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HKSH Survey: 80% Opine Lack of Alzheimer's Understanding Delays Treatment Highlighting Need of Timely Detection in Preclinical Stage to Alleviate Burden on Patients and Caregivers
2025-12-17
(17 December 2025, Hong Kong) With an ageing population, dementia, which is closely linked to age, is becoming increasingly common in Hong Kong. Data show1 that the prevalence rate is 1.1% for people aged 60-64, soaring to 49.8% by age 85. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. However, according to the World Health Organization, it remains underdiagnosed and most patients are diagnosed at a later stage. Due to the severity and irreversible nature of the disease, it places a heavy physical and mental burden on patients and caregivers.
To understand Hong Kong citizens' awareness and attitudes towards Alzheimer's disease, HKSH Medical Group (HKSH) conducted an online survey between September and October 2025, attracting 786 respondents to share their views. The results indicated three major misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease, which could lead patients to miss the opportunity for timely diagnosis and intervention. Nearly 40% of respondents believed that Alzheimer’s disease is simply a part of normal ageing. Over 30% thought that there is no treatment, and nearly 80% attributed delayed medical attention to a lack of understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. The apparent lack of knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease presents a call for concerns about under-diagnosis.
Dr Joseph CHAN, Chief Medical Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, said, “Alzheimer's disease is a condition that often instills fear in people, but we believe that a correct understanding of the disease is the first step in addressing it. In August this year, HKSH launched the Alzheimer’s Awareness and Screening Programme to raise public awareness and help both doctors and patients understand the risks and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Since programme launch, over half of the participants have been tested positive and require follow-up action. With the continuous advancement of clinical research, HKSH now offers a one-stop management service for Alzheimer's disease, including blood test screening, dual-tracer PET scan, as well as personalised treatment plans and follow-up care.”
Please click here for more details.
To understand Hong Kong citizens' awareness and attitudes towards Alzheimer's disease, HKSH Medical Group (HKSH) conducted an online survey between September and October 2025, attracting 786 respondents to share their views. The results indicated three major misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease, which could lead patients to miss the opportunity for timely diagnosis and intervention. Nearly 40% of respondents believed that Alzheimer’s disease is simply a part of normal ageing. Over 30% thought that there is no treatment, and nearly 80% attributed delayed medical attention to a lack of understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. The apparent lack of knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease presents a call for concerns about under-diagnosis.
Dr Joseph CHAN, Chief Medical Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, said, “Alzheimer's disease is a condition that often instills fear in people, but we believe that a correct understanding of the disease is the first step in addressing it. In August this year, HKSH launched the Alzheimer’s Awareness and Screening Programme to raise public awareness and help both doctors and patients understand the risks and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Since programme launch, over half of the participants have been tested positive and require follow-up action. With the continuous advancement of clinical research, HKSH now offers a one-stop management service for Alzheimer's disease, including blood test screening, dual-tracer PET scan, as well as personalised treatment plans and follow-up care.”
Please click here for more details.
