HKSH Survey: 80% Opined Lack of Alzheimer's Understanding Delays Treatment Highlighting Need of Timely Detection in Preclinical Stage to Alleviate Burden on Patients and Caregivers

(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.

Know more about HKSH Alzheimer’s Awareness & Screening Programme.