Table of Contents
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of brain conditions that causes physical changes in the brain that can affect memory, mood and behaviour, as well as changes in abilities such as vision, hearing or thinking. This can make ordinary everyday tasks overwhelming and stressful.
There are more than 400 types of dementia, and the most common types include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.
What are the Signs & Symptoms?
Every individual experience dementia differently. Here are some of the signs and symptoms a person living with dementia may experience:
Difficulty performing daily activities such as getting dressed, bathing or moving around
Exhibit changes in behaviour such as being easily upset or frustrated
Cognitive difficulty remembering recent events, finding words, or following conversations
May get disoriented and lose their way while walking or driving
Learn more about the signs and symptoms via this e-learning course.
I Suspect My Loved One Has Dementia. What Should I Do?
If your loved one is exhibiting signs and symptoms of dementia, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional. It may not necessarily mean your loved one has dementia – there are other medical conditions such as B12 deficiency or infections that can cause dementia-like symptoms.
You may approach a Community Outreach Team (CREST), a mental health first-stop touchpoint for screening, intervention and caregiver support.
Find your nearest CREST here.
Find out about other dementia support and services here.
Creating a Dementia-Friendly Home
Everyday activities such as moving around the house or locating one’s belongings may seem simple – but to a person living with dementia, symptoms such as disorientation and short-term memory loss may make these tasks extra challenging. A dementia-friendly home enables persons living with dementia to live more independently.
AIC developed the 360º Virtual Reality Dementia-Friendly HDB Home Design Guide using a HDB home scenario to offer simple home modifications to help caregivers to make their homes dementia-friendly. The guide also suggests meaningful activities to engage persons living with dementia to keep them cognitively stimulated.
Check out the guide here.
Find out more about dementia-friendly environments here.
Join the #DementiaFriendlySG Movement
On 20 November 2022, the Agency for Integrated Care launched the #DementiaFriendlySG movement. This social movement aims to raise greater public awareness about dementia and encourage every individual to play a part in building a caring and inclusive dementia-friendly Singapore.
Find out how you can be part of the movement here.
Learn More About Dementia
Are you caring for a loved one living with dementia, or interested to learn more about dementia? Visit DementiaHub.SG to help you navigate your journey. This one-stop portal offers useful resources on dementia, information on support services, and houses the most relevant, comprehensive and up-to-date information.
What to do after a diagnosis?
Find out ways to support yourself and your loved one after receiving a diagnosis. These include behavioural changes to expect; planning ahead e.g. financial schemes; programmes and services in the community; and caregiving training courses.
Understanding Dementia –
E-Learning Course
Learn the signs and symptoms of dementia and how to communicate with persons living with dementia via e-learning module.
Living with Dementia: A Resource Kit for Caregivers
The Living with Dementia kit consists of 4 booklets to support caregivers on their journey with information and tips to care for themselves and their loved one.
Learn how to make a home dementia-friendly
Pick up tips on how to enhance your home to make it dementia-friendly.
Other useful resources
Find resources on dementia awareness, caregiving, engagement, community support, environments, and young-onset dementia.
Voices of Dementia
Hear from persons living with dementia and their caregivers as they share about their journey and useful tips.
Upcoming events
Check out upcoming programmes and events to keep your loved one active and engaged.
Email Us
Send your questions on mental wellness and dementia to enquiries@aic.sg
For Professionals
Community Mental Health Care Professionals can access competency frameworks and e-learning resources on mental health and dementia.
