Dementia a societal challenge touching every community, says Shanmugam

Singapore's rapidly ageing population reflects the country's success and its sound policies, but it also means that a quarter of the population will be aged 65 and up by 2030, and an estimated more than 152,000 people will be living with dementia, said Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam.

- Syarafana Shafeeq

This is not just a medical issue, but a societal challenge that touches every community, and one that the Government is keenly aware of and working with society and partners to address, he said on Sept 5 at Dementia Singapore's 35th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

Keppel, through its philanthropic arm Keppel Care Foundation, pledged $1 million over the next three years at the event to support Dementia Singapore and its services.

Mr Shanmugam said the Government is focused on prevention, early detection and comprehensive support of the condition.

Many of Singapore's health initiatives like Healthier SG and Age Well SG aim to fight some of the risk factors for dementia, like physical inactivity, obesity, and infrequent social contact, he said. Promoting healthier lifestyles across the population could reduce the incidence of dementia in future generations, he added.