Speech by Minister for Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong, at the 3rd Singapore International Neurocognitive Symposium, 5 April 2013

Professor Lee Wei Ling, Director, National Neuroscience Institute Dr Nagaendran Kandiah, Chairman, Organising Committee

Members of the Organising Committee Invited Speakers, Guests,

Good morning. It is my pleasure to be here for the opening of the 3rd Singapore International Neurocognitive Symposium, organised by the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI). The theme for this year’s conference , “Dementia Across The Spectrum of Care”, is indeed timely to facilitate a dialogue on the provision of co-ordinated multidisciplinary care and support to people with dementia.

2. As Singapore’s population ages, the number of people suffering from dementia is expected to rise. Based on our estimates, we currently have about 28,000 elderly aged 60 years and above with dementia, and this is expected to more than double to 80,000 by 2030. It is therefore important for our healthcare professionals, particularly our community care providers and partners, to keep themselves up to date on developments in dementia care.

3. Dementia patients have a high chance of deteriorating rapidly if undiagnosed. The burden of dementia also has profound impact not only on the life of the afflicted person, but also on the lives of those around them: their spouses, partners, family and friends. This is why early diagnosis and intervention is important to better manage the condition. Recognising the early warning signs of dementia and knowing the preventive and protective factors can help reduce the risk or delay the onset of dementia. I am pleased to note that this meeting has a dedicated workshop to address early detection.

4. While less well known, dementia can also strike people in younger age groups. I am therefore encouraged to see that a care programme has been developed for patients with Young Onset Dementia. Supported by my Ministry, the NNI Cognitive Assessment and Rehabilitation (CARe) Programme, is designed to provide comprehensive services for patients with Young Onset Dementia both at a national and a regional level. I would like to thank NNI for leading the CARe programme and for working closely with various primary care providers. Using technology, the NNI team of dementia specialists will be linked via telehealth with the primary care doctors in the community.

5. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts at primary prevention, a proportion of our population will continue to develop dementia. Therefore, it is important that we have the various services and a support network to care for those diagnosed with dementia. There are currently a variety of mental health services for the elderly. Memory clinics are available in our public hospitals to diagnose and manage patients with dementia. Multidisciplinary teams such as the Community Psychogeriatric Programme (CPGP) and Aged Psychiatry Community Assessment and Treatment Service (APCATS) provide direct care and treatment to home-bound elderly with mental health conditions. There are also Day Care Centres, including dedicated Dementia Care Centres which provide nursing care and therapy for persons with dementia as well as respite care for their caregivers.

6. MOH is also working with our partner agencies to implement community-based mental health services for dementia and to expand capacity to meet growing demand. We launched two Dementia Shared Care Teams at the end of 2012 led by KTPH and TTSH. These teams comprise specialists, allied health professionals and psychologists, and work with primary care doctors to provide assessment, treatment, and support for dementia patients. We are also expanding capacity in our memory clinics by at least 60% from now to 2016.

7. I am pleased to announce that the revised Dementia Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) will be officially launched today. The Workgroup members have developed a set of recommendations for the management of dementia, which have been incorporated into the guidelines. I understand that the revised guidelines covers issues such as diagnostic considerations for Mild Cognitive Impairment, ethical and legal issues related to dementia, the pharmacological treatment of the different types of dementia and there is a section on the management aspects of Young Onset Dementia. We hope that this updated set of guidelines will help to improve care for our patients with dementia.

8. In closing, I congratulate the Organising Committee for putting together such a comprehensive programme covering a wide range of topics, and I am sure many valuable insights will be gained from this conference. This Symposium has come a long way since its inaugural meeting four years ago. It has successfully achieved its aim of bringing together the experts in the field of cognitive disorders and those who manage dementia care to update their knowledge on these topics.

9. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and achievements of all professionals involved in the management of patients with cognitive disorders and dementia, the members of the National Dementia Network for their help in guiding national level initiatives for dementia, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Association (ADA) for their support to the patients and their families.

10. I am pleased to declare the “3rd Singapore International Neurocognitive Symposium” officially open. I wish you a fruitful symposium ahead.