Dementia study: Nearly 7 in 10 Singaporeans unsure where to seek help

Key Concepts

• Dementia Stigma: The social disapproval and negative perceptions associated with dementia, leading to avoidance and embarrassment.
• Young-Onset Dementia: A rising trend of dementia occurring in individuals before the age of 65, often impacting those still in the workforce or raising families.
• Caregiver Burden: The emotional, social, and financial strain placed on family members caring for those with dementia.
• Dementia-Inclusive Society: A community that goes beyond mere awareness to provide practical support and empathetic interaction for those living with the condition.
• Aging Population: A demographic shift where a significant portion of the population (over 21% in Singapore) is aged 60 or older, increasing the prevalence of age-related conditions.

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1. Main Findings and Statistics

The nationwide survey, conducted in 2023 as a follow-up to a 2019 study, highlights a critical gap in public knowledge and social attitudes:

• Lack of Knowledge: 7 out of 10 people in Singapore do not know where to seek help for dementia-related issues.
• Persistent Stigma: Negative perceptions—specifically incompetence, embarrassment, and avoidance—remain the highest-ranking attitudes toward those with dementia.
• Shifting Trends: While the perception of "rejection and loneliness" for those living with dementia has decreased from 2019 to approximately 45%, the general public’s tendency to avoid situations involving people with dementia remains high.
• Demographic Context: As of 2024, more than 21% of Singapore’s population is aged 60 or older, making dementia a critical public health priority.

2. The Impact of Misconceptions

The expert, Ms. Rosie Ching (Principal Lecturer of Statistics at SMU), emphasizes that the emotional and psychological toll of dementia often exceeds the physical symptoms of the disease itself.

• Family Dynamics: Misunderstandings about the disease often lead to conflict within families. For example, some family members may mistake symptoms for "being difficult" or "acting out," leading to a breakdown in the family support system.
• Social Avoidance: Because the public lacks connection to the disease, they often choose to avoid those living with it, which exacerbates the isolation of both the patient and the primary caregiver.

3. Evaluation of Current "Dementia-Friendly" Initiatives

While Singapore has implemented physical markers (e.g., signage at train stations), the effectiveness of these measures is debated:

• Practicality Issues: Feedback suggests that some current initiatives are perceived as "not useful." For instance, signage at certain stations is often placed in areas that are not intuitive or helpful to those experiencing cognitive decline.
• The "Awareness vs. Action" Gap: Ms. Ching argues that simply having signs is insufficient. The nation must move from passive awareness to active, informed engagement.

4. Proposed Framework for Improvement

To address these challenges, the following actions are recommended:

• Education from an Early Age: Dementia awareness should be integrated into school curricula. This should focus not on complex medical facts, but on social empathy—teaching students how to recognize signs and how to interact compassionately with those affected.
• Targeting Future Caregivers: Research shows that 74–75% of students do not know how to handle dementia-related situations. Since these students will eventually become the primary caregivers for their aging parents, early education is vital.
• Addressing Young-Onset Dementia: There is a specific need to support those with young-onset dementia, who face the "triple burden" of caring for aging parents, raising their own children, and maintaining employment.
• Community-Based Support: The "it takes a village" approach is essential. Caregiving should not be the burden of one person; it requires a collective, compassionate effort from the entire community.

5. Notable Quotes

• "Sometimes the emotional and psychological toll of dementia could sometimes be even worse than the actual dementia itself." — Ms. Rosie Ching
• "We have to act today to deal with our perceptions of dementia. Not just see it, but know what to do next." — Ms. Rosie Ching

Synthesis and Conclusion

The transition from a "dementia-aware" society to a "dementia-inclusive" one requires a fundamental shift in public behavior. Despite improvements since 2019, the persistent stigma and lack of practical knowledge remain significant barriers. By prioritizing education in schools, acknowledging the rise of young-onset dementia, and fostering a culture of empathy rather than avoidance, society can better support both patients and their caregivers. The ultimate goal is to move beyond superficial markers and create a support system where the community is equipped to provide meaningful, actionable assistance.