Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often thought of as inevitable parts of growing old, but that’s not true.
Every September, the world observes World Alzheimer’s Month. These initiatives help raise awareness of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease while challenging the stigma around them.
The truth is, while age is a key risk factor, dementia is not a normal or guaranteed part of ageing. Lifestyle, health conditions, and even financial planning can influence both your risk and ability to cope with its impact.
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Dementia vs Alzheimer’s: What’s the difference?
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease may sound like the same thing, one often being mistaken for the other. While they both affect the mind, they are distinct.
Dementia is a broad term for conditions that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for up to 60–80% of cases.
Other types of dementia include:
- Vascular dementia: Causes changes to memory, thinking, and behaviour due to conditions that affect blood vessels in the brain.
- Lewy body dementia: This is the second most common type of dementia and is caused by a build-up of protein deposits known as Lewy bodies in the brain.
- Frontotemporal dementia: This type of dementia is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease. It affects behaviour, personality, and language abilities. Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
But the key thing to know is that dementia is not a normal part of ageing. While age does increase the risk, it is not an inevitable consequence.
Risk factors you cannot control
Medical conditions are rarely the result of one singular cause. This is also true for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to age, several factors contribute to the development of these diseases. Some may be beyond your control, while others can be managed through a change in lifestyle choices.
Uncontrollable risk factors that increase the risk of dementia include age, genetics, and family history.
Age and dementia
Age is probably one of the most well-known risk factors associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. In fact, mention any one of these diseases and your mind will probably go straight to, “That’s an old people’s disease.” While this is partially true (one’s risk of dementia rises after age 65), younger people can also develop early-onset dementia, also known as young-onset dementia.
In Singapore, approximately 30% of dementia cases were young people, with the youngest diagnosed at just 40-years-old. Younger dementia patients may face different challenges when compared to their older counterparts, including job loss, financial strain, and disruption of family responsibilities.
Because of this, we see age as just one part of the picture. This leads us to our next risk factor: genetics.
Genetics and dementia
Family history plays a role. If a parent or sibling has dementia, your risk is higher.
A key player in the genetics of dementia is the APOE gene, which helps carry cholesterol in the blood. It comes in three variants: ε2, ε3, and ε4. The APOE-ε4 variant is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s:
- One copy = moderately higher risk.
- Two copies = significantly higher risk, with earlier onset.
Still, APOE-ε4 is not destiny. Many carriers never develop dementia, while others without it do.
If you have family history:
- Pay closer attention to your lifestyle risks.
- Discuss genetic testing with your doctor.
- Secure your insurance before testing, as results may affect future applications.
Risk factors you can control or reduce
It may seem daunting when considering the risk factors we cannot control, but there are a number of risk factors that we can control to help reduce our risk of dementia.
Hearing loss and dementia
Recent studies have shown that there is a significant correlation between hearing loss and dementia. In fact, it is the largest modifiable risk of dementia.
Fortunately, treating hearing loss can reduce your risk of developing dementia. People who use hearing aids are less likely to develop dementia than those who leave their hearing loss untreated. Early intervention keeps the brain engaged, maintains social connections, and reduces isolation, all of which protect against cognitive decline.
Treatment options for hearing loss in Singapore
- Hearing aids: Claim up to S$500 per device every 5 years using MediSave; extra help via the Senior Mobility and Enabling Fund.
- Cochlear implants: If you have profound or complete hearing loss, cochlear implants are an option. These surgically implanted electronic devices bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the hearing nerve. In Singapore, the procedure has been pioneered and advanced by specialists such as Dr Yuen Heng Wai, and is now widely accessible.
- Prevention: Protect against loud noise and get hearing checks from age 50.
Insurance coverage:
- Critical Illness Plans cover permanent loss of hearing in both ears.
- Integrated Shield Plans cover surgeries such as cochlear implants.
- CareShield Life may pay monthly if hearing loss leads to disability.
Chronic diseases and dementia
Chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are widespread in Singapore. While manageable, they silently damage blood vessels, raising the risk of vascular dementia.
What you can do:
- Get screened regularly.
- Take medications as prescribed.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet and exercise routine.
Insurance coverage:
- MediSave Chronic Disease Management Programme covers up to S$500/year.
- CI plans can cover conditions such as stroke, heart disease, or kidney failure that typically arise due to chronic conditions.
- Integrated Shield Plans cover hospitalisation for related conditions.
Depression and dementia
Long-term untreated depression alters brain chemistry and increases dementia risk, particularly both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
What you can do:
- Early treatment with therapy or medication.
Insurance coverage:
- Integrated Shield Plans cover psychiatric consultations; some CI plans may include severe depressive disorders.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia
Accidents, sports injuries, or falls can cause traumatic brain injury, which can double the risk of dementia years later.
What you can do:
- Protect your head with a helmet when participating in activities such as cycling or riding a motorcycle.
- Fall-proof your homes as you age.
- Ensure timely treatment if you experience a head injury.
Insurance coverage:
- Personal Accident Plan provides outpatient coverage for injuries due to accidents, while your Integrated Shield Plan will cover hospital stays.
Social isolation and dementia
Loneliness has been described as an epidemic in Singapore. A study conducted by Duke-NUS’ Centre for Ageing Research & Education reports that 40% of Singaporeans aged 62 and above reported feeling lonely. Loneliness and social isolation deprive the brain of stimulation, accelerating cognitive decline, which then increases the risk of dementia.
What you can do:
- To combat loneliness, seniors in Singapore can participate in government-supported initiatives, including community activities, Active Ageing Centres, and hobby or support groups. Staying engaged helps keep both the mind and body active.
Insurance coverage:
- There is currently no direct insurance coverage for social isolation; however, your corporate insurance may include wellness benefits that can be used for group classes and hobby groups.
Obesity, smoking, and alcohol misuse and dementia
Unhealthy habits strongly influence dementia risk. Obesity increases the likelihood of chronic diseases, which in turn elevates the risk of dementia. Smoking damages the blood vessels, which can increase the risk of vascular dementia, while excessive alcohol causes the brain to shrink, which is linked to alcohol-related dementia.
What you can do:
- Similar to preventing other serious diseases, good lifestyle factors such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise and physical activity, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol intake are important and preventative.
Insurance coverage:
- Critical Illness Plans and Integrated Shield Plans cover complications like stroke, heart disease, or liver failure, though lifestyle risks may raise premiums or exclusions.
- Additionally, corporate insurance with coverage for wellness benefits, such as gym classes, should be utilised to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
The financial and emotional impact in Singapore
Dementia isn’t just a health issue. It also has far-reaching emotional and financial consequences.
According to the Agency for Integrated Care, nursing home fees in Singapore range from approximately S$2,200 to S$4,300 per month before subsidies, excluding medical bills. Long-term dementia care can last years, which adds up quickly.
Caregiving for dementia patients often falls on family members, leading to stress, fatigue, and career sacrifices. Many caregivers report feelings of burnout and social isolation. It is also difficult for families to plan ahead, as dementia progresses differently for everyone.
That’s why it’s important to take steps and plan ahead financially.
How insurance can help protect you
Having the right insurance can help ease the financial burden of dementia care. There are several types of insurance in Singapore that can provide coverage for dementia.
Insurance Type | What It Covers | Insurer |
|---|---|---|
Dementia-specific plans | Monthly payouts/lump sum on diagnosis | |
Critical Illness Plans | Lump sum for severe dementia/Alzheimer’s | |
CareShield Life | Monthly payouts if severely disabled | |
Integrated Shield Plans | Hospitalisation & related complications | |
Personal Accident Plans | Falls, fractures, and accident injuries |
Dementia Costs vs Insurance (At a Glance)
Care Need | Average Cost (SGD) | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Nursing home (basic) | $2,200 – 3,600/month | CareShield Life: S$624–2,000/month; Critial Illness Policy payout tops up. |
Private nursing home | $4,500+/month | CI payout + dementia plan offsets portion. |
Day care | $1,260–1,575/month | Dementia-specific payout (S$1,000–2,500) covers fees. |
Home helper | $1,200–1,500/month | CI payout funds salary for years. |
Hospitalisation | $8,000 and above per admission | Integrated Shield Plans cover most, leaving co-pay. |
Take charge early
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are not inevitable outcomes of ageing. Lifestyle choices, health management, and financial planning all play a role in reducing risk and managing potential costs.
What you can do now is adopt a healthy lifestyle, keep your mind active, and plan ahead financially by securing insurance.
Review your current insurance coverage with our Coverage Checker to ensure you and your family are prepared.
