Master of Science, Resident Doctor Nguyen Dinh Nam, Deputy Director of the Mental Healthcare Center at Phuong Dong General Hospital (Phuong Dong Medical Complex), stated that "not every instance of forgetfulness means Alzheimer's." However, if parents repeatedly ask the same question, get lost in familiar places, or struggle with tasks they once found easy, families should take their loved ones for examination. Raising community awareness is a critical issue.

"Breaking the prejudice that 'old age means confusion' is the first step to protecting the memory, dignity, and quality of life for the elderly in their later years," he said.

Master of Science, Resident Doctor Nguyen Dinh Nam, Deputy Director of the Mental Healthcare Center at Phuong Dong General Hospital, consults a patient. *Photo: Phuong Dong Asahi*

The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that every 3 seconds, one person develops dementia, with 60% to 80% of these cases attributed to Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) warns that dementia could become the third leading cause of death globally by 2040. In Vietnam, an estimated 600,000 people are living with this disease, though the actual figure may be higher as many cases are overlooked and dismissed as "senile confusion."

In this context, early detection and monitoring of cognitive and behavioral changes in the elderly are crucial. With a care model combining resort and nursing home services, Phuong Dong Asahi, part of the Phuong Dong Medical Complex, aims to create a safe living environment while enhancing health monitoring and the ability to recognize unusual signs in residents.

Here, a 24/7 nursing staff not only performs daily care tasks but also serves as trusted companions. Close monitoring of changes in emotions, gestures, behavior, and communication helps identify abnormal manifestations early, thereby reducing the chance of missing critical periods for diagnosing and intervening in elderly dementia.

Phuong Dong Asahi residents easily receive health monitoring at Phuong Dong General Hospital thanks to the "hospital-within-a-hospital" model. *Photo: Phuong Dong Asahi*

Furthermore, the advantage of the "hospital-within-a-hospital" model, directly connected to Phuong Dong General Hospital, blurs the lines between elderly care and medical treatment. Immediately upon indication, residents are transferred to the hospital for examination, dementia assessment using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scale, brain MRI to detect neurological damage, or receive supportive methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and relaxation exercises as professionally prescribed.

In addition to medical care, Phuong Dong Asahi emphasizes nutrition and activities supporting the physical, mental, and cognitive health of the elderly. Menus prioritize food groups considered beneficial for brain health, such as: fish, nuts, vegetables, and antioxidant-rich fruits. Residents also participate in activities like fine motor exercises, reading, playing chess, rehabilitation, combined with Onsen mineral baths and saunas as needed, contributing to maintaining physical activity and mental relaxation.

Residents participate in club activities at Phuong Dong Asahi. *Photo: Phuong Dong Asahi*

"Alzheimer's disease can blur memories, but the compassion, patience, and love from caregivers will be a spiritual anchor, bringing warmth and peace to old age," shared Ms. Nguyen Thi Gam, a Phuong Dong Asahi caregiver.

Hai My

Contact Phuong Dong Asahi Resort and Nursing Home Complex:

Address: 9 Pho Vien, Dong Ngac, Ha Noi.

Hotline: 1900 5288 - 097 807 9356