THE Alzheimer’s Disease Association of the Philippines (ADAP) yesterday said dementia should not be seen as a medical condition that is normal for aging and the elderly persons.
“Despite growing numbers, dementia remains widely misunderstood as ‘normal aging,’” said ADAP, an organization of persons with dementia and their families, dedicated doctors with special interest in dementia, and other allied medical professionals.
“Dementia is not part of normal aging. Memory processing may slow down, but the elderly should not be forgetful and confused every day,” it added.
The group said dementia prevention is highly possible.
Citing the Lancet Commission, ADAP said about 45 percent of dementia cases may potentially be avoided if “certain modifiable risk factors” are managed.
“These include managing lifestyle risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol); avoiding smoking, drinking, and head injuries; addressing visual and hearing loss; minimizing air pollution; and encouraging social interaction, lifelong learning, and physical exercise,” said the group.
“These public health strategies should be part of a Philippine National Dementia Plan,” it added.
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities.
Data provided by ADAP shows that around 1.03 million Filipinos live with dementia, majority of which are undiagnosed or underdiagnosed.
ADAP said the numbers are expected to double by 2050 if no adequate interventions are undertaken.
“It is necessary to raise awareness, challenge the stigma, and encourage better understanding of dementia,” said ADAP.
