The National Dementia Action Plan Workshop / Symposium 2026

Question 1: Early Recognition and Access

How can we help families recognise possible dementia and seek assessment earlier, particularly in rural and underserved communities?

On behalf of AGECOPE, I would like to highlight 3 key actions: TRAIN, EDUCATE and CONNECT.

1. TRAIN – Empower Frontline Doctors

Klinik Kesihatan and GP clinics are usually the first places families seek help.

Make dementia recognition training compulsory for frontline doctors, equipping them with standardised cognitive screening tools and clear referral pathways.

We don't need to start from scratch! ACT4Health, led by Prof. Dr. Tan Maw Pin, already offers valuable screening resources that can be leveraged to train GP clinics nationwide.

Let's make early dementia screening part of routine primary healthcare, not just specialist care.

2. EDUCATE – Bring Awareness to the Community

Many families still believe forgetfulness is normal ageing.

Bring dementia awareness talks and basic brain health screening (55+/60+) to PAWE, senior club centres, villages, religious institutions and community groups. Include non-invasive EEG/brainwave screening as an additional screening tool.

Use television, radio, social media and local dialects to reach more families.

3. CONNECT – Bring Assessment Closer to Families

Families in rural Sabah, Sarawak and underserved communities should not need to travel hours for an initial assessment.

Strengthen local clinics, mobile screening and telehealth services.

My Closing Message

"Early recognition starts at home, but early assessment must be accessible to everyone.

AGECOPE believes we must bring dementia awareness and screening to the community, rather than waiting for families to come to hospitals.

Early recognition should not be a privilege of those living in cities. No family should be left behind."

Question 2: Reducing stigma. How can we address the belief that dementia is simply normal ageing and encourage communities to respond with understanding and respect?

Thank you for this important question.

I believe reducing dementia stigma is not something the Ministry of Health, NGOs or healthcare professionals can achieve alone.

It is a multilayered and multifactorial issue. Stigma exists at every level of society. We need the entire ecosystem to work together through a cohesive approach.

On behalf of AGECOPE Malaysia, I would like to highlight four key actions.

1. CHANGE THE MINDSET – Dementia Is NOT Normal Ageing

In Malaysia, we often hear families say:

"Oh, my mother is getting old. Of course she is forgetful."

We need to change this mindset through consistent awareness campaigns, not just during World Alzheimer's Month, but throughout the year.

Our message should be simple:

"Dementia is NOT normal ageing. Recognise early. Support early. Live well with dementia."

One practical initiative I would like to propose is a Free Community Activity Day for Seniors and Families, organised through PAWE centres, local councils, NGOs and community partners.

These community days can include:

• Social, cognitive and brain-health activities for seniors.

• Regular dementia awareness talks for families.

• Routine cognitive screening for selected age groups, with non-invasive brainwave screening where appropriate as a supplementary tool, not a standalone dementia diagnostic test.

• Early referral for professional assessment when concerns are identified.

• Inclusive activities that welcome people experiencing cognitive difficulties.

Instead of waiting for families to visit hospitals, let's bring dementia awareness and support directly into our communities.

2. INVOLVE PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA – Nothing About Us Without Us

This is something I feel strongly about.

We often invite doctors, researchers, policymakers, care operators and family caregivers to discuss dementia.

But where are the voices of people actually living with dementia?

I feel this is still a missing element in Malaysia.

People living with early-stage dementia should be invited to share their experiences, participate in awareness campaigns and contribute to policy discussions.

We should not just talk ABOUT them. We must talk WITH them.

When the public sees someone living with dementia speaking, participating and contributing to society, we begin to change the perception that a dementia diagnosis means the end of a meaningful life.

We must see the PERSON, not just the disease.

3. BUILD DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES – Everyone Has a Role

Reducing stigma cannot happen in hospitals alone.

It must happen where people live, work, shop, worship and socialise.

Imagine if our neighbourhoods, supermarkets, banks, places of worship and public transport staff understood how to respond to someone living with dementia.

Instead of becoming impatient when an older person is confused or repeatedly asks the same question, we respond with patience, kindness and respect.

PAWE centres can play an important role here.

Beyond organising activities for active seniors, PAWE can become a community platform for dementia awareness, social inclusion, basic cognitive screening and referral support.

Let's create a safe environment where people with cognitive difficulties are not excluded, but welcomed and encouraged to continue participating in community life.

Dementia-friendly communities should not remain a concept on paper. They must become part of everyday Malaysian life.

4. DON'T FORGET THE FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Stigma does not affect only the person living with dementia. It affects the entire family.

Some caregivers stop attending social gatherings because they feel embarrassed or worry about how others may react to their loved one's behaviour.

Over time, both the person living with dementia and the caregiver become socially isolated.

We need stronger caregiver support groups, community education, peer mentoring, day care and respite services.

Even a simple free community activity day can give caregivers an opportunity to connect with other families, exchange experiences and feel supported.

Families should feel comfortable seeking help without being judged.

Closing – My Message to the National Dementia Action Plan

On behalf of AGECOPE Malaysia, I would like to emphasise that reducing stigma requires a whole-of-society approach.

The Ministry of Health, universities, healthcare providers, NGOs, care operators, local councils, religious organisations, families and, most importantly, people living with dementia must work together.

I would like to propose two practical actions under the National Dementia Action Plan:

First, establish regular Free Community Activity Days through PAWE and other community centres, combining brain-health activities, dementia education, appropriate screening and referral pathways.

Second, formally include people living with dementia in the planning and decision-making process.

Because ultimately, our goal is not just to help people live longer with dementia.

It is to ensure they can continue living with dignity, respect, purpose and a sense of belonging.

Dementia may change a person's abilities, but it should never take away their place in our community.

Thank you.