by Dr. Mohamad Imran bin Idris – Consultant Neurologist

Dementia isn’t just forgetfulness—it’s about slowly losing the essence of who you are. In Malaysia, this silent epidemic is growing faster than most realise, driven by an ageing population and widespread chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure. Globally, dementia affects more than 55 million people, and the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts this number will reach 78 million by 2030. Local studies suggest over 200,000 Malaysians are living with dementia, and the figure is likely underestimated due to low awareness and limited screening.

Consultant Neurologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Dr. Mohamad Imran bin Idris, explained that while slower memory and reduced mental agility can come with age, dementia is different. “The hallmark of dementia isn’t just forgetfulness,” he said. “It is when thinking skills interfere with daily life—language, judgement, even recognising familiar faces. That is when it is time to get help.”

Vascular dementia caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke or due to chronic conditions like high blood pressure, is very common in Malaysia.

Conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes are key contributors to vascular dementia, he said.

“We’ve seen people in their 40s and even 30s developing early signs after strokes or years of unmanaged chronic illness,” Dr. Mohamad Imran shared. The damage builds silently over decades; when symptoms show, the brain may already be severely affected.

While diet and exercise are known brain boosters, one often overlooked factor is sleep. “Poor sleep affects brain health more than we realise,” said Dr. Mohamad Imran.

Socialising also plays a powerful role. Talking with friends, engaging in conversation — these spontaneous, unpredictable interactions challenge the brain and help preserve cognitive function, he explained. “Repetitive digital games may feel mentally stimulating but offer little long-term benefit. The brain needs novelty,” he said.

While dementia has long been seen as a hopeless diagnosis, science is now catching up. “Two years ago, I’d have said nothing can be done,” Dr. Mohamad Imran said. “But now we have medicines that can slow its progression. We’re entering a new era of treatment.”

Screening tools—from digital cognitive assessments to blood tests that detect early brain changes—are becoming more accessible.

His advice is to start thinking seriously about brain health at the age of 40s and 50s. “Control your blood pressure, stay socially engaged, sleep well, and eat a balanced diet.