More than 55 million people have dementia worldwide, over 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases.

As of 2020, there were 9.22 million Filipinos 60 years and older, with more women (55.5%) than men (44.5%), according to the latest Philippine Statistics Authority census. Based on the calculated prevalence rate, there are approximately almost a million Filipino senior citizens living with dementia, a figure which is estimated to increase to 1.5 million by 2030, nearly 2 million by 2040, and 2.5 million by 2050.

Dementia is a term for several diseases that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities. It is a syndrome that results from a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60% to 70% of cases.

The illness gets worse over time, and eventually most people with dementia will need others to help with daily activities. Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally, the WHO said.

Dementia mainly affects older people but not all people will get it as they age. Factors that increase the risk of developing dementia include age (more common in those 65 or older); high blood pressure (hypertension); high blood sugar (diabetes); being overweight or obese; smoking; drinking too much alcohol; being physically inactive; being socially isolated; and depression.

Early signs and symptoms of dementia are forgetting things or recent events; losing or misplacing things; getting lost when walking or driving; being confused, even in familiar places; losing track of time; difficulties solving problems or making decisions; problems following conversations or trouble finding words; difficulties performing familiar tasks; misjudging distances to objects visually.

Common changes in mood and behavior include feeling anxious, sad, or angry about memory loss; personality changes; inappropriate behavior; withdrawal from work or social activities; and being less interested in other people’s emotions.

A recent study by Anlacan et al has identified major gaps and challenges in dementia care in the country in terms of limited published local data, high healthcare costs, inadequate health financing, and limited manpower. Published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in February, “Current Status and Challenges in Dementia Care in the Philippines: A Scoping Review” looked at the available literature from the earliest indexed record until June 2022 in six international and two local databases, as well as government and non-government websites.

The study found that while there is a high prevalence of dementia in the country, local research output on dementia has remained low. It cited an earlier scoping review which revealed that only 11 out of 1,006 (1.1%) published articles on dementia in Southeast Asia were from the Philippines, comprising only eight of the 687 (1.2%) publications found in journals.

The study found that cost is a major barrier, as healthcare coverage is limited. Patients and their families rely mainly on out-of-pocket payments, leading to challenges in the proper diagnosis and treatment of dementia. Moreover, the country needs more neurologists, psychiatrists, and geriatricians who are specialists in the diagnosis and management of dementia.

The study found that the majority of caregivers taking care of older adult Filipinos have never received formal training on dementia care. It acknowledged the efforts of government organizations and specialty medical societies that conduct caregiver training programs for both family caregivers and rural health workers on basic dementia care. This includes the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) caregiving training program which has provision of care and support to older adults as one of its core competencies.

The study authors recommended a multi-pronged approach to bridge the gaps in dementia care in the country. There are needs to enhance research on nationwide dementia epidemiology; improve government financial support spanning the different levels of dementia care; broaden access to dementia diagnostics and medications; and increase the number of dedicated manpower for dementia diagnosis and management.

“Acknowledging these gaps and challenges is a good initial step in developing plans and health policies to improve the quality of life of Filipinos living with dementia but eventually, a national dementia plan will be necessary for systematic and cost-effective delivery of care,” the study authors concluded.

The journey toward new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease is a powerful example of the role innovation plays in science. Despite a 99% failure rate in clinical trials, each setback has provided valuable insights, paving the way for significant breakthroughs. Recent advancements in treatments offer hope by potentially slowing disease progression, moving beyond mere symptom management. These successes are a testament to decades of persistent research and dedication.

By fostering a supportive environment for innovation and providing incentives for ongoing research, we can drive transformative change and make a substantial impact in the fight against dementia.

Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines or PHAP, which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.