RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Dementia is increasingly overshadowing the elderly population in Indonesia. Based on data from free health screenings (CKG) conducted on 7 million senior citizens, 36 percent were found to have cognitive impairments.

"From the health screenings of 7 million elderly individuals, we found that 36 percent showed indications of cognitive impairment, meaning a substantial portion likely has dementia. Thirty-six percent of 7 million equates to around 2 million people," said Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Ministry of Health, Imran Pambudi, on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

According to medical source Alodokter, dementia is a medical condition characterized by a decline in memory, logical thinking abilities, and other cognitive functions. The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Imran noted that Indonesia's elderly population currently stands at 37 million and is projected to rise continuously, potentially accounting for 20 percent of the total population by 2045.

"In discussions with neurologists, I learned that the onset of dementia is occurring at an increasingly younger age. While it used to affect those aged 65 or 70, we are now seeing people in their 50s or 60s developing dementia. This is an alarm that demands our attention," he warned.

Furthermore, Imran explained that early symptoms, such as frequent forgetfulness, can begin to manifest as early as age 40.

Dementia can be prevented through simple habits, such as a daily 20-minute walk. Imran conveyed that regular walking can lower the risk of dementia by up to 40 percent.

He also recommended increasing the intake of green leafy vegetables and ensuring adequate rest. Psychologically, the human brain begins to shrink at age 30, but this process can be delayed through physical activities like walking.

"Dementia occurs due to a buildup of cellular waste, and sleep helps flush this waste out. If the cleaning process is cut short, the brain cannot be fully cleared," he explained.

Meanwhile, a Neurologist at Sentra Medika Cisalak Hospital in Depok, West Java, Riwanti Yuliami, noted that dementia severely disrupts both social interactions and work performance. She pointed out that while some causes of dementia are tied to unalterable factors like age, others are entirely preventable.

For instance, Parkinson's dementia can be triggered by underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Consequently, it can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

On the other hand, Alzheimer's dementia cannot be prevented as it is fundamentally linked to the aging process. Nonetheless, she urged the public not to underestimate the condition.

"Dementia is the medical term, while laypeople often call it senility (pikun). The general public frequently dismisses senility as a normal part of aging, but this misconception must be corrected, it is a disease, and it can be prevented," emphasized Riwanti.

As cited from Alodokter, there is currently no definitive way to completely prevent dementia. However, practicing a healthy lifestyle and maintaining cognitive function can significantly help mitigate the risk.

Key habits to lower the risk include adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as getting sufficient sleep every night and quitting smoking. Additionally, it is essential to exercise regularly, maintain an ideal body weight, and consume a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, while strictly limiting alcohol consumption.

Mental health and cognitive function must also be nurtured by managing stress effectively and regularly exercising the brain through activities like reading or playing chess.

Lastly, individuals should maintain active social relationships and routinely check their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels to ensure they remain within normal limits. (Annaila Azzahra/EN)