Singapore investigates dementia and depression in the elderly

National University of Singapore (NUS) has conducted a 10-year study of depression and dementia to find out if loneliness increases the risk of getting these diseases in the elderly. .

The rate of suicidal elderly people in Singapore is quite high. (Artwork. Source: Strait Times)

This is the first study on this topic done in Asia.

In addition, the study aims to find ways to protect the brain from these diseases.

Initially, about 108 elderly people living in Jurong and Bukit Merah areas will participate in a 10-week program to see if activities such as tai chi or art reduce depressive symptoms. .

After that, the project will be expanded throughout Singapore.

So far, the initiative has received 1.8 million SGD in donations from Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho temple.

According to NUS, currently the proportion of elderly people who commit suicide in Singapore is relatively high, about 24 cases in 100,000 people, compared to only 12 cases per 100,000 ordinary people.