Vietnam

Vietnam addresses Alzheimer’s disease through central hospital expertise and expanding community initiatives, supported by a Social Health Insurance system that helps absorb diagnostic and treatment costs. Operating without a dedicated national dementia strategy, specialised care is primarily driven by the National Geriatric Hospital, while the Vietnam Organisation for Better Ageing (VIOBA) champions public awareness and support through local Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs. To bridge the gap in daily care, culturally adapted programs like REACH VN equip informal carers with essential psychoeducation and home-based skills training. Simultaneously, local researchers are focused on improving future diagnostics by conducting long-term studies on blood-based biomarkers to establish earlier, less invasive detection methods.

Overall
AD Rating
Diagnostic Pathway
Vietnam relies on an unprotocolised primary-care-to-specialist pathway where general practitioners rarely issue formal diagnoses, leading to significant bottlenecks where up to 75% of patients do not receive a timely diagnosis.
Specialized Care
The Social Health Insurance (SHI) system subsidises core symptomatic medications, but specialised dementia care remains heavily centralised in a few major cities, leaving provincial and district grassroots facilities severely unequipped.
Caregiver Support
The state provides no dedicated financial allowances or formal respite care for dementia caregivers, leaving civil society initiatives and programs like REACH VN to deliver essential psychoeducation and home-based skills training.
National Policies
Vietnam currently operates without an adopted national Alzheimer's disease or dementia strategy, leaving cognitive health subsumed under general non-communicable disease and aging laws.
Access to ATT-s
No therapies approved.
Organizations are listed for informational purposes based on publicly available sources. Inclusion does not necessarily indicate affiliation with or endorsement by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).

Highlights

Health system
Universal, Social Insurance (Mixed Provision)
National dementia plan
Dementia plan funding
No plan
Dementia prevalence rate
530
Dementia incidence rate
90
*per 100k Population
Prevalence Rate (per 100,000): 
This measures the total number of existing cases (both old and new) in a population at a specific point in time, divided by the total population and multiplied by 100,000. It tells you the overall "burden" or how widespread a condition is at that moment.
Incidence Rate (per 100,000): 
This measures the number of new cases that develop in a population over a specific period (usually one year), divided by the population at risk and multiplied by 100,000. This tells you the "speed" or risk of contracting the condition.

Population

102,255,153

Median age

33.9

Health expenditure (% of GDP)

4.70

Diagnosis

Despite national clinical guidance, Vietnam’s dementia diagnostic pathway remains fragmented and heavily reliant on specialist care, with up to 75% of patients reportedly experiencing delayed diagnosis. Primary care providers often lack specialised training and standardised screening, although MMSE, MoCA, and HDS-R are recognised tools. Specialist assessment typically involves cognitive testing and brain imaging. CT and MRI are available at major hospitals, while PET/CT remains more limited. Social Health Insurance generally reimburses 80% of covered diagnostic costs. There is no public evidence of Alzheimer’s genetic testing, while blood and CSF biomarkers remain largely research-based rather than routinely available.

Diagnosis pathway

Dementia diagnosis in Vietnam remains largely specialist-led despite national Ministry of Health guidance. Primary care workers often lack formal training and standardised screening tools, although the MMSE is recognised. Suspected cases are typically referred to specialist facilities for cognitive assessment, brain imaging, and neurological or neuropsychological evaluation.

Vietnam has a Ministry of Health clinical guideline that includes recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, however implementation in primary care remains limited. Qualitative studies on primary care indicate that community healthcare workers and general practitioners generally lack formal specialised training and standardised screening tools for dementia., Tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) are recognised by practitioners. Primary care providers rarely issue a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, serving primarily as an initial point of contact before referring patients to higher-level facilities or advising families to visit specialised centers. Once patients reach specialist care, the standard work-up generally includes cognitive testing plus brain imaging, with specialist teams often including neurologists and neuropsychologists.

Wait times

Long wait time (expected)

Up to 75% of dementia patients in Vietnam experience delayed diagnosis, reflecting fragmented access and reliance on limited specialist services.

Vietnamese health experts reported that up to 75% of dementia patients do not receive a timely diagnosis, and the community studies describe diagnosis happening only after family recognition, chance detection at annual check-ups, or referral into a small number of specialist services. So the main bottleneck appears to be delayed and fragmented access rather than a published service standard with set wait-time targets.

Diagnosis cost

Mostly or fully covered

Social Health Insurance typically reimburses 80% of covered diagnostic services, while patients contribute 20% and may face additional costs for private or uncovered care.

The costs of diagnosis are shared between Social Health Insurance (SHI) and patients. For most insured adults, SHI reimburses 80% of the cost of covered consultations and diagnostic investigations. Patients therefore usually pay a 20% co-payment for general practitioner (GP) visits, specialist consultations and diagnostic tests covered by SHI unless they qualify for higher reimbursement. Additional out-of-pocket payments may arise if patients seek care outside the referral pathway, choose private providers or use services not fully covered by SHI.

Cognitive tests

Available

In Vietnam, screening for Alzheimer’s disease commonly relies on short cognitive tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Revised Hasegawa’s Dementia Scale (HDS-R).

Imaging tests

Used in specific cases

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available in major Vietnamese hospitals and are used for neurological work-ups. For example, a Vietnamese university hospital states that it has multi-slice CT and 1.5T/3T MRI for neurological conditions, AIH lists CT and MRI among its diagnostic imaging services, and Vinmec’s neurology service lists CT, MRI, PET and SPECT.,, Positron emission tomography (PET)/CT exists in Vietnam, but access is much more limited than CT or MRI and can be disrupted by infrastructure constraints.

Genetic tests

There is no public evidence for availability of Alzheimer’s disease genetic testing.

Biomarker tests

Rarely used

For cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers, Vietnam looks to be at an early implementation stage rather than routine clinical use. The national dementia research programme in Vietnam says its work includes early diagnosis and biomarkers, and a 2026 report described a 10-year multicentre collaboration between Tam Anh hospitals and the National Geriatric Hospital to study blood biomarker testing for early Alzheimer’s disease detection. There is no public evidence of routine CSF biomarker services in standard care, so these tests currently appear to be mainly research-based in Vietnam.

Cognitive Tests

Available

In Vietnam, screening for Alzheimer’s disease commonly relies on short cognitive tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Revised Hasegawa’s Dementia Scale (HDS-R).

Imaging Tests

Used in specific cases

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available in major Vietnamese hospitals and are used for neurological work-ups. For example, a Vietnamese university hospital states that it has multi-slice CT and 1.5T/3T MRI for neurological conditions, AIH lists CT and MRI among its diagnostic imaging services, and Vinmec’s neurology service lists CT, MRI, PET and SPECT.,, Positron emission tomography (PET)/CT exists in Vietnam, but access is much more limited than CT or MRI and can be disrupted by infrastructure constraints.

Biomarker Tests

Rarely used

For cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers, Vietnam looks to be at an early implementation stage rather than routine clinical use. The national dementia research programme in Vietnam says its work includes early diagnosis and biomarkers, and a 2026 report described a 10-year multicentre collaboration between Tam Anh hospitals and the National Geriatric Hospital to study blood biomarker testing for early Alzheimer’s disease detection. There is no public evidence of routine CSF biomarker services in standard care, so these tests currently appear to be mainly research-based in Vietnam.

Treatment & Care

Vietnam’s dementia care remains highly centralised, with specialist services concentrated in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, while community-based, provincial, district, and dementia-specific palliative services are limited. Social Health Insurance reimburses eligible Alzheimer’s treatment, including consultations, hospital care, and approved medicines, at rates generally ranging from 80% to 100%. Dedicated financial support for informal carers is unavailable, although eligible vulnerable older adults can receive social assistance. Family caregivers can access non-financial support through REACH VN and the Dementia Caregiver Support Program, including education, counselling, training, and home-based assistance.

Specialized facilities and services

Specialised dementia care in Vietnam is concentrated mainly in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, with the National Geriatric Hospital serving as the leading centre for diagnosis, treatment, and research. Tertiary hospitals provide additional neurological and geriatric services, but dedicated memory clinics and community-based dementia care remain scarce. Provincial, district, and primary care facilities have limited capacity, while dementia-specific palliative care and hospice services are largely unavailable.

Vietnam has very limited specialised dementia services, with most expertise concentrated in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. The National Geriatric Hospital (NGH) in Hanoi is the country’s leading centre for dementia diagnosis, treatment and research and has run a national dementia management programme since 2008. Dementia services are also available through neurology and geriatric departments at several tertiary hospitals, but there is no nationwide network of dedicated memory clinics, and provincial and district facilities generally lack capacity for dementia diagnosis and management.

Published evidence indicates that Vietnam has very few formal community-based dementia services. The national situational analysis found that although Vietnam has an extensive primary healthcare network, grassroots facilities provide essentially no dementia-specific services, and specialist dementia care is largely confined to central and provincial hospitals in the three largest cities.

Vietnam has developed palliative care services, primarily for cancer and HIV, but there is little evidence of dedicated dementia-specific palliative care programmes or hospices.

Approved medication

Generic Name Trade Name Used for
Donepezil Aricept, Aricept ODT, Adlarity, Eranz, Memac, Alzepil, Davia, Donecept, Donep, Donepex, Donesyn, Dopezil, Yasnal, Memorit, Pezale, Redumas, Zolpezil, Namzaric* Donepezil is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia.
Rivastigmine Exelon, Exelon Patch, Prometax, Rivastach, Nimvastid Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia.
Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
Galantamine Razadyne, Razadyne ER, Reminyl, Reminyl XL, Nivalin, Lycoremine, Galsya Galantamine is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia of the Alzheimer type.

*Namzaric = combination of Donepezil and Memantine

Treatment cost

Social Health Insurance finances Alzheimer’s treatment in Vietnam, reimbursing covered consultations, hospital care, and approved medicines such as galantamine when clinical criteria are met. Coverage ranges from 80% to 100%, with many patients paying co-payments.

In Vietnam, treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is financed through the Social Health Insurance (SHI/BHYT) system. People with health insurance receive reimbursement for consultations, hospital care, and medicines that are included in the Ministry of Health’s reimbursement list. Alzheimer’s disease medicines such as galantamine are reimbursed under specific clinical criteria (e.g. confirmed diagnosis and mild-to-moderate disease). The level of reimbursement depends on the person’s insurance entitlement (typically 80%, 95%, or 100% of covered costs), meaning that many patients are still responsible for copayments unless they belong to groups eligible for full coverage.

Caregiver support

Vietnam has no national caregiver allowance or dementia-specific financial protection for informal carers. Existing social assistance supports eligible vulnerable older people rather than caregivers and is determined by socioeconomic circumstances rather than Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Nevertheless, REACH VN and the Dementia Caregiver Support Program provide family carers with psychoeducation, counselling, practical caregiving training, and home-based support.

Available evidence indicates that Vietnam does not provide financial support specifically for carers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease. No national caregiver allowance, paid family caregiving programme, or dementia-specific social protection scheme for informal carers was identified.

Vietnam’s Law on the Elderly provides financial support for certain vulnerable older adults. Older people who qualify for social assistance and are cared for in the community by a caregiver may receive a monthly social allowance, health insurance, and funeral support. However, this allowance is paid to support the older person rather than as a benefit for the caregiver, and eligibility is based on age, poverty, and social circumstances rather than a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

The REACH VN (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health in Vietnam) programme and the Dementia Caregiver Support Program in Vietnam provide psychoeducation, caregiving skills training, counselling, and home-based support for family care partners.

Policy

Vietnam has no national dementia strategy, although research and policy capacity are developing following its 2018 commitment to create a WHO-aligned plan. No official strategy or implementation timeline has yet emerged, and healthcare preparedness remains limited. Dementia misconceptions and stigma are also widespread, with 60.7% of surveyed adults considering dementia normal ageing. Strong family caregiving traditions provide important support but, alongside concerns about shame and loss of face, can discourage early diagnosis, formal healthcare, and residential care.

National dementia plan

Vietnam does not currently have a national Alzheimer’s disease or dementia strategy.

Upcoming plans

Vietnam is strengthening dementia research and policy capacity to support a future national dementia strategy, but no official strategy or timeline has been announced.

Policy gaps

Legal barriers

Although Vietnam has broad policies protecting older adults and addressing mental health, disability, and non-communicable diseases, dementia-specific policy remains limited. The country committed to developing a WHO-aligned national dementia plan in 2018, but implementation remains largely preparatory, without a comprehensive funded strategy, while healthcare services remain inadequately prepared for rising dementia needs.

The country has a broad policy framework for ageing, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and disability—including the 2009 Law on the Elderly—which provides general protections for older adults. However, dementia-specific legislation and policies remain limited. A national situational analysis conducted through the STRiDE (Strengthening Responses to Dementia in Developing Countries) project concluded that no dementia-specific policy existed, that policies promoting brain health were weak, and that healthcare services were not adequately prepared for the increasing challenges of dementia. Although Vietnam committed in 2018 to develop a national dementia plan consistent with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and has undertaken workshops and preparatory research, implementation has remained at the planning stage rather than resulting in a comprehensive funded national strategy.

Cultural barriers

Dementia awareness in Vietnam is hindered by widespread misconceptions and stigma, with 60.7% of surveyed adults believing dementia is a normal part of ageing. Cultural expectations of family caregiving encourage compassion and support but can discourage early diagnosis, formal healthcare, and residential care because of shame and loss of face. Limited diagnostic terminology and understanding further create barriers to help-seeking, emphasising the need for greater public education and dementia literacy.

A recent nationwide study involving adults from eight provinces found that 60.7% of respondents believed dementia is a normal part of ageing, despite recognising memory loss as a common symptom. The study also identified public stigma towards people living with dementia, concluding that misconceptions about dementia remain widespread and highlighting the need for public education to address stigma and improve dementia literacy. The authors emphasise that while Vietnamese culture places a strong value on family support for older people, these positive cultural norms coexist with misunderstandings that may discourage early diagnosis and help-seeking.

A systematic review of qualitative studies from Vietnam and the Vietnamese diaspora similarly found that dementia-related stigma is a recurring theme. People often lacked a specific diagnostic term for dementia and instead described symptoms informally, while cultural beliefs and family values created both opportunities and barriers to care. Strong expectations of family caregiving encouraged compassion and support but also discouraged the use of formal health and residential care services because of concerns about shame, loss of face, or the belief that cognitive decline is a normal aspect of ageing.

Research

Vietnam’s growing Alzheimer’s research landscape includes major hospitals and universities, with clinical trials nationally regulated and generally registered through international platforms such as ClinicalTrials.gov. Current research focuses on blood biomarkers and neuropsychological tools for early diagnosis, modifiable risk factors, prevention, and healthcare planning. Initiatives such as the VAN pilot grant programme also develop culturally appropriate caregiver support, dementia education, and community-based care models reflecting families’ central role in dementia care.

Clinical trials and registries

In Vietnam, clinical research and drug trials are strictly regulated at the national level by the Ministry of Health, specifically through the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) and the Administration of Science, Technology and Training (ASTT). To track and monitor these studies, Vietnam does not currently maintain a highly visible, public-facing domestic registry specifically designed for people living with dementia to search for active trials. Instead, researchers and international sponsors register their Vietnamese trial sites on global databases like ClinicalTrials.gov.

Selected innovative methods

Research innovation in Vietnam focuses on earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis, prevention, and improved family support. Researchers are evaluating blood biomarkers and neuropsychological assessments for earlier, less invasive detection, while examining modifiable risks including hypertension, diabetes, and physical inactivity to inform prevention strategies. The VAN pilot grant programme also supports culturally appropriate caregiver interventions, dementia education, and community-based care models, aiming to strengthen long-term support for families, who provide most dementia care in Vietnam.

Vietnam is increasingly investing in biomarker-based diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease. Research groups at the National Geriatric Hospital and Hanoi Medical University are studying blood biomarkers, neuropsychological assessments, and other diagnostic tools to improve the early detection of dementia. More recently, Vietnam has launched a long-term national program to evaluate blood-based biomarkers as a less invasive alternative to cerebrospinal fluid testing, with the goal of identifying Alzheimer’s disease before significant cognitive decline occurs.

Vietnamese researchers are investigating modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, including hypertension, diabetes, physical inactivity, and population ageing. Studies also assess the national challenges of dementia to guide healthcare planning and prevention strategies. This work supports evidence-based public health policies aimed at reducing dementia incidence through improved cardiovascular health, education, and healthy ageing initiatives.

Another important area of innovation is improving support for people living with dementia and their families. Through the VAN pilot grant program, researchers are developing culturally appropriate interventions for family caregivers, dementia education programs, and community-based care models. These studies recognise that family members provide most dementia care in Vietnam and aim to improve care partner knowledge, reduce challenges, and strengthen long-term support systems within the healthcare system.

Support

Organizations are listed for informational purposes based on publicly available sources. Inclusion does not necessarily indicate affiliation with or endorsement by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).

Alzheimer’s-specific civil society and media resources remain limited in Vietnam, with no registered foundations or dedicated media outlet, although VnADA provides dementia information and updates. Support initiatives include VIOBA’s awareness, training, advocacy, and community activities, REACH VN’s home-based caregiver programme, and the Dementia Caregiver Support Program, which provides culturally adapted education, behavioural management guidance, and coping strategies for family carers.

Selected national associations, patient family associations, NGOs:

Selected initiatives

Dementia awareness and caregiver support in Vietnam are developing through structured community and healthcare initiatives. VIOBA promotes public education, professional training, advocacy, and community support, while REACH VN provides home-based caregiver education, counselling, problem-solving, and stress management. The Dementia Caregiver Support Program offers culturally adapted training covering dementia knowledge, communication, behavioural symptoms, and coping, with early evidence indicating reduced caregiver challenges and supporting integration into healthcare services.

Dementia awareness and training
Organisation for Better Ageing (VIOBA), established in 2025 with support from HelpAge International, works with the Ministry of Health, the Vietnam Association of the Elderly, and the National Geriatric Hospital to promote dementia awareness, professional training, policy advocacy, and the expansion of Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs (ISHCs) as age-friendly community models that also support older people living with dementia and their families.
REACH caregiver programme
One of the best-documented psychosocial interventions is REACH VN (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health in Vietnam), an adaptation of the evidence-based REACH caregiver programme. Developed through collaboration between Vietnamese clinicians and international researchers, REACH VN provides structured in-home education, problem-solving training, stress management, and caregiver counselling over several weeks.31
Dementia Caregiver Support Program
Vietnam has also developed structured carer education through the Dementia Caregiver Support Program, implemented at Hospital 30-4 in Ho Chi Minh City. This culturally adapted programme, based on materials from the German Alzheimer's Society and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), consists of four group sessions covering dementia knowledge, communication, behavioural symptom management, and caregiver coping strategies. Early evaluations reported reductions in caregiver challenges and demonstrated the feasibility of implementing structured psychosocial support within the Vietnamese healthcare system.

Dedicated media outlets

No dedicated media outlet exists, but the Vietnam Alzheimer Disease & Neurocognitive Disorders Association (VnADA) maintains a news section with dementia-related updates, events, and educational content.

Understanding the terms

This section explains key terms used throughout the text to help readers better understand the exploration concepts.
Open Term Glossary
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Contents

Understanding the Terms

Terms used throughout this website are explained below.
A

Amyloid-Targeting Therapies (ATT): A class of disease-modifying treatments, primarily monoclonal antibodies, designed to identify and remove amyloid-beta plaques from the brain to slow cognitive and functional decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s. Examples include Lecanemab and Donanemab.

Aphasia: A language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, often seen early in Frontotemporal Dementia.

APOE ε4 Allele: A genetic variant of the Apolipoprotein E gene that is a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease; while not a causative gene, its presence increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: A class of medications, including Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine, used to treat cognitive symptoms by increasing levels of chemical messengers in the brain.

Advance Directives (DAT): Legal documents, such as Disposizioni Anticipate di Trattamento in Italy, that allow individuals to specify their future medical treatment and care preferences while they still have the capacity to do so.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD): The most common cause of dementia, characterized by a progressive neurodegenerative decline caused by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain.

Amyloid-beta Plaques: Protein fragments that build up in the spaces between nerve cells, disrupting communication and triggering immune responses.

Amyloid PET Scan: A specialized nuclear imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to visualize and measure the density of amyloid-beta plaques in the living brain.

Atrophy: The wasting away or shrinking of brain tissue, often measured via MRI to support a clinical diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

B

Biomarkers: Measurable biological indicators, such as proteins found in blood or cerebrospinal fluid, used to identify the underlying pathology of a disease.

Blood Biomarkers: Emerging, less-invasive diagnostic tests that measure specific proteins like p-tau or neurofilament levels in blood plasma to detect Alzheimer’s pathology.

C

CSF Analysis (Cerebrospinal Fluid): A diagnostic procedure involving a lumbar puncture to measure levels of tau and amyloid-beta proteins in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A diagnostic imaging test using X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain; used primarily to rule out other causes of cognitive decline such as tumors or strokes.

Clock Drawing Test (CDT): A brief cognitive screening task where a patient is asked to ask to draw a clock face; it evaluates visuospatial and executive function.

Cognitive Screening: The process of using standardized tests to objectively measure an individual’s mental functions, such as memory, orientation, and attention.

Community-based Care: Healthcare and support services provided within the local community, such as daycare centers, home-based nursing, and local support groups, rather than in institutional settings.

Cube Copying Test: A visuospatial assessment task used during neuropsychological evaluations to test a patient’s ability to replicate geometric shapes.

D

Dementia: An umbrella term for a range of neurological conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, and thinking skills severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Dementia-friendly Society: A community or national environment where citizens and businesses are trained to understand, respect, and support the needs of people living with dementia.

Disease-modifying Therapies (DMTs): A new class of treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Lecanemab), designed to target the underlying biological causes of Alzheimer’s rather than just managing symptoms.

E

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s: A form of the disease that affects people younger than age 65, often linked to the familial genes.

Executive Function: Higher-level mental skills including planning, focusing, and multitasking; these are often what the Clock Drawing Test evaluates.

F

FDG-PET: A type of PET scan that measures glucose metabolism in the brain to identify patterns characteristic of different dementia subtypes.

Familial Alzheimer’s Disease: A rare, genetic form of the disease linked to mutations in specific genes (APP, PSEN1, PSEN2) that typically presents with early-onset symptoms.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): A type of dementia caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the frontal or temporal lobes, leading to significant changes in behavior, personality, and language.

G

General Practitioner (GP): A primary care physician who acts as the first point of contact and gatekeeper for dementia diagnosis, providing initial assessments and referrals to specialists.

Genotyping: The analysis of an individual’s DNA to identify specific genetic variations associated with dementia risk or causation.

H

Hidden Cost: The indirect economic impacts of dementia, such as the loss of income for family members who must reduce working hours or leave their jobs to provide care.

I

Informal Care / Informal Caregiver: Unpaid care provided by family members, spouses, or friends, which represents the vast majority of long-term support for people living with dementia.

J

Japanese Cognitive Function Test (J-Cog): A specialized cognitive assessment tool used to evaluate mental and functional status in specific research or regional contexts.

L

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD): A type of progressive dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning, and independent function due to abnormal microscopic deposits that damage brain cells.

Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI): A specialized branch of insurance, found in systems like Germany and Singapore, that provides financial subsidies for daily living assistance and nursing care.

M

Memory Clinic: A specialized, often multidisciplinary center focused on the expert diagnosis, management, and treatment of dementia and cognitive disorders.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): An intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia where memory or thinking problems are noticeable but don’t yet prevent daily functioning.

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): A 30-point standardized questionnaire used to measure cognitive impairment by testing orientation, recall, and attention.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A cognitive screening tool designed to be more sensitive than the MMSE, particularly for identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment.

MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A non-invasive technology using magnetic fields to produce detailed images of brain structure; used to assess brain atrophy and rule out secondary causes.

N

National Dementia Plan: A formal government strategy outlining a coordinated response to manage dementia diagnosis, care, research, and awareness at a national level.

National Health Insurance (NHI): A government-funded or regulated healthcare system providing universal or subsidized medical services to citizens.

Neuroimaging: The use of advanced techniques, such as CT, MRI, and PET, to visualize the structure and function of the brain for diagnostic purposes.

Neuroinflammation: The brain’s immune response to damage or protein buildup; while initially protective, chronic inflammation can accelerate neurodegeneration.

O

Out-of-Pocket Costs: Direct payments made by patients or their families for medical services, tests, or care that are not covered by insurance or public subsidies.

P

Preclinical Alzheimer’s: The stage where brain changes (like amyloid buildup) are present but no outward symptoms are yet visible.

S

Synaptic Loss: The destruction of synapses (the gaps where neurons communicate), which is often the strongest correlate to cognitive decline.

T

Tau Tangles: Twisted fibers of a protein called tau that build up inside nerve cells, destroying the cell’s transport system.

V

Vascular Dementia: The second most common type of dementia, caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, like strokes.