KUCHING: Many individuals in Sarawak are living with dementia, as indicated by hospital admissions, yet a significant number have not sought the necessary services and treatments at the Memory Clinic.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah noted that this may be due to the widespread perception that dementia is simply a part of ageing and is often accepted as inevitable.
“However, it’s important to remember that dementia is not a normal aspect of ageing. Treatments are available that can slow the progression of the disease, which can help maintain independence and improve the quality of life for the elderly,” she said at the ‘Empowering Senior Citizens Programme: Unravelling Dementia Disease’ event at the Kuching Community Social Support Centre, Friday (Nov 22).
With Sarawak’s elderly population, aged 60 and above, projected to reach 16 per cent by 2028, Fatimah stressed the need to address dementia risks comprehensively, as the disease impacts not only the elderly but also families and communities socially, emotionally and economically.
She assured that her ministry will continue to work with medical professionals, health institutions, non-governmental organisations, and other relevant agencies to ensure that senior citizens in Sarawak receive the best possible support.
“This is the ministry’s commitment, through various initiatives, assistance, and support, to ensure senior citizens enjoy a good quality of life.”
The ministry is also collaborating with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak and Curtin University Malaysia in an ongoing research project titled “Preparation for an Ageing Sarawak: The Profile and Ageing Issues of Older Persons in Sarawak.”
This research aims to assess the demographic profile of the elderly in Sarawak, identify the challenges they face, determine their needs, and evaluate how effectively current intervention programmes and services address those needs.
“Ageing issues are among the greatest challenges our community faces. The ministry is deeply committed to the welfare of the growing elderly population,” Fatimah added.
