More than 50,000 Singaporeans are afflicted with neurological conditions, with a 22% increase from 2013 to 2017 - NNI updates on Dementia, Parkinson Disease, Stroke and Brain Tumours.

NNI conducts free memory screening at the Changi Airport Terminal 3 - greater accessibility for the residents in the East.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Senior Minister of State (Defence and Foreign Affairs), Mayor, South East Community Development Council is the Guest-of-Honour for the 1 September Opening Ceremony.
Singapore, 1 Sep 2018 – More than 50,000 Singaporeans have a neurological condition and numbers are projected to increase significantly due to Singapore’s ageing population. NNI updates on key figures of the four major brain diseases – Dementia, Parkinson Disease, Stroke and Brain tumours at the 2nd National Neuroscience Institute Neuro-Awareness Roadshow.

Raising Awareness of Neurological Disorders

Dementia

Dementia causes cognitive (memory, planning, way finding) difficulties and as a result the person’s functional ability is impaired. Over the last 5 years, there has been a rapid increase of patients afflicted with dementia, as well as pre-dementia. There are about 40,000 patients with dementia in Singapore currently. By 2030, it is estimated that there will be 80,000 persons with dementia in Singapore. Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia are the two major diseases resulting in dementia.

Parkinson Disease

Parkinson Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in Singapore, after Alzheimer’s Disease. Affecting three in every 1,000 people aged over 50, it is estimated that there are around 6,000 – 8,000 patients with Parkinson Disease in Singapore. As Singapore’s population ages, the number of people with Parkinson Disease will increase. Parkinson Disease may also affect the younger population between 21 and 40 years old, affecting 5-10% of Parkinson Disease patients.

Stroke

More than 8,000 persons are struck by stroke every year in Singapore. Stroke can happen to anyone at any age. 1 in 6 will get a stroke in their lifetime. Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, causing physical, psychological, cognitive and social consequences. There are treatments for stroke which can help to improve a person’s long-term function. Therefore it is critical to recognise stroke symptoms and to get the patient to a hospital as soon as possible. With up to 80% of strokes being preventable, one can reduce their risk of stroke by taking steps to control risk factors such as hypertension and having a healthy lifestyle.

Brain Tumours

More than 500 patients are diagnosed with brain tumours every year in Singapore. Brain tumours are abnormal growths of cells inside the skull and can affect the very young and old, even babies suffer from it. If the growth is left unchecked, it can result in severe disability and death. While brain tumours are not as common as other cancer types, there must be a greater awareness of this condition and its symptoms. Benign or malignant brain tumours can be life-threatening if left untreated, hence the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Associate Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Medical Director of the National Neuroscience Institute highlighted: “Singapore’s rapidly ageing population will contribute to a significant rise in neurological diseases such as stroke and dementia. Neurological diseases constitute the second heaviest disease burden for Singapore. As the national centre for neuroscience care, we aim to provide optimal clinical services to help patients make a better recovery and improve their quality of life.”

“A large part of neurological care includes management of the condition in homes and communities. When patients leave the hospital and are back in their homes, we need to equip and empower them to take charge of their conditions. Public education is key to extending our care beyond the hospital,” he added.

Highlights of Neuro-Awareness Roadshow 2018

Organised by the National Neuroscience Institute, the ‘One Heart, One Mind,’ Neuro-Awareness Roadshow 2018 will be held at Changi Airport Terminal 3 from 1 September to 9 September. NNI aims to increase awareness of neurological conditions in Singapore and how to prevent them. At the NNI roadshow, the public can also take part in interactive activities and free memory screenings.

The Opening Ceremony on 1 September, 9.30am, features a car rally by the Lamborghini Club for NNI patients, along with interactive booths and a health exhibition. The Guest-of-Honour for the opening ceremony is Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Senior Minister of State (Defence and Foreign Affairs) and Mayor, South East Community Development Council (CDC).

Ms Sandra Koh, Chairperson of Neuro-Awareness Roadshow 2018 - ‘One Heart One Mind’, Chief Operating Officer at the National Neuroscience Institute said: “Through the Neuro-Awareness campaign, we hope to showcase neurological disorders and the debilitating effect on patients and their family. It is through education and raising awareness of these disorders that families can identify symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment, reducing the impact of such conditions,” said Ms Koh.

As Singapore's national centre of neuroscience excellence, NNI is committed to improve care for neurological conditions. This includes community outreach and partnerships to increase public awareness of common neurological conditions. The nine-day event takes place from 1 September to 9 September (9.00am to 8.00pm) and features free memory screening on the 1st & 2nd September for persons aged 50 years old and above. NNI is expecting around 1,000 visitors to the Roadshow.

The Neuro-Awareness Roadshow 2018 is organised by NNI in partnership with the Changi Airport Group and the Lamborghini Club. NNI will continue to grow such partnerships to meet the increasing health needs of the community.