Dr Mythily Subramaniam

Dr Mythily Subramaniam is a leading mental health researcher with extensive expertise in psychiatric epidemiology, psychosis, and addictions. She is the Director of the Research Division at Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and the Lead Investigator of the Mental Health Policy Studies Program. She holds academic appointments at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of mental disorders, contributing to evidence-based policy and intervention development. Dr. Subramaniam has played a key role in large-scale national studies, including the Singapore Mental Health Study and the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly study, which have led to a nuanced perspective of the Singapore mental health landscape.

Track Title: WISE Study: Dementia and Depression in Older Adults
Date: 16 July 2025, Wednesday
Time: 5.05 PM
Breakout Session: Track 2 – Emerging Trends & Insights

Synopsis
Over the past decade, global dementia prevalence has continued to rise, driven by population aging, improved diagnostic recognition, and evolving risk factor profiles. While overall prevalence rates have increased, some high-income countries have reported a stabilisation or decline, potentially due to improved cardiovascular health, higher education levels, and public health interventions. In contrast, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing sharper rises due to demographic shifts and persistent modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and air pollution. Emerging evidence also highlights lifestyle factors, genetic predispositions, and social determinants as crucial contributors to dementia risk. Advances in large-scale epidemiological studies and predictive  modelling have further refined our understanding of these trends. This talk will explore recent findings on dementia prevalence, key risk and protective factors, and implications for future prevention and intervention strategies.