Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia, are progressive neurological disorders that lead to memory loss, cognitive decline, and the eventual inability to carry out simple tasks. Currently, more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year with Alzheimer’s contributing up to 70% of these cases, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Projections by the Global Dementia Observatory (GDO) estimate that there will be 78 million cases by 2030 and 139 million cases by 2050.

Figure 1: Projected Global Increase in Dementia Cases, 2015-2050

The impact of Alzheimer’s disease is profound. In its early stages, individuals may experience mild memory lapses and confusion. But as the disease progresses, these symptoms become more severe where patients often struggle with language, disorientation, mood swings, and behavioral changes. In the advanced stages, individuals lose the ability to communicate coherently, recognize loved ones, and perform basic daily activities.

The decline in cognitive and functional abilities associated with dementia not only impacts patients, but also places immense emotional, physical, and financial burdens on their families and caregivers. In 2019, the global cost of dementia was estimated at USD 1.3 trillion, a figure supported by the efforts of over 40 million unpaid caregivers. This economic burden is expected to rise significantly, with projections indicating it could reach USD 2.8 trillion by 2030.

The global prevalence of dementia is disproportionately high in low- and-middle-income markets (LMICs), with GDO reporting that over 60% of dementia patients reside in these regions. Due to limited healthcare infrastructure and resources, LMICs rely more heavily on informal care. As a result, families and friends often take on caregiving roles without professional training and fundamental support systems.

In contrast, high-income markets (HICs), that are more technologically advanced, can allocate more resources towards direct medical and social care, including professional caregiving services, advanced medical treatments, and supportive technologies.

Figure 2: Distribution of Dementia Care Costs by Market Income Levels

Simon Long–the lead writer for the World Alzheimer Report 2023 emphasizes that while individuals have significant control over reducing the risk factors and likelihood of dementia, it must be acknowledged that the ability to do so is often a matter of privilege.

In the coming decades, it is projected that LMICs will experience a significant surge in dementia cases where the capacity for lifestyle changes to mitigate dementia risk is often limited by socioeconomic factors. There is also a cause for concern in HICs, due to the widening gap of inequality, making prevention and intervention efforts more challenging for the less privileged.

APAC: Home to a Growing Dementia Crisis

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is projected to host nearly half of the global dementia population by 2050, where the number of people living with dementia in APAC is expected to rise to 71 million, surpassing the current total population of Thailand.

Figure 3: Projected Number of People with Dementia in the APAC Region in 2030

The diverse socio-economic conditions and healthcare infrastructure in the APAC region present unique challenges and opportunities in addressing the dementia crisis, for it encompasses a mix of low, middle, and high-income markets, each with varying levels of healthcare infrastructure.

In low-income markets within the APAC (refer to Fig. 3) region, the primary challenges include limited healthcare resources, a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. These markets often struggle with basic healthcare delivery, making specialized dementia care a significant challenge. Public awareness about dementia is also generally low, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment.

Middle-income markets in the APAC region are characterized by a rapidly aging population and increasing prevalence of dementia. These markets face the dual burden of managing the rise in non-communicable diseases, including dementia, while continuing to combat infectious diseases. There is often a stark contrast between urban and rural healthcare services, with urban areas having better access to healthcare facilities and specialists.

While markets like Malaysia and Thailand are classified as Upper-Middle-Income Markets (UMICs), the development of their healthcare infrastructure and services remains uneven, with numerous underserved areas still present. For instance, in Northeastern Thailand and East Malaysia, the scarcity of healthcare professionals and facilities hampers the effective management of dementia.

Rural hospitals often lack the necessary diagnostic tools and expertise to detect and treat dementia in its early stages, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate care. Efforts in these markets are focused on improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing the availability of trained professionals, and enhancing public awareness and education about dementia.

High-income markets in the APAC region have more advanced healthcare systems and better resources to address dementia. These markets are often at the forefront of implementing comprehensive dementia care strategies, including early diagnosis programs, specialized care facilities, and robust support systems for caregivers. However, they still face challenges such as ensuring equitable access to care across different socio-economic groups and regions, and managing the high costs associated with long-term dementia care.

Figure 4: Income classification of markets in APAC

Despite the efforts made across low, middle, and high-income markets in the APAC region to address the growing dementia crisis, significant gaps remain. Low-income markets face the fundamental challenge of inadequate healthcare resources, while middle-income markets grapple with uneven healthcare infrastructure and the dual burden of non-communicable and infectious diseases. Even in high-income markets with advanced healthcare systems, ensuring equitable access to dementia care and managing the high costs of long-term care are ongoing challenges.

The rising number of dementia cases in the APAC region demands a coordinated and comprehensive response that includes raising public awareness, training healthcare professionals, and ensuring equitable access to care. Only through collaborative efforts and sustained commitment can the region hope to effectively manage the impending dementia crisis and provide the necessary support for those affected.

What Has Changed in Dementia

In recent years, the rising burden of an aging population has drawn increasing attention to dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. As global life expectancy continues to rise, the number of elderly individuals—those most susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases—is growing at an unprecedented pace.

In response to these challenges, there have been significant breakthroughs in medical treatments for Alzheimer’s and dementia, bringing hope to millions of patients and their caregivers. The recent approval of new drugs from leading pharmaceutical companies such as Eisai, Biogen, and Eli Lilly by the U.S. FDA represents a significant milestone in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

These treatments—most notably Leqembi (developed by Eisai and Biogen) and Donanemab (developed by Eli Lilly)—mark groundbreaking advancements, offering the potential to slow cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s. By targeting key mechanisms underlying the disease, these drugs provide much-needed hope for effectively managing its progression and improving the quality of life for patients.

The Role of DKSH Patient Solutions in Addressing Care Gaps

We all play a critical role in the healthcare ecosystem, particularly in addressing the growing challenges of dementia where privilege often dictates the quality of care. It is imperative that we strive to bridge this gap together, ensuring equitable access to treatment and support for all patients.

At DKSH Patient Solutions, we have designed our Patient Support Programs (PSPs) to leverage our online and offline capabilities. This integrated approach is crucial to the effectiveness and success of all our programs.

Our online digital platform, PSPhere, is the backbone of our PSPs. It is equipped with the latest technology to safeguard sensitive patient information, ensuring privacy and security for patients and their caregivers. The platform has been designed for ease of use, allowing patients and healthcare providers to interact seamlessly and access resources when necessary. The platform facilitates a streamlined process from patient enrollment to treatment adherence, ensuring that every step is managed throughout the patient journey.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by dementia patients, our offline support is tailored to provide personalized assistance. For patients who may find it difficult to engage with digital tools, our local team of Patient Support Specialists (PSS) will offer hands-on support to manage their PSPs. They will be able to proactively reach out to remind patients of their appointments and medication deliveries, ensuring that all patients receive their medication promptly.

Moreover, we provide emotional support and companionship throughout their treatment journey, which often plays a critical role in fostering treatment adherence and addressing the loneliness accompanied by their diagnosis. Our team is trained to offer comfort and support, enhancing the patient’s overall treatment experience.

By harnessing our online and offline capabilities, we provide comprehensive care that addresses the multifaceted needs of dementia patients. Our collaborative approach is key to transforming the healthcare landscape, ensuring an enhanced quality of life and sustained independence for our patients.

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