Addressing Dementia: Why Early Action and Everyday Brain Care Matter

LAC Philippines Highlights Holistic Brain Health Support for Filipinos

Dementia affects over 57 million people worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases each year.   This is the seventh leading cause of death and a major driver of disability among older adults. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, accounts for 60 to 70% of these cases. 

In the Philippines, the burden extends beyond patients to entire families, as care remains largely home-based due to limited formal services. This is especially challenging for women, who not only face higher rates of disability and mortality, but also shoulder most caregiving duties.

A proposed measure in the House of Representatives — the Philippine Dementia and Alzheimer Care Policy (House Bill No. 185) — seeks to change this by establishing a national program for early detection, treatment, and support for patients and caregivers. As the bill advances in Congress and World Alzheimer’s Day approaches this September, LAC Philippines highlights the urgent need for accessible brain health solutions that help protect cognitive function and preserve quality of life.

Deadly Lifestyles: How Your Personal Choices Impact Your Health

According to a study by the Philippine Statistics Authority, lifestyle diseases such as coronary artery and heart disease and cancerous tumors came out as the leading causes of death among Filipinos.

As defined by Dr. Lourdes Remedios Bituin, Wellness Doctor In-charge at The Medical City Clark, lifestyle diseases are illnesses brought about by a person’s daily behavior and routine. They are also heavily influenced by a person’s environment, most commonly their occupational environment. Aside from heart disease and cancer, other lifestyle diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, type II diabetes, and stroke.