On 7 February, Dementia Singapore rolled out the first 'Find Your Way' initiative in collaboration with SBS Transit at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange. The initiative, which aims to help persons with dementia and seniors navigate bus interchanges and MRT stations with ease using reminiscence-inspired murals and corresponding floor arrow decals, was launched by Senior Minister of State for Transport Mr Chee Hong Tat.
March
Dementia Singapore partnered with Kebun Baru Grassroots Organisations to launch the Integrated Dementia (Home-based) Assisted Living project (IDeAL@115) – a new model of care retrofitted to an existing block of HDB flats in Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 for seniors to age-in-place within their communities. IDeAL@115 was launched on 5 March 2022 by Guest-of-Honour Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
August
On 17 August, the second edition of the 'Find Your Way' initiative was rolled out at Chinatown MRT Station. The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Mr Baey Yam Keng.
September – World Alzheimer's Month (WAM)
Walk2Remember national virtual steps challenge organized for the third year, in collaboration with partners from the Ang Mo Kio Partners' Network. Between 1 to 21 September, the challenge drew over 3,500 participants and 519 million steps clocked.
Keppel Corporation, through Keppel Care Foundation, pledged $1 million over three years to support Dementia Singapore. The partnership was launched on 15 September by Guest-of-Honour President Halimah Yacob.
On 17 September, a physical Walk2Remember Walkathon was organized at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, where the Community Living Resource (Ang Mo Kio Edition) was launched.
Dementia Singapore launched its headline campaign '1000 Cranes', creating a digital campaign for the public to send Virtual Crane messages to the dementia community. On 21 September, the short film '1000 Paper Cranes' was launched.
World Alzheimer's Day culminated with Dementia Singapore's historical light-up of five iconic landmarks – Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Flyer, and National Stadium – in purple and yellow.
October
On 14 October, National Gallery Singapore and Dementia Singapore launched 'Art with You' – an evidence-based museum programme that aims to foster positive and meaningful engagement between persons with dementia and their caregivers.
November
On 20 November, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) officially launched the national #DementiaFriendlySG movement. A strategic partnership with Dementia Singapore was also formalized. The occasion was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health.
2021
August
On 12 August, Dementia Singapore appointed local celebrities Tay Ping Hui and Munah Bagharib as its first-ever brand ambassadors.
September
After 31 years as Alzheimer's Disease Association (ADA), the association transited to a Company Limited by Guarantee on 1 September. Now known as Dementia Singapore, Singapore's President Halimah Yacob commemorated the milestone.
Walk2Remember national virtual steps challenge for the second year, with almost 6,000 participants and 851 million steps made.
On 6 September, Dementia Singapore launched the first localized business toolkit to help businesses create dementia-inclusive workplaces.
On World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September, the National Stadium dome was lit up in purple and yellow.
Dementia Singapore and the Agency for Integrated Care launched DementiaHub.SG, Singapore's first one-stop resource portal on dementia.
November
On 1 November, Dementia Social Club replaced the Family of Wisdom (Tiong Bahru) programme as a new care model.
On 23 November, Dementia Singapore launched CARA, its pioneering Dementia Membership Programme – the first-of-its-kind in the world.
2020
January
At the Singapore Health Quality Service Awards (SHQSA) on 14 January, five ADA employees received Silver Awards.
February
On 17 February, ADA received the Learning Enterprise Award and became a member of the Learning Enterprise Alliance (LEA).
March – COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic surged, ADA took most programmes and services online. Innovations include Memories Café 360-degrees livestream format and Family of Wisdom virtual sessions.
The Wayfinding Project – a mural painting project of retro items – was launched in Kebun Baru.
April
ADA, together with Lien Foundation, launched the Dementia Language Guidelines titled 'Changing Words, Touching Lives'.
May
ADA bade farewell to Mrs Theresa Lee, ADA Deputy CEO, who retired after 19 years.
On 5 May, ADA launched 'SPOC-19' initiative to help families with concerns about those with dementia and safe distancing.
June
New Horizon Centre (Bukit Batok) was appointed as a Designated Senior Care Centre in Singapore.
July
ADA launched the Meeting Centre Support Programme (MCSP) with two pilot Meeting Centres in Bendemeer and Kebun Baru.
August
ADA made the difficult decision to close down ADA Café on 26 August 2020.
Family of Wisdom (Toa Payoh) centre also ceased operations on 26 August 2020.
September – World Alzheimer's Month
ADA launched the inaugural ADA Walk2Remember 2020 with 3,400 participants and 380 million steps.
On 21 September, ADA unveiled a community-collaborated LEGO Mural titled 'ADA Build with Us 2020'.
ADA officially launched Post Diagnostic Support on 24 September.
October
ADA Academy launched a new course 'Facilitate Meaningful Interaction with Persons with Dementia'.
November
ADA's Caregiver Support Services launched Caregivers Support & Network (CSN).
December
ADA hosted the 34th International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), with more than 1,700 delegates from over 100 countries.
ADA Academy was appointed as one of eight Learning Institutes under the Agency for Integrated Care Learning Network.
2019
Piloted 'Voices for Hope' – the first empowerment, self-advocacy programme in Singapore for persons with dementia.
First in Asia to introduce the Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) developed by Dementia Australia.
Released the first national survey on dementia in Singapore with SMU – revealing nearly 3 in 4 persons with dementia feel rejection and loneliness.
Developed the #DespiteDementia campaign to fight dementia stigma.
On 29 October, ADA Headquarters moved to 20 Bendemeer Road, BS Bendemeer Centre.
Released research report on the Impact of ADA's Arts & Dementia Programme.
Piloted 'Journey with Arts & Dementia' (JADe) capability-building programme.
2018
Singapore's President Halimah Yacob accepted ADA's invitation as Patron.
ADA participated in cashless payment technologies such as PayNow platform.
Commemorated World Alzheimer's Month with 15 activities in September.
Organized the World Alzheimer's Month 2018 Conference with more than 450 participants.
Organized a fundraising charity concert 'Love for All Seasons' and raised more than $30,000.
2017
Organized the first Dementia Roundtable with government and industry partners on 24 November.
Held the World Alzheimer's Month's symposium 'The Dementia Symposium 2017 – It Can Strike Early' with 400 participants.
A third Centre for Family of Wisdom programme was set up at Toa Payoh.
Updated ADA's Mission to be recognized as Singapore's leading organisation in dementia care.
Established a new Community Enabling pillar within ADA.
2016
ADA participates in a pilot project for the proposed Networked Care application (eCareApp).
Launch of a series of Experiential Art Support Therapy.
Open house following renovations at New Horizon Centre Toa Payoh.
ADACafé @ AgapeV opens to the public on 24th October.
2015
'Still Alice' Charity Movie Premiere in January.
Arts & Dementia Programme's exhibition at Jurong Community Library.
ADA's 25th Anniversary Symposium in October.
Commemorate ADA's 25th Anniversary in November.
2014
Piloted Dementia Café at Crossings Café (later renamed Memories Café).
A second centre for Family of Wisdom programme was set up (Tiong Bahru).
ADA started its consultancy work as a Centre of Specialisation for dementia care.
NNI collaborated with ADA to pilot the ESTEEM project for Young Onset Dementia.
ADA piloted robotic animal toys as assistive technology.
Jurong Point Shopping Centre participated in the Dementia-Friendly Mall programme.
2013
ADA's Arts & Dementia programme received a grant from the National Arts Council.
ADA relocated to Luzerne Building in Bendemeer Road. The ADA Resource & Training Centre (ARTC) was set up with funding from The Singapore Ireland Fund.
Family Caregiver Training Programme (FCTP) kicked off at the ARTC in May.
The 'Family of Wisdom' programme (FOW) pilot received funding from The Pitch competition.
In April, ADA officially launched its Facebook page.
In October, ARTC became host to the regional office of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI).
2012
New Horizon Centre (Bukit Batok) initiated the Arts & Dementia project with a tour of the Peranakan Museum.
ADA completed Phase 2 of pilot projects including Person-Centred Home-Based Intervention and Eldersit Respite Care.
Won the Outstanding VWO Award 2012 (Innovation) – Winner of the NCSS Pitch (People's Choice).
Organized inaugural Symposium 'The Future of Dementia Care: Setting The Standards Today For Tomorrow'.
A Chief Executive Officer for ADA was recruited.
2011
Won the Outstanding VWO Award 2011 (Innovation) – Winner of the NCSS Pitch.
Corporate website was enhanced with more information on dementia and caregiving.
Piloted 'Eldersit Respite Care' service project.
Implemented Person-Centred Care culture change at New Horizon Centre (Toa Payoh).
Accreditation of New Horizon Centre (Tampines) as a Day Rehabilitation Centre in October.
2001-2010
2010
ADA celebrated 20 years in service.
Won the Inaugural NCSS Outstanding VWO Award 2010 (Collaboration).
Initiated pilot projects for Extension of Day Care Hours and Home-based Intervention service.
New Horizon Centre (Tampines) relocated to its new premises.
A second Caregiver Support Centre was set up in Tiong Bahru Central Plaza.
2009
ADA hosted the 24th Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International in Singapore.
Dementia Awareness Week activities including a Mass Exercise cum Walk of 5,000 participants.
Produced a Guidebook on Early Dementia Programme Care Model.
New Horizon Centre (Jurong Point) was officially opened on 25 July by Mr Lim Boon Heng.
Caregiver Support Service Programme expanded with the setup of the Caregiver Support Centre at Bukit Timah.
2008
Signed MOU with Bradford University to introduce Dementia Care Mapping in Singapore.
Started fourth Centre at Jurong Point Shopping Centre for early-stage and young-onset dementia.
'Vintage Glamour' Gala Dinner cum Auction event held for fundraising.
Initiated 'Safe Return' identification card scheme with NCSS.
Organized 1st Conference for Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia.
The Straits Times ran a 6-page Special Report on Dementia for World Alzheimer's Day 2008.
2007
Launched the 1st Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) training course in Singapore.
NCSS appointed ADA as a Centre of Specialisation.
Research project conducted to study the profile of family caregivers.
Concert 'Celebrating Abilities' performed by clients.
Launched manual cum DVD 'A Journey Together – An Activities Kit for Caregivers'.
2006
ADA won the bid to host the 24th International Conference of ADI in Singapore in 2009.
Early Dementia Programme implemented at New Horizon Centre (Bukit Batok).
Implemented Person-Centred approach using Well-being Profiling from Dementia Care Mapping.
Strategic Planning discussion held to review ADA's directions.
Teochew Opera and Music Performance fundraising event organized.
2005
Charity Dinner held in May with launch of ADA corporate video.
Launched first local children's story book on Alzheimer's disease – 'Where's Grandma'.
Hosted the 1st Alzheimer's University Programme with 35 participants from 14 Asia-Pacific countries.
Well Being Profiling research project carried out with Alzheimer's Australia Western Australia.
Caregiver Support Services expanded to include talks in Mandarin and Malay.
2004
Early Dementia Programme implemented at New Horizon Centre (Toa Payoh).
ADA organized its 1st Flag Day for World Alzheimer's Day.
One person with dementia gave a public talk at the World Alzheimer's Day forum.
Awarded funding from NCSS for Specialised Caregiver Support Services.
Pilot support group 'Living with Memory Loss' was started.
2003
ADA held its 2nd 'Memory Walk' fundraising walkathon at Bukit Gombak Stadium.
2002
New Horizon Centre (Tampines) was handed over to ADA on 1 January – integrating rehabilitation and dementia care.
Plans for Early Dementia Programme got off the ground for New Horizon Centre (Toa Payoh).
Physiotherapy and Occupational Services introduced at New Horizon Centres.
ADA organized 1st 'Memory Walk' fundraising walkathon at Toa Payoh Stadium.
2001
An Executive Director for ADA was recruited.
1990-2000
2000
ADA hosted the 2nd Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Dementia Care.
A Consensus Statement on Dementia from the 2nd Asia-Pacific meeting was published.
Charity Dinner organized for World Alzheimer's Day 2000.
New Horizon Centre (Toa Payoh) relocated to new premises on 13 May.
Community Outreach Programme with volunteer nurses from Woodbridge Hospital was started.
1999
ADA organized the 1st Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International in Singapore with 12 countries.
1998
World Alzheimer's Day commemorated with a fund-raising dinner.
Newsletter was redesigned and a Chinese version was launched.
Series of public talks on 'The Importance of Early Dementia Detection' held.
Community home visits made in Toa Payoh.
1997
ADA developed its own corporate website.
Organized a Charity Dinner which raised $71,200.
Commemorated World Alzheimer's Day with public forum 'Alzheimer's Disease: A Race Against Time'.
1996
The late Dr Wee Kim Wee became a Patron of ADA.
ADA organized its first World Alzheimer's Day with exhibitions at Parkway Parade and Junction 8.
1995
ADA started sourcing for a third day care centre.
The New Paper and DFS Singapore adopted ADA and raised funds.
ADA joined Alzheimer's Disease International as a member.
1994
New Horizon Centre featured in a television documentary on Dementia.
A 3-day workshop on Managing Dementia organized for caregivers.
ADA started its first training attachment at New Horizon Centres.
1993
Dementia Management Training Package developed with Tsao Foundation.
Newsletter circulation increased from 3,000 to 5,000 copies.
ADA started a second centre, New Horizon Centre (Bukit Batok).
Official Opening on 12 Nov by Dr Aline Wong, Minister of State for Health.
Open House held for Senior Citizens' Week.
1992
Singapore Council of Social Services handed over New Horizon Centre (Toa Payoh) to ADA on 1 January.
ADA started sourcing for a second day care centre.
Support group meetings for caregivers were started.
ADA published its first newsletter and created a logo.
First fund-raising event, a Charity Carnival at Orchard Road, raised $40,000.
1991
New Horizon Centre at Toa Payoh was officially opened on 16 March by Mr Wong Kan Seng, Minister for Community Development.
Co-organized a seminar on Dementia with the Gerontological Society.
1990
Alzheimer's Disease Association (ADA) was formed.
First Dementia Day Care Centre, New Horizon Centre (Toa Payoh), was set up as a pilot project of SCSS.
