Niaga SPOTLIGHT: Building a Dementia-Ready Malaysia

above is now living with dementia, up from 8.5% just seven years ago. Yet, dementia remains one of the least discussed economic and public policy challenges facing the country.

Beyond healthcare costs, dementia affects workforce participation, productivity, household finances and the millions of hours of unpaid care provided by families. Women also account for roughly two-thirds of dementia cases globally and while continuing to shoulder most caregiving responsibilities.

At the same time, new scientific advances are changing how Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed and treated, raising important questions about access, affordability and whether Malaysia’s healthcare system is prepared for an ageing population with increasing rates of dementia.