We thank Mr Paul Heng for highlighting the need to continue to focus on those who fall prey to dreaded brain-related diseases such as dementia, and we agree with him that more needs to be done in Singapore (Challenges of ageing population and disease; June 27).

More than 45,000 Singaporeans live with dementia and this number is projected to hit 103,000 by 2030.

For every person living with dementia, there is at least one, if not two, caregivers. This alone balloons the number of people affected by this disease.

There is also a rising trend of young onset dementia (YOD) which refers to the onset of dementia before the age of 65.

In view of the above, besides running day-care centres and a multitude of services for people with dementia and their caregivers, the Alzheimer's Disease Association (ADA) continues to work on raising awareness of dementia.

Our efforts aim to destigmatise dementia and encourage support for households that have people with dementia.

Apart from courses for caregivers and domestic workers for people with dementia, adopting a person-centred care approach, we also provide counselling and facilitate caregivers support groups.

We hope that with the increase in awareness of dementia, more people in the community will step up to play their part in creating a dementia-inclusive society.

With adequate support and care, more individuals living with dementia and their families would be able to thrive and continue living in the community with dignity and respect.

For help on dementia, visit www.alz.org.sg or call 6377 0700 (Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm).

Jason Foo

Chief Executive Officer

Alzheimer's Disease Association