There were approximately 1,574 dementia patients in Brunei Darussalam in 2019, with the number estimated to rise to 7,317 cases by 2050, which not only means more people living with dementia, but also the continued increase in the number of caregivers, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.
This was highlighted by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar in his message for the World Dementia/Alzheimer’s Day celebration 2025.
Dementia, the minister explained, “is not merely a health issue, it is a life journey filled with challenges and sacrifices. Dementia affects not only the individual living with it, but also their parents, siblings, family members, close friends, neighbours and colleagues”.
As of now, more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and behind every person with dementia is a family or caregiver bearing the burden and responsibility of care, a role that requires continuous and strong support, the minister said.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham added, “Currently, there is no cure for dementia. There are only symptomatic treatments and disease-modifying therapies available. Therefore, continuous care, the dissemination of accurate information and advice, moral support and rehabilitation programmes that help optimise functioning are extremely important. Whether through encouragement to remain active in daily life or through community support, these efforts enable individuals with dementia to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.”
He added, “As citizens of Brunei Darussalam, we hold firmly to the bonds of family and noble values in caring for our grandparents, parents, and family members. These values remind us that caring for those affected, especially individuals living with dementia, is not merely a responsibility, but also a trust and an honour that reflects love, loyalty and the dignity of a family.”
However, too often, he explained, “Dementia is hidden in fear, doubt, and silence. Many families of dementia patients choose to remain quiet due to feelings of fear, uncertainty, or doubt. Meanwhile, individuals at risk of developing dementia may delay seeking help. At the same time, the surrounding community is sometimes slow or hesitant to offer support.
All of this makes the journey of dementia lonelier and more challenging than it needs to be.”
People living with dementia can still lead positive and meaningful lives. They deserve to get support and assistance when faced with difficulties and should be given the attention and care they need, in line with the theme for World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 ‘Ask about Dementia, Ask about Alzheimer’s’.
The minister urged the community to be more compassionate and stronger in supporting both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers by:
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS ABOUT DEMENTIA
There are still too many myths surrounding dementia – such as the belief that it is just a “normal part of ageing” or that nothing can be done to prevent or manage it. These misconceptions often prevent people from seeking the help they need.
“We must correct such perceptions. People living with dementia have the right to be recognised, respected, and cared for with dignity. By changing the way that we think and talk about dementia, we also can change the way we treat and support those affected by it,” Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said.
GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH ASKING QUESTIONS
In many families and communities, dementia is still rarely discussed or not discussed at all. This is something that deserves more open attention. If someone is concerned about memory issues, it is encouraged that they seek a medical assessment from a doctor.
“For those who wish to learn how to better support individuals living with dementia, guidance can be obtained from organisations such as Demensia Brunei. For a deeper understanding, official resources such as Alzheimer’s disease International or advice from healthcare professionals can be used as references,” the minister said.
COMMITTING TO LEARN MORE
“Awareness on dementia alone may not be enough. Therefore, we can deepen our understanding of dementia through various means such as attending workshops or talks, reading credible health materials, and listening to the experiences of people with dementia or their caregivers,” Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said.
He added, “By doing so, we can gain insight into how dementia affects the brain, change behaviour, and more importantly, how to provide appropriate care. We also have the opportunity to learn directly from those living with dementia and their caregivers. When we understand more, the more prepared we will be to respond with compassion.”
SHOWING MORE SUPPORT
Dementia is not just a challenge faced by certain families or communities but it is a global issue affecting many individuals worldwide. “By recognising that we are not alone in facing such challenges, we can strengthen support for one another with empathy and be prepared to share life journeys,” the minister said.
He added, “Each of us has the opportunity to contribute, whether through volunteering efforts, raising awareness, or practising kindness in our daily lives. By working together, we can enhance more dignified and compassionate support for those affected by dementia.”
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Dementia is a collective responsibility by all parties and it is not just an issue involving the healthcare system alone. Doctors and nurses play vital roles, but the community as a whole also has a significant role to play including neighbours, villagers, heads of villages or community leaders, teachers, employers, colleagues, and friends.
“Together, we can create a dementia-friendly community, an environment where neighbours are attentive to the needs of dementia caregivers, and are sensitive to recognising and assisting individuals who may be facing difficulties. Institutions such as mosques, community halls, or workplaces can also play a role in becoming more dementia-friendly, thereby fostering a more inclusive society,” he said.
The Ministry of Health, with cooperation of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and sports as well as Demensia Brunei and the private sector will continue to provide various risk reduction programmes and increase awareness on dementia. – James Kon
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin