Only 1% of Alzheimer patients in Vietnam receive diagnosis, treatment, said Colonel Duong Thi Thu Hang, director of 30-4 Hospital, under the Ministry of Public Security.
Ms. Hang announced this figure during the scientific conference "Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Patients with Cognitive Decline and Dementia" held on September 15.
During the conference, Associate Prof. Dr. Vu Anh Nhi, former president of the Vietnam Alzheimer's Disease Association, highlighted the challenges in treating and caring for Alzheimer patients in Vietnam, with most receiving care at home. Caregivers often lack adequate knowledge about the disease and proper caregiving skills, which adds to the burden on families and society, both financially and emotionally.
Alzheimer is seen as a devastating disease for the elderly, significantly reducing their quality of life. While Alzheimer's cannot be fully cured, it can be managed to some extent, though treatment is costly.
The United Nations has estimated that by 2050, Vietnam will be among the top 10 countries with the fastest-aging populations in the world.
(Suc Khoe Doi Song [1])