KUALA LUMPUR – One in seven Malaysians above the age of 60 has dementia-related symptoms, a condition that affects memory, thinking and daily functioning that differs from normal aging.
Statistics compiled by related non-governmental agencies estimated that 580,000, or 14 per cent of people in the age group are affected. There are about 4.15 million Malaysians in total that are above the age of 60.
The Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing) projects that the figure could rise to 668,000 and 825,000 by 2050, which has increased from between 200,000 and 216,000 in 2022.
Presently, Malaysia is expected to become an aged nation by 2030 and reach super-aged status by 2056.
Persons With Dementia (PWD) are the subject of this year’s Petronas Chinese New Year festive advertisement, released earlier this week, which tells the story of a couple on their way to visit the man’s parent who is living with this condition.
Alzheimer’s disease is included under the broader umbrella term for dementia.
Families that gather this Chinese New Year, the festive period offers an opportunity to check in on aging loved ones and observe any behavioural changes.
Dementia refers to a group of conditions, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form, that gradually affects the brain’s ability to process information and experiences.
In 2024, it was reported that there were only 60 trained geriatricians nationwide. As a result, the care of people living with dementia relies heavily on families.
Early symptoms often appear subtly in everyday moments, making it important for families to recognise these changes and respond with compassion.
Families might notice repeated stories within a single conversation, difficulty managing household bills or familiar recipes, confusion in well-known places or uncharacteristic withdrawal during gatherings.
Diagnosis begins through initial assessments at government health clinics for referrals to specialists at public hospital memory clinics such as University Malaya Medical Centre and Hospital Kuala Lumpur under geriatric departments.
The same applies for various private facilities including Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ara Damansara Medical Centre and Sunway Medical Centre where cognitive screening, medical history review and possible brain imaging help form a complete diagnosis.
Dementia typically progresses through stages ranging from early or mild cognitive changes to moderate and severe impairment, though the pace and pattern varies for each individual.
While dementia including Alzheimer’s currently has no cure, early diagnosis remains vital—both to identify reversible causes of memory decline such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid conditions, and to access treatments that can meaningfully support quality of life for progressive forms through lifestyle adjustments and specific medication.
When conversing with individuals living with dementia, it is understood that patience and presence are vital—conversations should be simple with gentle re-direction of topics when necessary while maintaining calm eye contact and a reassuring tone.
Understanding dementia begins with these small acts of patience that honours dignity and reflects compassion in everyday moments.
This year’s Petronas Chinese New Year’s advertisement touches on aging and memories—offering a moment for Malaysian families to reflect on how we carry care into our homes, where supporting elders can become an act of love returned. – February 16, 2026