DKSH has collaborated with Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh and Wong Association Melaka and has hold a health forum based on the topic “My Golden Years”. The aim of the event was to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding dementia during the World Alzheimer's Month in September.
Media release
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, September 27, 2020 – In conjunction with World Alzheimer's Month in September, DKSH Business Unit Healthcare has organized a health forum on the theme “My Golden Years”. As guest speaker Dr. Tay Hui Sian, consultant geriatrician and general physician at Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh in Melaka, raised awareness of dementia.
The World Health Organization recognizes dementia as a public health priority. Two out of three people think dementia is a normal part of aging1. In Malaysia, about one in three people perceived people with dementia as dangerous1. The prevalence of dementia in Malaysia is estimated at 261,00 people in 2030 and expected to increase to 590,000 people in 20502. The challenges in dealing with dementia include, among other things, a limited awareness of the condition, the existence of stigma and underutilization of services3.
Speaking at the health forum, Dr. Tay Hui Sian said: “Dementia is not a natural aging process. It is important to recognize the early signs of dementia in order to promote optimal management and ensure quality of life. We aim to do so by educating our community during the My Golden Years health forum.”
In general, people often perceive dementia as a loss of memory or of cognitive thinking. However, there are psychological effects involved as well, such as aggression, hallucination and paranoia.
On top of that, dementia is a progressive and non-reversible disease. Unlike other chronic diseases, the duties of the caregivers can be extensive and could be a strain, if the caregiver is an aged spouse of the dementia patient. Caregivers must be able to provide just as much emotional support as they do physical. “On the part of family members and caregivers, it is important to show care, love and lots of patience,” Dr Tay added.
Dr. Varun Sethi, Vice President, Healthcare, South East Asia & Vietnam, DKSH, said: “Dementia has a big impact on the lives of patients as well as that of caregivers – physically, psychologically, socially and financially. While there is no known treatment currently, we could offer much support in terms of dementia care. This collaboration with Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh, Dr. Tay Hui Sian and Wong Association Melaka is our effort to enrich people's lives by creating increased awareness of dementia and offering support for caregivers and families.”
During the My Golden Years health forum, Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh also provided a complimentary memory test and three-part health check, comprising tests for blood pressure, blood glucose and Body Mass Index (BMI) for those aged 50 years old and above.
References:
- World Alzheimer Report 2019
- Thimarul H., et al. “Knowledge on Alzheimer's Disease among Public hospitals and health clinics pharmacists in the state of Selangor, Malaysia” Frontiers in Pharmacology Oct 2017
- Alzheimer's Disease International (2014)
For further information please contact:
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DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad |
Ngim Siew Lee Manager, Branding & Communications Phone +60 3 7882 8883 siew.lee.ngim@dksh.com |
About Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh
Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh, or PHAK, was established in 1986, providing the Melaka community with more than two decades of unwavering healthcare support. Since moving to its present premises in 1995, the MSQH-accredited hospital has grown in many respects. Located five kilometers from the Ayer Keroh toll interchange, PHAK houses 229 beds and extends its services to both local and international patients. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and supported by a multidisciplinary team of 70 specialists, the hospital has positioned itself among the leading healthcare providers in the southern region. For more information, please visit www.pantai.com.my/ayer-keroh
About DKSH
DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on Asia. The Group helps companies to grow across the Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials and Technology. The service portfolio covers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services. Publicly listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, the Group operates in 36 markets with 33,350 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.6 billion in 2019. With its Swiss heritage, DKSH has been deeply rooted in Asia Pacific since 1865.