According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, more than 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There are almost 10 million new cases every year.
According to the latest Philippine Statistics Authority census, there were 9.22 million Filipinos aged 60 and over in 2020, with more women (55.5%) than men (44.5%). Based on the calculated prevalence rates, there are approximately almost one million elderly Filipinos living with dementia, a figure estimated to rise to 1.5 million in 2030, almost 2 million in 2040 and 2.5 million in 2050.
Dementia is a term for several diseases that affect memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily activities. It is a syndrome that results from a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and can contribute to 60% to 70% of cases.
The disease gets worse over time and eventually most people with dementia will need others to help with daily activities. Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide, according to the WHO.
Dementia mainly affects the elderly, but not all people develop it as they get older. Factors that increase the risk of developing dementia include age (more common in people aged 65 or older); high blood pressure (hypertension); high blood sugar (diabetes); being overweight or obese; smoking; drinking too much alcohol; being physically inactive; being socially isolated; and depression.
Early signs and symptoms of dementia include forgetting things or recent events; losing or misplacing things; getting lost while walking or driving; being confused even in familiar places; losing track of time; difficulty solving problems or making decisions; difficulty following conversations or difficulty finding words; difficulty performing familiar tasks; visually misjudge distances to objects.
Common changes in mood and behavior include feelings of anxiety, sadness, or anger about memory loss; personality changes; inappropriate behavior; withdrawal from work or social activities; and being less interested in the emotions of others.
A recent study by Anlacan et al. identified major gaps and challenges in dementia care in the country in terms of limited published local data, high healthcare costs, inadequate healthcare financing and limited manpower. “Current Status and Challenges in Dementia Care in the Philippines: A Scoping Review,” published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in February, looked at the available literature from the earliest indexed record to June 2022 in six international and two local databases, as well as government and non-government websites.
The study found that while there is a high prevalence of dementia in the country, local research output on dementia has remained low. It cited a previous scoping review that found that only 11 of 1,006 (1.1%) published articles on dementia in Southeast Asia were from the Philippines, accounting for just eight of 687 (1.2%) journal publications .
The research shows that cost is a major barrier because health care coverage is limited. Patients and their families rely primarily on out-of-pocket payments, leading to challenges in the proper diagnosis and treatment of dementia. In addition, the country needs more neurologists, psychiatrists and geriatricians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia.
The survey found that the majority of caregivers caring for older Filipinos have never received formal training on dementia care. It recognized the efforts of government organizations and specialized medical associations that are conducting caregiver training programs for both family caregivers and rural health workers in basic dementia care. This includes the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) care training programme, which has the provision of care and support to older adults as one of its core competencies.
The study authors recommend a multifaceted approach to closing the gaps in dementia care in the country. There is a need to improve research into the national epidemiology of dementia; improving government financial support that covers different levels of dementia care; broaden access to dementia diagnostics and medicines; and increase the number of dedicated manpower for the diagnosis and management of dementia.
“Recognizing these gaps and challenges is a good first step in developing plans and healthcare policies to improve the quality of life of Filipinos with dementia, but ultimately a national dementia plan will be necessary for systematic and cost-effective care delivery,” the spokesperson said. the study authors concluded.
The journey to new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease is a powerful example of the role innovation plays in science. Despite a 99% failure rate in clinical trials, each setback has provided valuable insights, paving the way for important breakthroughs. Recent advances in treatments offer hope by potentially slowing disease progression and going beyond simple symptom management. These successes are testament to decades of continued research and dedication.
By fostering a supportive environment for innovation and providing incentives for ongoing research, we can drive transformative change and make a substantial impact in the fight against dementia.
Teodoro B. Padilla is executive director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines or PHAP, which represents the biopharmaceutical drug and vaccine industries in the country. Its members are at the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases affecting Filipinos.