Malaysia faces a dementia crisis with 10% of seniors affected, urging urgent government funding for prevention and care.
THE Dementia Alliance of Malaysia (Damai) is deeply concerned by the latest findings of the Health Ministry’s National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) on the prevalence of dementia among older Malaysians.
The survey reveals that 10% of Malaysians aged 60 and above are now living with dementia, marking a significant increase from the 8.5% prevalence of probable dementia recorded in 2018. This upward trend highlights a growing public health challenge that demands urgent attention from policymakers, healthcare providers and society as a whole.
This increase comes despite improvements in other healthy ageing indicators between 2018 and 2025, including lower rates of depression and greater independence in daily living among older Malaysians. These gains show that focused interventions can deliver results.
The rise in dementia prevalence, however, is a stark warning that Malaysia must treat brain health as a national priority.
The rise may partly be attributed to longer life expectancy, with those aged 80 and above making up an increasing proportion of the population. It may also reflect the growing burden of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol, all of which are established risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia.
This underscores the need for stronger prevention efforts throughout the life course. The Health Ministry’s Dementia Action Plan identifies several modifiable risk factors, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, hearing loss, physical inactivity and depression.
Malaysia already has a comprehensive roadmap in the Dementia Action Plan 2023 to 2030, which sets out priorities ranging from public awareness and healthcare support to research, innovation and improved monitoring. However, implementation of the plan has yet to be backed by dedicated and visible funding in the national budget.
We urge the government to allocate dedicated funding for the implementation of the Dementia Action Plan, with priority given to:
public awareness and stigma-reduction campaigns to improve understanding of dementia and encourage early help-seeking;
earlier detection and diagnosis through routine cognitive screening and strengthened primary care pathways;
risk-reduction programmes targeting diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, hearing loss, physical inactivity and social isolation;
greater support for families and caregivers, including training, respite care and community-based services;
expansion of dementia-friendly communities, day-care centres and support services nationwide;
enhanced training for healthcare and social care professionals in dementia care; and
improved national data collection and greater investment in research to monitor trends, outcomes and the effectiveness of interventions.
As Malaysia moves towards becoming an aged nation, dementia will place an increasing burden on families, healthcare services, workplaces and the economy. It is not merely a medical condition but also a social, caregiving and development challenge.
The rise in dementia prevalence must serve as a call to action. With timely intervention, the onset of many cases can be delayed and people living with dementia can maintain their dignity and quality of life while families can receive the support they need.
Our organisations stand ready to work with the Health Ministry, policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure that every Malaysian affected by dementia receives the care, respect and support they deserve.
Prof Tan Maw Pin
President
Damai
Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia
Johor Bahru Alzheimer’s Disease Support Association
Dementia Society Perak
Penang Dementia Association
