(Bandar Seri Begawan, 21st) – In conjunction with World Dementia (Alzheimer’s) Day, Minister of Health Dato Isham stated in a press release that this year’s theme is “Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s.” Dementia is not just a health issue—it is a life journey full of challenges and sacrifices. Dementia affects not only the patient, but also parents, siblings, family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Currently, there are over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia. Behind each patient is a family or caregiver shouldering a heavy burden of care, requiring ongoing support.
He said that, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, there were about 1,574 dementia patients in Brunei in 2019, and this number is expected to rise to 7,317 by 2050. This means not only more people will suffer from dementia, but the number of caregivers will also continue to increase. With the trend of an aging population in Brunei, more and more families will be faced with the challenge of caring for dementia patients.
He stated that, currently, there is no cure for dementia—only treatments that address symptoms and disease modification are available. Therefore, continuous care, access to information and proper advice, psychological support, and rehabilitation plans that help optimize functioning are extremely important. Be it through encouraging ongoing participation in daily life or through social support, these initiatives enable patients to lead more meaningful and happier lives.
“As citizens of Brunei, we uphold family ties and virtues, taking care of our grandparents, parents, and family members. These values remind us that caring for those affected—especially dementia patients—is not only a responsibility, but also a mission and an honor, symbolizing family love, loyalty, and dignity.”
“However, dementia is often overshadowed by fear, doubt, and loneliness. Many families of dementia patients choose to remain silent, due to fear, suspicion, or uncertainty. Meanwhile, individuals at risk of dementia tend to delay seeking help. In such situations, the surrounding community sometimes also lack support. All of this makes the journey through dementia lonelier and more difficult than it should be.”
He emphasized that dementia patients can still lead active lives. They should receive support and assistance when facing difficulties and deserve the attention due to them.
He called on society to increase attention and support for dementia patients and their caregivers through the following measures:
i. Change perceptions about dementia: There are many misconceptions about dementia, such as believing dementia is simply “normal aging” or that it cannot be prevented or controlled. These beliefs prevent many people from receiving the help they need. We need to correct this view. Dementia patients have the right to be recognized, respected, and cared for with dignity. By changing the way people think and communicate about dementia, we also change how patients are treated and supported.
ii. Cultivate the habit of asking questions: In many families and communities, dementia remains little discussed or not discussed at all. This requires a more open approach. If someone is concerned about memory problems, a medical evaluation by a doctor is recommended. For those wanting to know how to support dementia patients, resources like the Brunei Dementia Society are available. For more insight, official references from organizations like Alzheimer’s Disease International or advice from professional medical personnel can serve as guides.
iii. Commit to learning more: Awareness alone about dementia may not be enough. Greater understanding can be achieved through various ways, such as participating in relevant seminars or talks, reading authoritative health information, and listening to the experiences of dementia patients or their caregivers. By doing so, one can understand how dementia affects the brain, changes behavior, and how to provide appropriate care. There are opportunities to learn directly from dementia patients and caregivers. With increased understanding, people will be better prepared to respond with compassion.
iv. Provide greater support: Dementia is not just a challenge faced by specific families or communities, but a global issue affecting many. Recognizing that no one faces this challenge alone, mutual support can be strengthened through compassion and a willingness to share life’s journey. Everyone has the opportunity to contribute through volunteer service, advocacy, or by practicing kindness in daily life. Working together, we can increase respect and support for people living with dementia.
v. Share responsibility together
Dementia is a shared responsibility for everyone—not only a concern for the health system. Doctors and nurses play important roles, but the entire society contributes greatly, including neighbors, villagers, village heads or leaders, teachers, employers, colleagues, and friends. Together, we can create a dementia-friendly community: an environment where neighbors recognize the needs of dementia caregivers and can identify and assist those who may be struggling. Institutions such as mosques, community centers, or workplaces can also play a role, becoming more friendly and helping to create a more inclusive society.
He said that the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Brunei Dementia Society, and the private sector, will continue to provide various programs for risk reduction and increasing dementia awareness. These ongoing efforts aim to change society’s perception of dementia.
“Let us not allow dementia to be a source of fear or shame. Instead, let us replace fear with understanding, silence with open dialogue, and loneliness with community support. Let us work together to ensure that every dementia patient and caregiver is cherished and respected, never forgotten. Hand in hand, let us overcome the stigma of dementia together.”
He said that, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, there were about 1,574 dementia patients in Brunei in 2019, and this number is expected to rise to 7,317 by 2050. This means not only more people will suffer from dementia, but the number of caregivers will also continue to increase. With the trend of an aging population in Brunei, more and more families will be faced with the challenge of caring for dementia patients.
He stated that, currently, there is no cure for dementia—only treatments that address symptoms and disease modification are available. Therefore, continuous care, access to information and proper advice, psychological support, and rehabilitation plans that help optimize functioning are extremely important. Be it through encouraging ongoing participation in daily life or through social support, these initiatives enable patients to lead more meaningful and happier lives.
“As citizens of Brunei, we uphold family ties and virtues, taking care of our grandparents, parents, and family members. These values remind us that caring for those affected—especially dementia patients—is not only a responsibility, but also a mission and an honor, symbolizing family love, loyalty, and dignity.”
“However, dementia is often overshadowed by fear, doubt, and loneliness. Many families of dementia patients choose to remain silent, due to fear, suspicion, or uncertainty. Meanwhile, individuals at risk of dementia tend to delay seeking help. In such situations, the surrounding community sometimes also lack support. All of this makes the journey through dementia lonelier and more difficult than it should be.”
He emphasized that dementia patients can still lead active lives. They should receive support and assistance when facing difficulties and deserve the attention due to them.
He called on society to increase attention and support for dementia patients and their caregivers through the following measures:
i. Change perceptions about dementia: There are many misconceptions about dementia, such as believing dementia is simply “normal aging” or that it cannot be prevented or controlled. These beliefs prevent many people from receiving the help they need. We need to correct this view. Dementia patients have the right to be recognized, respected, and cared for with dignity. By changing the way people think and communicate about dementia, we also change how patients are treated and supported.
ii. Cultivate the habit of asking questions: In many families and communities, dementia remains little discussed or not discussed at all. This requires a more open approach. If someone is concerned about memory problems, a medical evaluation by a doctor is recommended. For those wanting to know how to support dementia patients, resources like the Brunei Dementia Society are available. For more insight, official references from organizations like Alzheimer’s Disease International or advice from professional medical personnel can serve as guides.
iii. Commit to learning more: Awareness alone about dementia may not be enough. Greater understanding can be achieved through various ways, such as participating in relevant seminars or talks, reading authoritative health information, and listening to the experiences of dementia patients or their caregivers. By doing so, one can understand how dementia affects the brain, changes behavior, and how to provide appropriate care. There are opportunities to learn directly from dementia patients and caregivers. With increased understanding, people will be better prepared to respond with compassion.
iv. Provide greater support: Dementia is not just a challenge faced by specific families or communities, but a global issue affecting many. Recognizing that no one faces this challenge alone, mutual support can be strengthened through compassion and a willingness to share life’s journey. Everyone has the opportunity to contribute through volunteer service, advocacy, or by practicing kindness in daily life. Working together, we can increase respect and support for people living with dementia.
v. Share responsibility together
Dementia is a shared responsibility for everyone—not only a concern for the health system. Doctors and nurses play important roles, but the entire society contributes greatly, including neighbors, villagers, village heads or leaders, teachers, employers, colleagues, and friends. Together, we can create a dementia-friendly community: an environment where neighbors recognize the needs of dementia caregivers and can identify and assist those who may be struggling. Institutions such as mosques, community centers, or workplaces can also play a role, becoming more friendly and helping to create a more inclusive society.
He said that the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Brunei Dementia Society, and the private sector, will continue to provide various programs for risk reduction and increasing dementia awareness. These ongoing efforts aim to change society’s perception of dementia.
“Let us not allow dementia to be a source of fear or shame. Instead, let us replace fear with understanding, silence with open dialogue, and loneliness with community support. Let us work together to ensure that every dementia patient and caregiver is cherished and respected, never forgotten. Hand in hand, let us overcome the stigma of dementia together.”