YMCA Ipoh marks Alzheimer’s Day with free dementia screening
by KT Leong
Throngs of people, primarily senior citizens alongside their families and care-partners, flocked to YMCA Ipoh bright and early this morning to take advantage of the free dementia screening organised by YMCA Ipoh alongside their partner in this programme, Angsana Health.
The programme was opened by Dr. Harnek Singh Badeshae, a distinguished physician specialising in geriatric and internal medicine at KPJ Ipoh Specialist, who noted that Malaysia was approaching an ageing population, with the percentage of the population aged 65 years and over, already having reached approximately 7.7 percent. And among that 7.7 percent, 1 out of 7 will develop some form of dementia or related disease.
Which is why programmes like YMCA Ipoh and Angsana Health’s Free Dementia Screening are so important, as early detection can significantly improve not just the quality of life for the person living with dementia, but their happiness as well.
Dato’ Daniel Tay Kwan Hui, president of YMCA Ipoh, spoke next. He thanked his team at YMCA for their efforts in making the programme possible. Dr. Ginsky Chan, Access Director of Angsana Health, also thanked all the people involved in the day’s screening, including the YMCA board and Act4Health, a spin-off company under the University of Malaya, who provided the manpower for the testing. The screeners were all understanding and put on very positive attitudes when dealing with those taking their dementia screening.
A panel talk was also given by care-partners of people living with dementia, who discussed the challenges they faced when their family members started suffering from dementia. A big part of what made things difficult for them was the lack of information and awareness that they had, regarding dementia. Which was another reason why programmes like the Free Dementia Screening are important, as they could help spread awareness on the disease.
