SHAH ALAM, June 9 — When dementia, commonly referred to as senility, is mentioned, many people assume it is a condition that affects only senior citizens.
In reality, dementia — a condition that causes a decline in brain function, affecting memory, thinking, speech, and the ability to carry out daily activities — can also occur in younger individuals.
KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital consultant psychiatrist Dr Khoo Yee Laim said the public needs to understand that dementia is not solely an age-related disease, as it can occur at a younger age, particularly when it is associated with blood vessel problems in the brain, known as vascular dementia.
“Blocked blood vessels can cause brain cells to die and increase the risk of vascular dementia. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can also damage blood vessels, thereby increasing the risk of stroke and dementia,” he said during a recent episode of the 'Bicara Semasa' programme produced by Media Selangor.
Dr Khoo added that unhealthy lifestyle habits, including smoking, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and diets high in fat and sugar, also contribute to an increased risk of dementia.
Chronic diseases should not be taken lightly, as they can affect not only physical health but also long-term brain function.
He said that limited social interaction and a lack of mentally stimulating activities may also increase the risk of cognitive decline.
“People who rarely socialise, read infrequently, or do not regularly engage in activities that challenge the mind face a higher risk of developing dementia,” Dr Khoo said.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025, nearly 10 per cent of older adults in Malaysia are believed to be living with dementia, and this figure is expected to continue rising as the country moves towards an ageing-nation status by 2030.
More worryingly, many patients do not receive an early diagnosis because the symptoms are often mistaken for ordinary forgetfulness associated with ageing.
Dementia can be slowed if detected early
Meanwhile, he said the progression of dementia can, in fact, be slowed if patients receive treatment and diagnosis at an early stage.
Early intervention through medication, therapy, and cognitive training can help patients maintain brain function and continue managing their daily lives more effectively.
Dr Khoo cited an instance where he treated a patient who sought medical attention during the early stages of dementia and whose condition remained stable after ten years of follow-up treatment.
“The patient came to us when the symptoms were still mild. After beginning treatment and therapy early, the condition did not worsen, even after 10 years,” he said.
Among the early symptoms of dementia that are often overlooked by the public are forgetfulness, repeatedly asking the same questions, difficulty learning new things, and becoming lost on familiar routes home.
Dr Khoo noted that many patients delay seeking treatment because they assume such symptoms are merely a normal part of ageing.
“The earlier a person seeks treatment, the greater the opportunity to slow the progression of the disease,” he said.
