In response to strong public participation and enthusiasm, PT Prodia Widyahusada Tbk (PRDA) is launching its free Dementia Screening Program again in . The program initially ran in and , successfully reaching 40,000 participants across Indonesia. This year’s iteration aims to screen 20,000 individuals, focusing on the elderly population throughout the country.
This initiative underscores Prodia’s commitment to promoting early detection of cognitive impairment and implementing its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) pillars, particularly the social aspect of “Providing Healthcare Services for All.” This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3, focused on Good Health and Well-Being.
Dementia is characterized by a decline in cognitive functions – including memory, thinking, and language – that can significantly impact a person’s independence and quality of life. Early detection is therefore crucial for optimizing preventative measures and initiating appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
Globally, the prevalence of dementia is a growing concern. Data from Alzheimer Disease International estimates that approximately 55 million people worldwide currently live with dementia, a number projected to triple by . In Indonesia, an estimated 1.2 million people were living with dementia in , and projections indicate this number could increase by over 300% to 4 million by .
“The success of this Dementia Screening Program stems from the strong desire and enthusiasm shown by the public since its inception,” says Indriyanti Rafi Sukmawati, Director of Business &. Marketing at Prodia. “This indicates a growing awareness among the public, especially the elderly, regarding the risks of dementia and the importance of early detection as a preventative measure to maintain quality of life.”
The program will offer free screenings to individuals aged 50 and above at Prodia Clinic branches. The screening process begins with the AD-8 INA questionnaire. Participants scoring 2 or higher on this initial assessment will then undergo the MOCA-INA examination administered by a Prodia physician.
Individuals identified as potentially experiencing cognitive decline will be referred for further examination and consultation with a neurologist or geriatric internist at Prodia Senior Health Centres, currently located in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar.
In , the program reached nearly 30,000 participants, exceeding its target of 20,000. This represents a significant increase from the approximately 10,000 participants screened in the previous year. This growth is attributed to increased public education efforts aimed at raising awareness about the importance of early dementia detection.
AVP Business at Prodia, Indri Marya Wulandari, emphasizes that the program provides more than just screening services. Participants also receive ongoing education and referrals for further consultation and examination as needed. “We hope this initiative will encourage the public to be more proactive about brain health and take preventative steps to reduce the risk of dementia,” she stated.
Prodia continues to strengthen its sustainability programs, focusing on improving health literacy and ensuring equitable access to medical services. This is achieved through the development of personalized medicine services, including those offered at the Prodia Senior Health Centre, which emphasizes integrated care tailored to individual needs.
Through the continuation and expansion of these initiatives, Prodia aims to empower individuals to proactively maintain cognitive function, utilize early detection methods, and implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of dementia and support a higher quality of life.
