Dementia is no longer just an issue affecting the elderly—more people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are being diagnosed with early-onset dementia, and overall dementia cases continue to rise worldwide. For families and caregivers in Malaysia and Singapore, understanding why this is happening is the first step toward prevention, early detection, and better care. This article explores five key reasons behind this concerning trend and offers guidance for those navigating this challenging journey.
Better Awareness and Diagnosis
One of the primary reasons dementia appears more common is that we’re simply getting better at identifying it. In Singapore, the treatment gap for dementia improved by 19 percentage points between 2013 and 2023, meaning more people are now being diagnosed and receiving care. Greater public awareness about dementia symptoms, combined with improved diagnostic tools and expanded medical services – including 16 polyclinics now offering dementia services compared to 13 in 2019 which means more cases are being caught earlier. This improved detection doesn’t necessarily mean dementia itself is becoming more prevalent; rather, we’re now recognising cases that might have been missed or misdiagnosed in the past.
Rising Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Lifestyle-related health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity significantly increase dementia risk. Research in Malaysia shows that older people with hypertension are more likely to develop dementia, while those with a history of stroke are 6.5 times more likely to have the condition. These cardiovascular risk factors are becoming more common in younger populations across Southeast Asia due to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and increasing stress levels. The good news is that many of these factors are preventable through lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and managing cardiovascular health.
Genetic and Medical Factors
While genetics play a role in dementia at any age, they’re particularly significant in young-onset cases. Certain genetic mutations can cause early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia to develop decades earlier than typical late-life dementia. Beyond genetics, medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury, heavy alcohol use, autoimmune diseases, and mental health issues increase risk—with depression making individuals nearly three times more likely to develop dementia. These factors highlight the importance of protecting both physical and mental brain health throughout life.
An Ageing Population
Both Malaysia and Singapore are experiencing rapid population ageing, which naturally leads to more dementia cases overall. Malaysia currently has between 200,000 to 260,000 older adults living with dementia, with projections reaching 668,000 by 2050. Singapore saw its number of older adults with dementia rise from 51,934 in 2013 to 73,918 in 2023 due to population growth. Malaysia is set to become an aged nation by 2030, when 15% of the population will be 60 or older, with current rates showing 1 in 3 people over 80 affected by dementia. As life expectancy increases, the likelihood of developing age-related dementia also rises.
Socioeconomic and Lifestyle Changes
Modern life has introduced various factors that may contribute to dementia risk. Education plays a protective role—people with only primary or no formal education are at higher risk compared to those with secondary or higher education. Employment also matters significantly, with Singapore’s study showing retirees and housewives were about 11 times and 9 times more likely to have dementia compared to employed individuals. The shift toward more sedentary lifestyles means fewer opportunities for the physical activity, mental stimulation, and social engagement that help protect brain health throughout life.
Taking Action: Support and Prevention
While these trends are concerning, there’s much that families can do. Both countries offer growing support networks—Singapore has organisations like Dementia Singapore providing resources and expanded daycare centre capacity from 3,700 places in 2019 to 4,700 in 2023. Malaysia has the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia and WHO-supported programs, though the healthcare infrastructure faces challenges with only 60 trained geriatricians for the entire country. The economic impact is substantial, with dementia costing Malaysia RM7.9 to RM8.5 billion annually, including healthcare and lost productivity.
If you’re concerned about dementia for yourself or a loved one, consider scheduling a cognitive health assessment, staying employed or mentally active as long as possible, and exploring local community services. Early intervention and support make a meaningful difference for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers. We are here to help.
