DOH: Around 1M Filipinos living with dementia

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

Alzheimer’s disease remains the leading cause, though other forms such as Lewy body dementia (LBD) also contribute to the rising numbers. (File photo: Cristian Newman/Unsplash)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said that around 1 million Filipinos are currently living with dementia, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness, prevention, and support systems for affected individuals and their families.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview marking World Alzheimer’s Month, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said dementia is most common among senior citizens, with about 10 percent of elderly Filipinos likely affected.

Alzheimer’s disease remains the leading cause, though other forms such as Lewy body dementia (LBD) also contribute to the rising numbers.

LBD is a degenerative brain disorder characterized by dementia, movement difficulties, and changes in behavior, caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain.

Its symptoms include visual hallucinations, shifts in cognitive ability, and motor problems such as muscle stiffness and slowed movement.

“Kapag araw-araw po nagkakaproblema sa pag-aalaala, sa memory, sa ating pag-iisip, ibig sabihin parang nawawala ba iyong takbo ng pinag-uusapan or even sa pagsasalita nag-iiba at nangyayari ito araw-araw at madalas; hindi na po normal iyon, hindi po normal sa isang matanda na maging ulyanin; iyan po ang kailangan nating baguhin (When memory problems happen daily, like forgetting what’s being talked about, losing one’s train of thought, or having difficulty with speech, then that’s not normal; it’s not normal for an elderly person to become forgetful to that extent; that’s something we need to change in how we think),” he said.

Domingo also emphasized that dementia symptoms extend beyond memory loss, often including changes in mood and personality.

“Iyong dating kasamahan natin na matanda na medyo outgoing, nakikipagkuwentuhan, biglang tumatahimik o puwede ring baliktad, iyong dating hindi masyadong makuwento medyo dumadaldal (For example, an elderly person who used to be outgoing and talkative may suddenly become quiet, or the opposite, someone who used to be reserved may suddenly become overly talkative),” he added.

To help reduce risks, the elderly are advised to maintain balanced nutrition, manage conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and keep the brain active through mental exercises and regular social interaction, especially with the elderly.

Domingo likened the brain to a muscle that grows weak when unused, urging families to regularly engage older relatives in conversations and activities.

The DOH reminded the public to be cautious of false health claims online, stressing that the agency does not endorse any dietary supplements for dementia prevention and that a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and Vitamin B is sufficient.

It also called for community support to ensure the elderly can live with dignity as dementia cases grow alongside the country’s aging population.