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HPB Launches Dementia
Awareness Campaign
By Nicholas Fang, Channel NewsAsia
July 8, 2009
Singapore
Most Singaporeans are unaware of information about dementia, such as early warning signs of the illness.
The latest Omnibus Survey conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) showed that out of the 10 warning signs of dementia, most Singaporeans could only identify one.
So the HPB is launching a series of events to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease. These include community events such as plays and a roving exhibition to allow people to experience and understand what it is like to live with dementia.
The events began earlier this month and will last till September.
HPB's annual Omnibus Survey aims to monitor and review the health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the general population.
It surveyed 4,495 Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged between 18 and 69 years, from September 2008 till January 2009.
The survey found that 64.6 per cent of respondents were able to name at least on symptom of dementia, while only 0.1 per cent could mention three.
The majority of those surveyed said they would be willing to seek help from a healthcare professional for dementia.
80.5 per cent said "yes" to seeking help, while 12.2 per cent said "maybe" and 4.8 per cent said "no".
The 10 warning signs of dementia are:
1. Forgetfulness that affects day-to-day function
2. Difficulty in doing familiar tasks
3. Problems communicating
4. Difficulty planning or solving problems
5. Misplacing things
6. Confusion over time and place
7. Poor or decreased judgement
8. Changes in mood or behaviour
9. Changes in personality
10. Withdrawal from work or social activities
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