75 percent of dementia patients fail to receive timely diagnosis: Vietnamese health experts

Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow down the progression of dementia and improve the lives of patients and their caregivers, but up to 75 percent did not receive a timely diagnosis, according to Vietnamese health specialists.

The figure was revealed in a public health consultation program on dementia and Alzheimer's disease, held on Saturday morning by Military Hospital 175, under the Ministry of National Defense, in coordination with the Vietnam Alzheimer Disease and Neurocognitive Disorders Association.

Associate Professor Truong Dinh Cam, deputy director of Military Hospital 175, based in Ho Chi Minh City, said Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks.

Alzheimer's disease is also the most common type of dementia.

Increasing age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

Around eight percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease are 60 years old or above. Roughly 17 percent of people aged 80 or older may have this disease.

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s disease experience cognitive impairment and are dependent on others in daily activities.

This may place a great burden on the patients, caregivers, families, and society, the associate professor said.

However, most dementia and Alzheimer’s disease cases are misunderstood as confusion in the elderly, thereby making the patients not given proper care, he added.

Dr. Tran Cong Thang, vice-president of the Vietnam Alzheimer Disease and Neurocognitive Disorders Association, said Vietnam was listed among countries with aging populations in 2017, with more than 10 percent of its population aged over 60.

Life expectancy in the country has improved thanks to growing awareness of disease prevention and development of science and technology.

Aside from the increased life expectancy, there were a rising number of patients with dementia, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular diseases.

The elderly and those suffering diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, insomnia, anxiety, sequelae of stroke, traumatic brain injury, or smoking are susceptible to dementia.

To prevent dementia, people should seek proper treatment if they have such health problems as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity and should not smoke, Thang advised.

People should exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, engage in social activities, and acquire new knowledge, he said.

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