Demystifying Dementia In Singapore: Screening, Treatment Options, and Resources
Dementia is a complex brain disorder affecting senior health in Singapore. It impacts memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Learn more about this disease with our collection of informative articles and resources.
See A Doctor
What kind of doctor should you see for dementia? Most patient will start with an initial visiting to a family doctor when there is a change in thinking, movement, or behaviour. The patient may then be referred to a specialist for diagnosis.Â
- Neurologist: Treats disorders of the brain and nervous system.
- Geriatrician: Treats conditions affecting older persons, especially those aged 65 and above.
- Geriatric Psychiatrist: Management and treatment of mental health disorders in older persons.
Health Screening Specialist
Dr Chua Boon Suan | Preferred Doctor
AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre
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Neurologist
Dr Prakash Rameshchandra Paliwal – Paliwal Neurology Clinic
Dr Lim Li Ling – Singapore Neurology & Sleep Centre
Dr Mohammed Tauqeer Ahmad – Asia Brain Spine and Nerve Medical Centre
Dr Simon Ting – Singapore General Hospital
Geriatrician
Dr Chong Mei Sian – The Geriatric Practice
Dr Chan Kin Ming – Chan KM Geriatric & Medical Clinic
Dr Vina Doshi – AgeWELL Seniors Clinic
Assoc Prof Dennis Seow Chuen Chai – Singapore General Hospital
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Geriatric Psychiatrist
Prof. Kua Ee Heok – Mind Care Clinic
Dr Lim Boon Leng – Dr BL Lim Centre For Psychological Wellness
Dr Tan Rui Qi – Psychiatric Care Clinic
Dr Chris Tsoi – National University Hospital
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Financials
Government Financial Schemes For Dementia
There are numerous Government financial assistance schemes for support patients with dementia, including CHAS, Medical Feee Exemption Card, MediFund, MediShield Life, Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund,Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE), and more.
Read more about the support schemes here:
– DementiaHub SG (a joint initiative between Dementia Singapore and the Agency for Integrated Care ):Â
https://www.dementiahub.sg/living-well-with-dementia/financial-schemes/Â
– Agency for Integrated Care: https://www.aic.sg/caregiving/financial-support-and-subsidies-for-dementia/Â Â
Resources On Food And Drugs
FAQs
Is dementia part of the aging process?
No, dementia is an illness that affects the brain. Over time it leads to memory loss over time, cognitive decline, and personality changes. It is not part of normal aging.
Is Dementia is the same as Alzheimer’s Disease?
There are different types of dementia. The commonality is that they all involve changes in the patient’s brain. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 70% of dementia cases.
How can the risk of dementia be reduced?
The risk of dementia can be reduced via:
- Regular physically activity and exercise.
- Maintaining a healthy blood pressure level.
- Monitor blood glucose if you have diabetes.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Cease smoking & avoid heavy alcohol intake.
- Go for regular health screening.
- Be socially engaged.
- Get sufficient sleep.
- Stimulate the mind with social interactions, strategy games. puzzles, or engaging in new activities and experiences.
What are the causes of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease may be caused by multiple factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Dementia risk factors include:
- Age.
- Gender (Women are at greater higher risk).
- Family history of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Personal history of Down syndrome, major head injury, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure.
Is there a cure for dementia?
Unfortunate there is no known cure for dementia currently. Medication can help with symptoms. In addition, patients and caregivers may also undergo counselling and behavioural therapies to help improve care outcomes.Â
Additional Resources
- MRI for Dementia Assessment | AsiaMedic. Available from: https://www.asiamedic.com.sg/mri-brain-imaging-for-dementia-assessment/
- Dementia – Causes & Symptoms | Gleneagles Hospital. Available from: https://www.gleneagles.com.sg/conditions-diseases/dementia/symptoms-causes
- Dementia: What You Should Know | Parkway Shenton. Available from:Â https://www.parkwayshenton.com.sg/health-plus/article/understanding-dementia
- Brain Health Screening | Regis Medical Available from: https://regismedical.com/health-screening-singapore/brain-health-screening
- Nursing Home With Dementia Care | Orange Valley. Available from: https://orangevalley.sg/
- Community Resources for Dementia Patients | HealthXChange. Available from:Â https://www.healthxchange.sg/seniors/caregiver-tips/community-resources-for-dementia-patients
- Dementia Support Group | HealthHub. Available from:Â https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/support-groups-and-others/dementia-support-group
- CARA Digital Platform For Dementia Support (Patients & Caregivers) | CARA. Available from:Â https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/support-groups-and-others/dementia-support-group
- Dementia Resources | DementiaHub SG. Available from: https://www.dementiahub.sg/resources/
- Getting A Diagnosis For Dementia | Agency for Integrated Care. Available from: https://www.aic.sg/caregiving/getting-a-diagnosis-for-dementia/
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.