22/07/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | JULY 22, 2025

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Dementia: Not just old age

D EMENTIA is not just forgetfulness – it is about slowly losing the essence of who you are. In Malaysia, this silent epidemic is growing faster than most realise, driven by an ageing population and widespread chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Globally, dementia affects more than 55 million people, and the World Health Organisation, predicts this number will reach 78 million by 2030i. Malaysia, with nearly 16% of its population aged 60 and above, is no exception. Local studies suggest over 200,000 Malaysians are living with dementia, and the figure is likely underestimated due to low awareness and limited screening. Dementia vs normal ageing It often begins subtly – a forgotten name, a repeated story, a misplaced item. When someone can no longer perform tasks, they once managed easily – cooking, managing finances, holding a conversation – that is when we begin to suspect dementia. While slower memory and reduced mental agility can come with age, dementia is different. The hallmark of dementia is not just forgetfulness. It is when thinking skills interfere with daily life – language, judgement, even o Why Malaysians need to start paying attention

recognising familiar faces. That is when it is time to get help. Vascular link in dementia, why lifestyle matters Alzheimer’s disease 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 such as high blood pressure is also very common. Conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes are key contributors to vascular dementia, and all are common among Malaysians. Technically, age is a risk factor we cannot control. But vascular risks are manageable. You can reduce your risk by managing your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels early. That is a message not enough people hear. Dementia is often dismissed as just ageing or depression, but its roots can be medical – even in younger adults. People in their 40s and even 30s are developing early signs after strokes or years of unmanaged chronic illness. The damage builds silently over decades, when symptoms show, the brain may already be severely affected. Sleep, social life and sudoku While diet and exercise are known brain boosters, one often overlooked factor is sleep. People glorify working late, surviving on minimal rest. But poor sleep affects brain health. Socialising also plays a powerful role. Talking

Condition such as hypertension, high cholestral, smoking and diabetes are key contributors to vascular dementia.

cognitive assessments to blood tests that detect early brain changes – are becoming more accessible. However, careful consideration of genetic testing is recommended, unless medically advised. Start thinking seriously about brain health in your 40s and 50s. Control your blood pressure, stay socially engaged, sleep well and eat a balanced diet. These are not just good habits – they are investments in your future cognitive health. If we care for our hearts to avoid a heart attack, why are not we doing the same for our brains? Dementia is not just an old person’s problem anymore and ignoring it would not make it go away. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City consultant neurologist Dr Mohamad Imran Idris.

them feel grounded. Daycare designed specifically for dementia care also offer a small, but promising model. They provide safe, stimulating environments for patients and respite for caregivers. People with dementia live only in the present. They cannot access the past or plan for the future and that can be terrifying, especially when they are isolated. Show empathy as they may not remember your name, but feel your kindness. Hope on horizon While dementia has long been seen as a hopeless diagnosis, science is now catching up. Two years ago, there may not have been a solution. But, now there are medicines that can slow its progression. Screening tools – from digital centres Nad, whose real name is Farah Nadia Zainal Abidin, said the app was initially developed for personal use, but she did not expect the overwhelming response from parents. “Power Congak has levels such as addition and subtraction, and it includes a timer for practice, making it more engaging. Currently, we have around 400,000 users and the number is growing,” she said. Nad recommends using the app consistently every day, either before or after school hours. Believing digital tools can serve as a bridge between children’s interest in gadgets and educational needs, she said apps such as Power Congak can help regulate children’s internet activities, such as watching YouTube. She also shared plans to develop other learning apps, Alam Arif and Autograf Genius, to help children master various subjects interactively. In other news, Nad will appear in an upcoming film titled Denu , directed by Datuk Ahmad Tamimi Siregar, which is scheduled for release next month. In the film, Nad plays a woman caught between her own desires and family pressure to continue the traditional performing arts legacy of

with in conversation – these spontaneous, unpredictable interactions challenge the brain and help preserve cognitive function. Repetitive digital games may feel mentally stimulating, but offer little long-term benefit. Games such as Candy Crush quickly become predictable. Your brain needs novelty. Role of family and caregivers The burden of care for people with dementia often falls on families. It is emotionally and physically draining, and support is limited. We risk having two unwell people instead of one – the patient and the caregiver. Structure and routine can help. If the person with dementia has a routine – such as going to the park on Mondays and visiting the children on Wednesdays – it helps friends, engaging Balancing the use of smart devices with education may not be easy, but Nad is confident that with a consistent and child-friendly approach, it can lead to positive outcomes – as seen in her eldest son Fahad Ibrahim Muhammad Faliq, affectionately known as Yem Boy. “When he was in Year One, his exam results were not very good – not a single A. But in Year Two, he showed improvement – he got 3As and moved up a class. Alhamdulillah , recently his results improved further and he got 5As,” she said during a recent interview here. According to Nad, this success came from consistent practice using the Power Congak app, a math training application developed by her husband, actor Ungku Ismail Ungku Abdul Aziz. “We do put emphasis on Mathematics, but we still use books for practice. Once he mastered Math, the other subjects became easier for him to understand,” said Nad, who has 2.3 million followers on Instagram.

Actress Nad Zainal backs child-friendly learning apps POPULAR actress Nad Zainal believes that parents play a crucial role in guiding their children to use technology wisely, especially for learning purposes.

Nad has shared plans to develop other learning apps. Mak Yong. “It is quite a complex and emotional role. I had to speak in the Kelantanese dialect and truly understand the cultural background of Mak Yong. It really challenged me as an actress,” she said. – Bernama

Nad says parents play a crucial role in guiding children to use technology wisely.