Correctly identify dementia warning signs in loved ones

In response to “Considerable stigma against mental illness: Study” (Oct 7), I hope to share more about dementia.

While it is reassuring to know that about two in three people were able to identify dementia occurrence, there are still some common misconceptions in the understanding of dementia. First, dementia is not a natural part of the ageing process.

Age-related memory loss tends to be confused with dementia, and there is a lack of clarity on when normal ageing-related changes are severe enough to indicate the possible onset of the illness.

Also, symptoms of dementia are not limited to memory loss. It encompasses disturbance to other functioning abilities, such as language, comprehension, thinking and calculation.

If family and friends can spot dementia warning signs in their loved ones, they can encourage them to seek early intervention with the help of primary care professionals. This can help allay concerns, clarify if the condition is dementia, manage it better and make financial and legal preparations.

Can more be done to raise dementia awareness? In the light of an increasingly ageing society, more understanding of dementia will affect all of us and our loved ones.

Some of the points here were taken from the writer’s article on dementia published on Oct 16 in IPS (Institute of Policy Studies) Commons (http://www.ipscommons.sg/recognising-dementia-symptoms-and-raising-awareness).