Benefits of Early Intervention for Dementia
By Dr Seng Kok Han
The benefits of early intervention for dementia extend well beyond symptom control. When dementia is identified early, people living with the condition and their families can access timely treatment, plan for care needs, and maintain a better quality of life. Dementia is a decline in mental abilities that interferes with daily living. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate support, its impact can often be reduced and managed more effectively.
A Rising Health Issue
Findings from the 2013 Well-Being of the Singapore Older Population (WiSE) study showed that about one in ten people in Singapore aged 60 and above were living with dementia. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and strong community support. Although newer local research (2024 WiSE 2 study) indicates prevalence has stabilised at around 8.8 percent, Singapore’s ageing population continues to grow. As a result, the total number of people living with dementia is still rising. Therefore, early recognition and timely intervention remain essential for improving outcomes and easing caregiver stress.
Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s dementia, the most common type, involves progressive loss of brain cells associated with abnormal protein deposits. The onset is gradual, and early symptoms may be missed.
Vascular dementia, the second most common form, results from impaired blood flow to the brain, often after one or more strokes.
Many individuals experience mixed dementia, combining both degenerative and vascular changes — emphasising the importance of managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes to prevent further damage.
Symptoms
Medical attention should be sought if any of the following symptoms appear:
• Poor memory of recent events
• Repeatedly asking the same questions
• Difficulty naming objects
• Misplacing items
• Personality or behaviour changes
• Reduced ability to carry out daily tasks
As dementia progresses, additional signs may include:
• Disorientation or losing track of time
• Wandering and getting lost
• Irritability or agitation
• Hallucinations or delusions
Assessment
Assessment for dementia includes medical history-taking, physical examination, cognitive testing, blood investigations, and brain imaging.
Early evaluation plays a key role in the benefits of early intervention for dementia. It helps identify reversible causes such as depression, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies, and supports better long-term care planning.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s dementia, early diagnosis enables patients and caregivers to better understand the condition and receive anticipatory guidance for emerging symptoms. It also allows time for future planning, such as making a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) while mental capacity is intact.
Interventions can slow down the progression of cognitive decline, prolong a patient’s ability to carry out daily activities, and delay the need for institutional care.
Recent studies suggest that multi-domain lifestyle interventions – incorporating diet, exercise, cognitive engagement and vascular risk management – may even help maintain or modestly improve cognition in the early stages.
Comprehensive Care to Manage Dementia
Medication
Prescribed medications such as Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine or Memantine can help slow the progression of dementia.
Other medicines, including antidepressants or (when necessary and closely monitored) antipsychotics, may be used to manage mood, hallucinations, or agitation.
Psychological Support
Psychological approaches remain important.
Reality orientation and reminiscence therapy can help patients stay engaged and preserve identity.
Cognitive training aims to equip them with strategies to manage everyday tasks, while behavioural modification techniques can reduce challenging behaviours.
Social Interventions
Families play a vital role in supporting treatment and maintaining well-being.
Referral to community resources such as dementia day care centres, befriender programmes, and family service centres provides essential aftercare.
Singapore’s Dementia-Friendly Community initiatives, led by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), now offer broader community awareness, caregiver education, and early-support networks.
Good Ways to Stave Off Dementia
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Maintain good control of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
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Have adequate rest and sleep
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Eat healthily, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich foods
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Exercise regularly
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Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
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Stay socially connected and engage in mentally stimulating activities such as lifelong learning and keeping up with current affairs
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Manage hearing loss early, as this is now recognised as a modifiable risk factor
Conclusion
Early intervention remains the cornerstone of dementia care. Through timely diagnosis, holistic management, and lifestyle measures, patients can continue leading meaningful lives for longer – supported by their families, healthcare professionals, and the wider community. PRIME
