The Star report
Call for national dementia plan
- METRO NEWS
- Thursday, 17 Sep 2020
By JADE CHAN

Pang, ADFM executive committee chairman Datuk Dr Yim Khai Kee, Ng, Jamaliah, Ong, Tang and Low holding giant ‘Remember Me’ purple ribbon pins to mark the launch of the The World Alzheimer’s Month 2020 campaign. ( The Star Report)
THE Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) is urging the government to have a national dementia plan to address the needs of the nation’s growing ageing population. “People are now able to live longer, but they are also more susceptible to certain diseases, such as non-communicable diseases, cancer and dementia,” said ADFM executive committee chairman Datuk Dr Yim Khai Kee. “It is estimated that by 2030, about 231,000 of the Malaysian population will have dementia. “The national dementia plan is needed so that the necessary infrastructure and support structure are put in place to address this issue.
“There is also a need to increase the number of specialists in geriatric care and to improve facilities at hospitals to ensure patients can enjoy a better quality of life.” Dr Yim said countries such as Singapore and Japan have their own national dementia plans, which also focus on awareness, education and stigma on dementia-related issues.
“Dementia is a symptom, while Alzheimer’s is a disease.“ Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Patients typically have significant memory problems and reduced cognitive function,” he said. “While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, having the right care and infrastructure would go towards slowing its pogression.”
Dr Yim added that dementia had an impact on the workforce, as it was estimated that three people or caregivers would be affected for every person afflicted by dementia. He shared this after the launch of the World Alzheimer’s Month (WAM) 2020 campaign, organised by ADFM in partnership with Atria Shopping Gallery and OSK Foundation.
Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin launched the two-day event last weekend. It aimed to raise awareness and address social stigma on dementia through educational events, exercise and information booths.
There was also a fundraising “Remember Me” purple ribbon campaign to encourage Malaysians to be a more dementia-friendly society. Members of the public are encouraged to adopt a purple ribbon pin sold at RM10 each or RM200 for a box of 25 pieces. All proceeds from the sale of the ribbons would be donated to ADFM to enable them to continue to provide support for patients and their caregivers.
“Alzheimer’s is an emerging global public health issue with significant societal cost implications,” said OSK Group corporate communications head Dave Pang in his speech. “Although the onset of Alzheimer’s happens to most people aged 65 onwards, evidence suggests that more and more people under age 65 are developing it. “This is alarming economically, as a growing number of the population leaves the workforce and requires care and attention from their loved ones.”
With the Atria-ADFM Community Corner (AACC), which was established in September 2017, Pang said OSK Foundation hoped to be able to play its role in addressing dementia through strategic partnerships and driving communal activities that provide support and information on dementia.
Lions Clubs International and Rotary International later presented donations of RM11,000 and RM10,000, respectively to ADFM. Also present were ADFM patron Puan Sri Wendy Ong, ADFM president Datuk Jeffrey Ng, Lions Clubs International District 308 B1 district governor Kenny Low, Rotary International District 3300 past district governor Datuk Vincent Tang and Atria Shopping Gallery marketing manager Edison Yeoh.
While WAM is observed in September, ADFM will be continuing the campaign until December via online webinars for caregivers, healthcare workers and the general public.
Shoppers may also visit the AACC at Atria’s third floor to learn about dementia, the importance of early detection and how to manage its multiple facets.
For details on talks, visit http://tiny.cc/pd4usz. To purchase the purple ribbon pins, visit http://tiny.cc/ev4usz