Understanding Dementia: Insights from Dr. Tay Hui Sian

 

Event Recap: "Can You Find My Grandfather? He Is Missing: Everything You Need to Know About Dementia"

"To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors." - Tia Walker

In Malaysia, the rise of dementia cases is a growing concern. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 50,000 Malaysians are currently living with dementia, a number expected to triple by 2050. This alarming increase underscores the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and effective management of this condition.

Last Sunday morning, 14th July, 2024,  at 11 am, at Wesley Methodist Church, Tengkera, Melaka, we had the privilege of attending a highly informative and engaging talk by Dr. Tay Hui Sian, a renowned Geriatric and Internal Medicine Consultant from Pantai Hospital, Melaka, Malaysia, Titled "Can You Find My Grandfather? He Is Missing: Everything You Need to Know About Dementia," the session shed light on the alarming growth of dementia patients in Malaysia and aimed to raise awareness about this critical health issue within our community.


Pastor Danny bestowed a heartfelt gift of appreciation upon Dr. Tay, honoring her with gratitude and recognition for her invaluable contributions

The Alarming Rise of Dementia

Dr. Tay began by highlighting the increasing prevalence of dementia in Malaysia, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this growing concern. The risk factors contributing to dementia were outlined as follows:

Risk Factors for Dementia:

1. Increasing age (1 in 14 people over 65, 1 in 6 over 80)
2. Family history of dementia
3. Female gender
4. Low socioeconomic status and less education
5. Social isolation
6. Alcohol and smoking
7. Physical inactivity or obesity
8. Depression and anxiety
9. Hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, Parkinson's disease, subdural hematoma, Vitamin B12/folate deficiency
10. Hearing and vision impairment

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Dr. Tay emphasized the significance of diagnosing dementia early. She explained that problems with memory and cognition might be caused by treatable conditions such as Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, recurrent hypoglycemia, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, causes of confusion could stem from poor sight or hearing, emotional changes, side effects of certain drugs, or combinations of drugs.

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

Diagnosing dementia involves a comprehensive approach, including:

1. Detailed History: Assessing the onset, duration, and impact of symptoms on daily living from both patients and caregivers.
2. Physical Examination and Blood Tests: Conducting tests (FBC, biochemical profile, LFT, HbA1c, lipids, TFT, B12, Folate) to exclude other possible causes of symptoms.
3. Mental Ability Tests: Evaluating language, memory, and thinking skills using tools like the MMSE and MOCA.
4. Imaging Tests: Utilizing CT or MRI head scans.

Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

As dementia progresses, patients often experience changes in behavior and feelings, which can be more distressing than memory loss. These symptoms can significantly affect both patients and caregivers, leading to high caregiver stress, with one-third developing depression. Dr. Tay advised against blaming patients for their behavior and highlighted that symptoms could come and go over time.

Common Symptoms:

1. Delusions and hallucinations
2. Agitation and aggressive behavior
3. Wandering and restlessness
4. Anxiety and depression

To assess the causes of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), Dr. Tay recommended using the PINCH ME mnemonic:

• P: Pain
• I: Infection
• N: Nutrition
• C: Constipation
• H: Hydration
• M: Medication
• E: Environment

Complications of Dementia

Dementia affects multiple body systems, leading to complications such as malnutrition, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, inability to self-care, safety challenges, and increased risk of bedsores, constipation, or thrombosis due to long-term bed rest. Advanced dementia can eventually lead to coma and death caused by infections.

Aims of Dementia Treatment

Dr. Tay outlined the primary goals of dementia treatment:

1. Maintaining longer independence and activities of daily living.
2. Providing relief from distressing behavioral symptoms.
3. Preserving cognitive performance.

Available Treatments

While there is no cure for dementia yet, treatments can help relieve some symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Dr. Tay discussed medications such as Rivastigmine, Donepezil, and Memantine. For vascular dementia, addressing risk factors like optimizing blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels, using blood thinners, quitting smoking, losing weight, and exercising are crucial. Additionally, drugs for depression or anxiety, sleeping tablets, or antipsychotics can be prescribed.

Reducing the Risk of Dementia

To reduce the risk of developing dementia, Dr. Tay recommended:

1. Staying physically active
2. Eating healthily
3. Exercising the mind
4. Being socially active
5. Quitting smoking
6. Reducing alcohol intake
7. Managing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity
8. Treating depression and anxiety early
   
   
   

   
   Dr. Tay graciously presented a gift to Angie, the participant of the quiz 2.
   
   

   
       Dr. Tay graciously presented a gift to Dora Chong, the participant of the quiz 3.

      Attentively listening to Dr. Tay

Conclusion

Dr. Tay concluded the talk by emphasizing that dementia is common in older people but not a natural part of aging. Early symptoms are often overlooked, making early diagnosis crucial for effective treatment and improved quality of life. She encouraged the audience to recognize early symptoms and show love and care instead of blame.

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Tay's insightful talk and the thoughtful goodie bags she specially packed for the attendees. This session was a valuable step towards raising awareness and understanding of dementia within our community.

Light the Way:
A Poem to Raise Awareness of Dementia

In the quiet of our hearts,

A challenge we must face,

A journey through the shadows,

To bring light to every place.

A mind once clear and vibrant,

Now lost within a maze,

Yet with our love and kindness,

We can brighten all their days.

Let us join our hands together,

In compassion and in care,

For every soul affected,

Deserves our love to share.

Raise your voice and spread the word,

Let awareness be our guide,

For understanding brings us closer,

To the ones who feel inside.

Keep them active, keep them bright,

Engage their minds each day,

For every little effort,  

Can help in every way.

Healthy food and exercise,

A heart that’s full of cheer,

Can stave off the encroaching fog,

And keep our loved ones near.

Let’s build a strong community,

With empathy and grace,

Creating spaces filled with joy,

Where memories find their place.

Support each other through the storm,

With patience, love, and care,

For though the path is challenging,

Together, we can bear.

Educate and advocate,

For treatments and for aid,

Invest in research, find a cure,

Let none feel afraid.

For shadows may obscure the mind,

And memories may wane,

But love’s enduring beacon,

Will always light the lane.

Join the fight, stand with us,

To curb this silent foe,

For every act of kindness,

Helps the light of hope to grow.

So let us all remember,

In every word and deed,

To show our care and kindness,

To those in greatest need.

Together we can conquer,

With hearts both brave and true,

The battle against this darkness,

With love that will renew.

On behalf of the organizing committee and all the attendees, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the contributors, sponsors, and participants who made the event "Can You Find My Grandfather? He Is Missing: Everything You Need to Know About Dementia" a resounding success. Your generous support, valuable insights, and active engagement have created a precious moment of joy and happiness that will be remembered for years to come.

We are particularly thankful to Dr. Tay Hui Sian, our esteemed speaker, for sharing her expertise and raising awareness about the critical issue of dementia. Her insights have enlightened us about the alarming rise of dementia cases in Malaysia and the importance of early diagnosis and effective management.

A special note of appreciation goes to Pastor Danny for bestowing a gift of appreciation upon Dr. Tay, honoring her with gratitude and recognition for her invaluable contributions.

We also acknowledge the Wesley Methodist Church, Tengkera, Melaka, for providing a welcoming venue for our event. The church's support and hospitality have been instrumental in creating a conducive environment for learning and sharing.

Our sincere thanks go to the photographers and videographers, especially Brother Kevin Chua & Brother Tan, for capturing the essence of the event with their great photography & video filming skills. Brother Kevin & Tan's talent and dedication have ensured that the memories of this event will be preserved for all to cherish.

Lastly, we express our deepest appreciation to all the sponsors and contributors who believed in the cause and supported us with their generosity. Your contributions have not only made the event possible but have also contributed to the broader mission of raising awareness about dementia and supporting those affected by it.

Together, we have taken a significant step towards understanding and addressing the challenges of dementia. Let us continue to support one another and work towards a future where everyone affected by dementia receives the care and support they deserve.

Thank you once again for your support and participation.