04.03.13. (How) does the policy incorporate aspects of prevention and risk reduction? (e.g., link to public health initiatives, community initiatives) | Hong Kong SAR

04.03.13. (How) does the policy incorporate aspects of prevention and risk reduction? (e.g., link to public health initiatives, community initiatives) | Hong Kong SAR

18 Aug 2022

As mentioned in the Mental Health Review Report (MHRR), the prevention of dementia can be divided in three conventional levels. On one hand, to delay the onset of dementia, primary prevention consists of public education and risk reduction measures to promote healthy lifestyles, social engagement, and cognitive reserve. On the other hand, secondary prevention includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological means for detection, diagnosis, intervention, and supportive services to manage the cognitive decline and progression of dementia. Moreover, tertiary prevention includes accurate and individualised need assessment to reduce the burden and to improve quality of life for persons with dementia and their family carers (Food and Health Bureau, 2017a, p. 186).

The Elderly Services Programme Plan (ESPP) mentions not only strategic directions on strengthening health maintenance, but also risk reduction and illness prevention by providing suitable services to older people with mild impairments (Working Group on Elderly Services Programme Plan, 2017, p. 24).

References:

Food and Health Bureau. (2017a). Mental Health Review Report.  Retrieved from https://www.fhb.gov.hk/download/press_and_publications/otherinfo/180500_mhr/e_mhr_full_report.pdf.

Working Group on Elderly Services Programme Plan, Elderly Commission of Government of Hong Kong SAR,. (2017). Elderly Services Programme Plan. Hong Kong: Elderly Commission of Government HKSAR Retrieved from https://www.elderlycommission.gov.hk/en/download/library/ESPP_Final_Report_Eng.pdf.