Dementia: Knowing earlier makes a difference
LETTER: We often think of dementia as a disease of forgetting. But sometimes, the first signs are not simply about memory.
Dementia, often associated with memory loss, can initially manifest as subtle changes in daily activities, such as difficulty cooking despite familiarity with a recipe. These gradual alterations may be dismissed as a natural part of aging, stress, fatigue, or other health issues. However, when such changes persist and begin to impact everyday life, they warrant attention rather than being ignored.
Recognizing the importance of early detection, World Alzheimer's Month emphasizes the message: "The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters."
In Malaysia, approximately 8.5% of older adults, or around 260,000 people, currently live with dementia. This number is expected to surge to 590,000 by 2050. While dementia cannot be reversed or cured, an early diagnosis provides individuals and families with precious time to comprehend the condition, explore available support and treatment options, and prepare for the future. It also enables the person with dementia to maintain their independence and live as comfortably as possible for as long as possible.
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, particularly as communication becomes more difficult. The person may struggle to find the right words, follow conversations, or express their needs. Caregivers must adapt their communication style, using simpler words, allowing more time for responses, and offering reassurance instead of correction. They must also find new ways to approach difficult moments, meeting the individual where they are rather than expecting them to communicate as they once did.
As dementia progresses, memories may fade, yet the fundamental need to feel loved, understood, and connected remains. During World Alzheimer's Day on September 21st, let us begin by noticing the changes and learning to listen differently. The earlier we recognize these changes, the more we can help the person living with dementia and support their caregivers and relationships, choices, and cherished moments.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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