The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced that the number of Alzheimer’s patients in Thailand is a little more than a half-million people.
The country is ramping up its medical development and patient care infrastructure to try to accommodate the ever-rising number of patients over the coming years.
Though the number of sufferers of this debilitating disease stands at 600,000 today, the MoPH expects that the country will reach a million people afflicted citizens by 2029.
The Ministry of Public Health’s Deputy Director-General Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai said yesterday that Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common factors for dementia, reported Thai News Bureau.
He noted that Alzheimer’s generally affects three to five percent of the population and that people have a heightened risk as they get older.
In anticipation of an increased number of patients, the MoPH has appointed the Department of Medical Services to develop the knowledge base of preventive practices for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a long-term care system for patients.
Studies regarding Alzheimer’s will also be included in the non-communicable diseases prevention plan, and the life-long mental health promotion plan.
Although there is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the condition can be mitigated if treated at an early stage. Common symptoms include forgetfulness, aggression, and the inability to perform a daily routine. Persons suspected to be affected by the disease are advised to seek medical attention from a neurologist.
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