Brunei Darussalam’s steadfast commitment to enhancing dementia care and support took centre stage at the Alzheimer’s Disease International Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2023.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar emphasised the nation’s achievements and ongoing efforts in this critical area in his keynote address, broadcast via a pre-recorded video yesterday.
Among the notable developments highlighted was the significant rise in the diagnosis rate of dementia, marking a commendable increase from 297 patients, or 18.5 per cent, in 2019 to 354 patients, or 22.5 per cent, in 2022.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham attributed the progress to heightened public awareness and the efforts of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports.
Central to Brunei’s healthcare approach is the provision of universal health coverage, ensuring easy accessible health services for all citizens.
This inclusive system encompasses primary care for initial assessments as well as specialised dementia clinical services from Geriatrics, Neurology, and Psychiatry departments.
Moreover, the minister underscored the significance of the forthcoming National Plan of Action for the Elderly currently in its final stages of drafting. This comprehensive plan amalgamates aspects of successful aging and dementia, employing a holistic, whole-of-nation strategy. The minister also reiterated the importance of fostering an inclusive society, enabling individuals, including those affected by dementia, to actively participate in their communities. Consequently, the ministry has prioritised various action areas, notably focusing on promoting public awareness and fostering a dementia-friendly environment.
To this end, the Health Promotion Centre, in collaboration with Demensia Brunei, has orchestrated multiple awareness campaigns, coinciding with global initiatives such as World Dementia Awareness Month, World Heart Day, and International Day of Older Persons.
Emphasising the need to eliminate stigma surrounding dementia, the minister highlighted ongoing efforts to provide support and training for both caregivers and families through workshops and support groups.
Moreover, the minister emphasised the ministry’s continued dedication to improving dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care, utilising technological advancements and fostering research collaborations with institutions like Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
Underpinning these initiatives is the integration of dementia risk reduction strategies into the broader framework of non-communicable disease control. – Rokiah Mahmud
