The Growing Burden Of Alzheimer's Disease In Southeast Asia: Challenges And Future Outlook

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is an escalating public health crisis in Southeast Asia due to increasing life expectancy and an aging population. As of 2022, the number of people living with dementia in the Asia-Pacific region exceeded 23 million, with estimates predicting a rise to 71 million by 2050. In Southeast Asia, countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand have witnessed a significant surge in AD cases, attributed to population aging, lifestyle changes, and limited awareness of cognitive health. Prevalence rates vary across the region, but projections suggest that by 2030, over 10 million people in Southeast Asia will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Despite this growing burden, AD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to a lack of accurate epidemiological data and delayed intervention.

The primary risk factors for AD in Southeast Asia include advanced age, genetic predisposition, cardiovascular diseases, and lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and smoking. Additionally, a high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and stroke in the region contributes to an increased risk of cognitive decline. The rapid urbanization and industrialization in countries like Malaysia and Vietnam have also introduced environmental risk factors, including increased exposure to air pollution, which has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases.

Currently, no cure exists for AD, but treatment options include cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine) and NMDA receptor antagonists (memantine) to manage symptoms. Emerging treatments, such as anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies like aducanumab and lecanemab, offer potential disease-modifying effects, but their accessibility remains limited in many Southeast Asian countries due to high costs and regulatory barriers. Non-pharmacological interventions, including cognitive therapy, physical exercise, and diet modifications, are increasingly recommended for managing AD progression.

Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the region, such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) and the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), have launched dementia awareness campaigns and national action plans. However, gaps remain in early diagnosis, caregiver support, and healthcare infrastructure. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) have called for urgent policy changes to improve dementia care in low- and middle-income Southeast Asian nations.

Despite these efforts, the mortality rate associated with AD continues to rise. By 2022, dementia-related deaths in Southeast Asia had surpassed 450,000 annually, reflecting both an aging population and inadequate healthcare resources. The economic impact is also severe, with AD-related healthcare and caregiving costs projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030 in the region, putting immense strain on families and national healthcare systems.

This review explores the epidemiological trends, underlying causes, available treatments, governmental and non-governmental guidelines, and future perspectives on AD management in Southeast Asia. With dementia cases expected to triple in the next three decades, urgent interventions are needed to strengthen early detection programs, expand access to treatment, and implement effective public health strategies to address this growing crisis.