Singaporeans can’t afford testing for dementia

Over 1 in 3 indicated fear as a reason for not getting tested.

Over 1 in 3 Singaporeans cannot afford testing for young-onset dementia, according to a study by Southeast Asia-based survey software company Milieu Insight.

An average of 35.6% across 1,000 respondents picked affordability as the top reason for not getting tested, the study found.

Almost the same share (33%) indicated fear as their reason for not getting tested.

Over 1 in 5 (23%) said that they do not see a need for testing or are confident in their own well-being and health (21%).

Over 1 in 10 (14.6%) indicated that they won’t get tested because dementia is not a hereditary trait in their family.

Young-onset dementia refers to dementia that develops below the age of 65. About 3,700 people in Singapore are estimated to have young-onset dementia.

National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) consultant Chiew Hui Jin warned that 20% to 30% of patients with mild cognitive impairment may develop dementia after 3 years, depending on how they manage their risk factors.

The condition of patients with young-onset dementia tends to deteriorate faster compared to dementia in elderly patients, he said.