Improving Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health (a) what measures will be implemented to improve the diagnosis and treatment of dementia; (b) whether there is capacity to provide palliative care in dementia treatment; and (c) what support is available to the families of dementia patients.

Dementia is a term used to describe the symptoms and clinical features reflecting the gradual deterioration in cognitive ability.

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to good management of dementia. MOH has been expanding the capacity of memory clinics in our public hospitals to provide early diagnosis and management for dementia patients. Between 2011 and 2016, the number of attendances in our memory clinics increased from about 7,500 attendances to more than 13,000 attendances. In addition, through staff training and reconfiguration of wards, public hospitals are better equipped to care for general patients who also have dementia. Public hospitals also collaborate with primary care providers through joint consultations and case discussions to support persons with dementia.

MOH also supports persons with dementia and their families in the community through various ways. First, we are enhancing community support and raising dementia awareness through initiatives, such as public education campaigns, dementia resource toolkits and community resource, engagement and support teams (CREST teams). Second, we are strengthening the capability of care staff and caregivers in supporting those with dementia. Between 2013 and 2015, for example, AIC offered over 2,400 training places in dementia-related courses and talks. AIC also provides a Caregivers' Training Grant to caregivers, including foreign domestic workers, to attend many of such courses. Finally, we are expanding community-based and home-based dementia care services. We aim to increase the number of dementia day care services by three-folds, to 3,000 places by 2020.

We recognise the importance of expanding palliative care for those who have advanced dementia. For example, Assisi Hospice’s new development, which is supported by MOH, will have a dedicated inpatient hospice ward for persons with advanced dementia. Dover Park Hospice and Tan Tock Seng Hospital have piloted a new dedicated home palliative care service called "Programme Dignity" for persons with dementia. We will continue to expand these services to meet the increasing need in the future.