaysians.

He said dementia is often dismissed as just ageing or depression, but its roots can be medical, even in younger adults.

“It’s not just grandma or grandpa anymore. We’ve seen people in their 40s and even 30s developing early signs after strokes or years of unmanaged chronic illness,” he remarked.

Dr Mohamad Imran said that while diet and exercise are known brain boosters, socialising also plays a powerful role.

“Talking with friends, engaging in conversation - these spontaneous, unpredictable interactions challenge the brain and help preserve cognitive function,” he said.

While dementia has long been seen as a hopeless diagnosis, Dr Mohamad Imran said science is now catching up and there are already medicines that can slow its progression. 

Screening tools, from digital cognitive assessments to blood tests that detect early brain changes, are becoming more accessible, he said, but he recommended careful consideration of genetic testing unless medically advised.

He said those in their 40s and 50s should start thinking seriously about brain health, apart from controlling their blood pressure, staying socially engaged, sleeping well, and eating a balanced diet.

“These aren’t just good habits. They’re investments in your future cognitive health. If we care for our hearts to avoid a heart attack, why aren’t we doing the same for our brains? Dementia isn’t just an old person’s problem anymore, and ignoring it won’t make it go away,” he added.

-- BERNAMA