A hybrid workshop was conducted on 24^th May 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Seminar on Dementia Prevention and Timely Diagnosis, held on 24 May 2025 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, convened local and international experts to advance dialogue on dementia research, early detection, and care pathways. The seminar opened with an overview of findings from the December 2024 workshop, followed by keynote addresses covering global dementia prevention efforts, diagnostic algorithms for cognitive impairment and dementia assessment within primary care services. Distinguished speakers from leading institutions, including University of Wolverhamptom, University College London, Nanyang Technological University, and University of West England, shared evidence-based insights and practical models relevant to both global and local contexts. Afternoon sessions featured an expert panel forum and a focused discussion forum involving policymakers, researchers, and clinicians, which explored research priorities and the feasibility of primary care–led dementia screening and community self-screening in Malaysia. Through interdisciplinary exchange and collaborative discussion, the seminar reinforced the importance of integrated, system-level approaches to strengthen dementia prevention and promote timely diagnosis in Malaysia.

The seminar brought together a total of 115 participants, comprising 55 physical participants and 60 online participants, representing a multidisciplinary mix of senior academics, clinicians, policymakers, allied health professionals, researchers, and community stakeholders involved in ageing and dementia care. Physical participants came from leading universities such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Monash University Malaysia, Sunway University, and SEGi University, as well as major public and private healthcare institutions, the Ministry of Health, dementia care centres, and civil society organisations. The online platform further expanded participation to attendees from healthcare facilities, universities, rehabilitation centres, and dementia advocacy groups across Malaysia and Brunei, including professionals in psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy, alongside postgraduate students and trainees. This diverse participation fostered meaningful interdisciplinary exchange and strengthened cross-sectoral and regional collaboration in advancing dementia prevention, timely diagnosis, and care.

IMPROVING DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS AND SUPPORT

At the end of the seminar, participants took part in a facilitated workshop to discuss challenges affecting timely dementia diagnosis and care in Malaysia. Drawing on their professional expertise and community experiences, participants identified key gaps in awareness, healthcare systems, and support services. The discussion highlighted several priority areas for strengthening early recognition, improving care pathways, and supporting people living with dementia and their families.

Key Priorities Identified

1. Awareness and Education

• Increase public awareness of dementia through national campaigns.
• Improve understanding of dementia to reduce stigma and encourage earlier help-seeking.
• Provide training for healthcare professionals and incorporate education on brain health across the life course.

2. Accessible and Inclusive Diagnostic Tools

• Develop culturally and linguistically appropriate dementia screening tools.
• Ensure diagnostic approaches reflect Malaysia’s diverse communities.
• Expand community-based and online resources to support families and caregivers.

3. Strengthening Healthcare Systems

• Establish clear and standardised referral pathways between primary care and specialists (similar to stroke care models).
• Address shortages of trained professionals and specialist services.
• Promote multidisciplinary collaboration across healthcare, social services, and community organisations.

4. Sustainable Funding and Support

• Increase government and philanthropic investment in dementia services and research.
• Expand caregiver support, including training, respite services, and peer support groups.

Keynote 1: Global Dementia Prevention

Professor Naaheed Mukadem (UCL, UK) presented an overview of global dementia prevention based on the Lancet Commission (2016–2023). The findings highlight a life-course approach, emphasising that it is never too early or too late to act. Key risk factors include cardiovascular health, lifestyle, hearing and vision, and education, with emerging risks such as high LDL cholesterol and vision loss. Up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Effective interventions include hearing aids, blood pressure control, smoking cessation, and diabetes prevention. Overall, reducing multiple risk factors remains essential for global prevention.

Keynote 2: Early Detection & Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI)

Associate Professor Dr Nagaendran Kandiah (NTU, Singapore) explained that cognitive decline occurs along a continuum from MBI to MCI and eventually dementia. Approximately 12–15% of individuals with MCI progress to dementia each year, and an estimated 15–20% of people in Southeast Asia may have MCI. Dementia is linked to amyloid and tau-related brain changes. Findings from the BIOCIS study showed high rates of undiagnosed cognitive impairment and silent brain disease. The use of digital cognitive tools was highlighted as a way to improve early and scalable screening. Early detection enables timely and personalised intervention.

Keynote 3: Primary Care Dementia Assessment (UK)

Professor Richard Cheston (UWE, UK) described dementia care in the UK, guided by the ‘Well Pathway’ framework: preventing, diagnosing, supporting, living, and dying well. Traditionally, patients are referred from primary care to specialists, with limited follow-up after diagnosis. In Bristol, a new model places GPs at the centre of assessment and ongoing care, with specialist support for complex cases and referrals to community services such as the Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service (BDWS). This model improves access, speed, and person-centred care, although challenges remain, including GP workload, funding limitations, and unequal access. Sustained support is needed to strengthen primary care-led approaches.

Workshop Update (May 2025): Malaysia Findings

A qualitative study conducted in Sabah and Klang highlighted low awareness of dementia and a high number of undiagnosed cases. Symptoms are often perceived as a normal part of ageing. Stigma and cultural beliefs contribute to delayed help-seeking, with many families managing care at home until crises occur. Access to services remains limited, particularly in Sabah, and care pathways are often unclear. Additional challenges include financial burden, caregiving strain, and limited facilities, including halal-certified services. The findings emphasise the need to improve awareness, reduce stigma, strengthen diagnosis and care pathways, develop culturally appropriate services, and address regional inequalities. Understanding lived experiences is key to building more inclusive dementia care in Malaysia.

Seminar in Sabah (June 2025)

A seminar was held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on 30th June 2025 to share findings from the qualitative study with Sabah Alzheimer’s Association, family carers of participants in qualitative study, care home providers and geriatricians.

The post National Research Priorities first appeared on Malaysia Dementia Network.

The wokrshop was attended by 45 physical participants and 72 online participants, comprising senior academics, clinicians, policymakers, and representatives from civil society organisations involved in ageing and dementia care. Physical participants included professors, associate professors, and researchers from leading institutions such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, University of Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Monash University Malaysia, alongside clinicians from major public and private hospitals and primary care settings across Malaysia.

The seminar also welcomed key representatives from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, state health departments, Alzheimer’s and older persons’ advocacy groups, dementia day care centres, and professional societies focused on healthy ageing. This diverse participation fostered rich interdisciplinary exchange and strengthened collaboration between academia, healthcare services, policymakers, and community-based organisations working to advance dementia prevention, timely diagnosis, and care in Malaysia.

Speaker 1:
Building an Interdisciplinary Dementia Research Network in Malaysia

Associate Professor Dr Jennifer Lim (University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom)
The speaker shared her work in developing a UK–Malaysia interdisciplinary network to strengthen dementia prevention and early diagnosis. Her research focuses on improving access to care, particularly among underserved communities. Funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences, the project brings together researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders. Key activities include a hybrid seminar, a qualitative study in Sabah and Selangor, and a stakeholder workshop planned for May 2025. The long-term goal is to develop a national research agenda and secure a large-scale grant.

Speaker 2:
Screening and Diagnosing Dementia in Malaysia

Professor Dr Tan Maw Pin (Universiti Malaya, Malaysia)
The speaker highlighted that dementia services in Malaysia are fragmented, resulting in long waiting times and limited access to specialists. Most assessments are hospital-based, with fewer than 10 memory clinics nationwide. Efforts to shift screening into primary care are ongoing but limited by workforce constraints. Challenges include poor coordination, limited awareness, and gaps in care, although validated tools and biomarkers are available.

Speaker 3:
Dementia Prevention in Malaysia

Associate Professor Dr Ponnusamy Subramaniam (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia)
The speaker noted that approximately 300,000 Malaysians live with dementia, with up to 45% of cases potentially preventable. Prevention focuses on multidomain lifestyle interventions, including physical activity, cognitive training, nutrition, social engagement, and vascular health. This approach is supported by global evidence and implemented locally through initiatives such as the AGELESS Trial.

Speaker 4:
Multidomain Intervention for Cognitive Frailty – The AGELESS Trial

Professor Dr Suzana Shahar (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia)
The speaker introduced the AGELESS Trial, targeting cognitive frailty through exercise, nutrition, cognitive training, vascular monitoring, and social engagement. Participants showed improvements in health and cognition. A telehealth version has demonstrated strong engagement, and the programme is being expanded into community settings.

Speaker 5:
Barriers and Facilitators to Dementia Prevention in Malaysia

Professor Dr Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia)
The speaker discussed barriers such as limited services, workforce gaps, lack of data, stigma, and low awareness. Facilitators include family support, accessible programmes, and increased health awareness. Financial, logistical, and caregiving challenges remain, and both digital and non-digital approaches are important.

Speaker 6:
Malaysia’s National Dementia Action Plan

Dr Ungku Ahmad Ameen (Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Malaysia)
The speaker outlined Malaysia’s National Dementia Action Plan, aligned with the WHO Global Action Plan. It focuses on strengthening awareness, healthcare and social systems, research, and monitoring. While progress has been made, gaps in coordination remain, highlighting the need for integrated care pathways.

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