The seminar brought together a total of 115 participants, comprising 55 physical participants and 60 online participants, representing a multidisciplinary mix of senior academics, clinicians, policymakers, allied health professionals, researchers, and community stakeholders involved in ageing and dementia care. Physical participants came from leading universities such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Monash University Malaysia, Sunway University, and SEGi University, as well as major public and private healthcare institutions, the Ministry of Health, dementia care centres, and civil society organisations. The online platform further expanded participation to attendees from healthcare facilities, universities, rehabilitation centres, and dementia advocacy groups across Malaysia and Brunei, including professionals in psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy, alongside postgraduate students and trainees. This diverse participation fostered meaningful interdisciplinary exchange and strengthened cross-sectoral and regional collaboration in advancing dementia prevention, timely diagnosis, and care.

IMPROVING DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS AND SUPPORT

At the end of the seminar, participants took part in a facilitated workshop to discuss challenges affecting timely dementia diagnosis and care in Malaysia. Drawing on their professional expertise and community experiences, participants identified key gaps in awareness, healthcare systems, and support services. The discussion highlighted several priority areas for strengthening early recognition, improving care pathways, and supporting people living with dementia and their families.

Key Priorities Identified

1. Awareness and Education

• Increase public awareness of dementia through national campaigns.
• Improve understanding of dementia to reduce stigma and encourage earlier help-seeking.
• Provide training for healthcare professionals and incorporate education on brain health across the life course.

2. Accessible and Inclusive Diagnostic Tools

• Develop culturally and linguistically appropriate dementia screening tools.
• Ensure diagnostic approaches reflect Malaysia’s diverse communities.
• Expand community-based and online resources to support families and caregivers.

3. Strengthening Healthcare Systems

• Establish clear and standardised referral pathways between primary care and specialists (similar to stroke care models).
• Address shortages of trained professionals and specialist services.
• Promote multidisciplinary collaboration across healthcare, social services, and community organisations.

4. Sustainable Funding and Support

• Increase government and philanthropic investment in dementia services and research.
• Expand caregiver support, including training, respite services, and peer support groups.

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Keynote 1: Global Dementia Prevention

Professor Naaheed Mukadem (UCL, UK) presented an overview of global dementia prevention based on the Lancet Commission (2016–2023). The findings highlight a life-course approach, emphasising that it is never too early or too late to act. Key risk factors include cardiovascular health, lifestyle, hearing and vision, and education, with emerging risks such as high LDL cholesterol and vision loss. Up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Effective interventions include hearing aids, blood pressure control, smoking cessation, and diabetes prevention. Overall, reducing multiple risk factors remains essential for global prevention.

Keynote 2: Early Detection & Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI)

Associate Professor Dr Nagaendran Kandiah (NTU, Singapore) explained that cognitive decline occurs along a continuum from MBI to MCI and eventually dementia. Approximately 12–15% of individuals with MCI progress to dementia each year, and an estimated 15–20% of people in Southeast Asia may have MCI. Dementia is linked to amyloid and tau-related brain changes. Findings from the BIOCIS study showed high rates of undiagnosed cognitive impairment and silent brain disease. The use of digital cognitive tools was highlighted as a way to improve early and scalable screening. Early detection enables timely and personalised intervention.

Keynote 3: Primary Care Dementia Assessment (UK)

Professor Richard Cheston (UWE, UK) described dementia care in the UK, guided by the ‘Well Pathway’ framework: preventing, diagnosing, supporting, living, and dying well. Traditionally, patients are referred from primary care to specialists, with limited follow-up after diagnosis. In Bristol, a new model places GPs at the centre of assessment and ongoing care, with specialist support for complex cases and referrals to community services such as the Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service (BDWS). This model improves access, speed, and person-centred care, although challenges remain, including GP workload, funding limitations, and unequal access. Sustained support is needed to strengthen primary care-led approaches.

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Workshop Update (Dec 2024): Malaysia Findings

A qualitative study conducted in Sabah and Klang highlighted low awareness of dementia and a high number of undiagnosed cases. Symptoms are often perceived as a normal part of ageing. Stigma and cultural beliefs contribute to delayed help-seeking, with many families managing care at home until crises occur. Access to services remains limited, particularly in Sabah, and care pathways are often unclear. Additional challenges include financial burden, caregiving strain, and limited facilities, including halal-certified services. The findings emphasise the need to improve awareness, reduce stigma, strengthen diagnosis and care pathways, develop culturally appropriate services, and address regional inequalities. Understanding lived experiences is key to building more inclusive dementia care in Malaysia.