Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Kota Kinabalu: New findings from a Malaysia dementia research networking project have highlighted the urgent need to improve dementia awareness, timely diagnosis, dementia prevention and family support in Sabah.

The project, which is funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences, United Kingdom, is led by Associate Professor Dr Jennifer Lim from the University of Wolverhampton, UK, and Associate Professor Dr Ponnusamy Subramaniam from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. 

Lim said the project explores family lived experiences of dementia in Sabah and Klang Valley. It also aims to strengthen connections between researchers, practitioners, community organisations, policymakers, people living with dementia (below) and carers across Malaysia.

“The project found that many families in Sabah were caring for older relatives with symptoms commonly associated with dementia but had not received a formal diagnosis,” she said. 

“Among the nine Sabah families interviewed, carers described symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, behavioural changes and hallucinations. However, majority of these cases did not have a formal diagnosed.”

Lim said some families reported that when they sought medical advice from family doctors, symptoms were explained as part of old age, or they were told that there was no need to pursue a diagnosis and were wrongly diagnosed in two cases.

“These findings suggest that dementia may still be under-recognised in Sabah, leaving families without clear information, support or access to appropriate care pathways,” she said.

The project was supported in Sabah by the Sabah Alzheimer’s Disease Support Association, which played an important role in helping the research team recruit family carers and connect with local communities.

“Sabah Alzheimer’s Disease Support Association was essential to this project. Their local knowledge, community trust and commitment to supporting families made it possible for us to hear directly from carers about a condition that remains highly stigmatised. 

“What families told us was deeply concerning. Many were caring for relatives with clear symptoms, including hallucinations, but had not received a diagnosis or meaningful guidance. We are deeply grateful to the Association for their invaluable support.

“Dementia is not simply a medical issue. It is also a family, community, cultural and care system issue. In Sabah, the findings suggest that families may face additional challenges because dementia knowledge is limited, diagnosis pathways are unclear, and formal support may be difficult to access,” said Lim. 

She said the project also found that families often carried the responsibility of care with limited guidance. 

Without a diagnosis, she said families may not understand why symptoms are happening, how dementia may progress, how to help their loved ones with dementia or where to seek help. 

This, she said can increase stress for carers and delay access to support that could improve quality of life for both the person living with dementia and their family carers.

“When dementia symptoms are dismissed as normal ageing, families are left to manage alone. A timely diagnosis is not only about giving a name to the condition. It helps families understand what is happening, plan care, access support and reduce fear or blame. 

Sabah needs stronger dementia awareness among the public, better recognition of dementia symptoms, improved health service infrastructure and stronger post-diagnostic care and support,” she said.

Lim also emphasised the importance of dementia prevention and brain health.

“As Malaysia’s older population continues to grow, we need to talk not only about timely diagnosis, but also about dementia prevention and brain health. 

“Brain health is about keeping our brain healthy and reducing the risk of dementia where possible. This includes looking after our heart, staying mentally active and remaining socially connected.”

Lim highlighted three key brain health messages: 

“First, love your heart. What is good for your heart is also good for your brain. Cutting out smoking, being physically active, eating a balanced diet and managing the ‘three highs’ commonly seen in Malaysia - high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol - can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Many people may not realise that these actions can also help reduce the risk of dementia.”

“Second, stay sharp. Research shows that mental activity helps to build cognitive reserve, which can protect the brain and support its ability to form new connections.

Regularly challenging our brain and taking time for our mental wellbeing can help protect brain health as we age. The key is to do things we enjoy, whether that is reading, playing games, dancing, singing, art, learning a new language or something completely different.”

“Third, stay connected. Social isolation and loneliness are linked to an increased risk of dementia, so keeping connected with people around us is another important way to support a healthy brain.

“It can also help us feel happier and healthier in general, whether by spending time with loved ones, having chats with friends, or making new connections through clubs, community activities or volunteering.”

Lim added that supporting brain health requires accessible information, stronger public health action and community-based support, especially in areas where dementia services are limited.

The project team has launched a new website to bring together practical information on dementia, brain health, local resources and project findings. 

She said its is hoped that the website contribute to a more connected dementia landscape across Malaysia, where families in Sabah and other regions have better access to information, timely diagnosis, dementia prevention advice and appropriate support.

Members of the public, families, carers, health professionals and community organisations are encouraged to visit the Malaysia Dementia Network website at www.malaysia-dementia-network.com and use the resources available.

The Malaysia Dementia Network is funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences, UK, and delivered in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. 

The Sabah Alzheimer’s Disease Support Association supported the project by assisting with participant recruitment and helping the research team connect with family carers in Sabah.