Singapore, 4 March 2011 - The National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) will be hosting the 2^nd Singapore International Neurocognitive Symposium at Hilton Singapore, Grand Ballroom on 4 – 5 March 2011.

Singapore is one of the fastest ageing countries in the world. It was noted that by 2030, one-fifth of Singapore's population will be 65 and older, making it among the 10 fastest ageing countries in the world. With this, the number of Singaporeans suffering dementia is likely to rise. We expect that the number of persons with dementia will more than double from about 20,000 today to 45,000 by year 2020.

Dementia represents the progressive decline in cognitive function due to various brain diseases. Contrary to common belief, dementia is not an inevitable part of the ageing process. The main causes of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Risk factors for both include strokes and other vascular risk factors.

According to data provided by the NNI, about 40% of patients attending the NNI memory clinic are under 65 years old. The burden of illness in these younger patients has profound effect on employment, finances and family. It is thus important that NNI continues to thoroughly evaluate these younger patients for reversible causes.

Comprising a faculty of 30 speakers representing the various hospitals and professional organizations, the 2-day conference will draw together an audience of more than 300 healthcare professionals which includes family physicians, specialists, nurses and therapists. The conference provides a platform for the professionals to exchange up-to-date information in the field of cognitive disorders, ranging from epidemiology, to practical clinical applications and management.

In addition to the series of lecture sessions, there will various workshops that focus on neurology of dementia, neurocognitive evaluation in dementia and behavioural and psychological symptoms.

In line with the theme of this year’s symposium – Integrating New Developments to Enhance Dementia Care, the NNI is pleased to also announce that the Neurocognitive Research and Training Consortium (NRTC), Southeast Asia will be officially inaugurated at the meeting in recognition of the value of regional alliance in understanding and addressing the neurocognitive health needs of Southeast Asian populations. The Consortium aims to tap on current and future resources in Southeast Asia in a concerted manner so as to generate greater public awareness, earlier diagnosis, and novel treatment options for patients with cognitive deficits.

The NRTC will carry out clinical and translational research to understand the pathophysiology of cognitive disorders in the context of the unique genetic and biological make-up of the population in this region. It will also assist clinicians translate these research findings to clinical applications that will be meaningful in the management of cognitive disorders across Southeast Asia.