Ageing and Cognitive Health: Insights from a Geriatric Doctor in Singapore
- Mar 2
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
A Feature on Dr Melanie Tan of Straits Geriatrics Centre | Geriatric Specialist
Growing Older, Living Well
Ageing can be a beautiful chapter of life, but it often comes with changes that families may not be fully prepared for. As mobility slows, memory fluctuates, and health needs become more complex, many older adults and their caregivers find themselves searching for answers, support, and a trusted guide.
This is where the role of a compassionate geriatric doctor in Singapore becomes deeply meaningful. At Straits Geriatrics Centre, Dr Melanie Tan leads with warmth, clarity, and a holistic approach that honours the stories, needs, and dignity of every older adult. Her philosophy is simple: ageing should never feel like navigating a maze alone. With the right guidance, proper assessment, and tailored care, seniors can continue to live with comfort, independence, and joy.
What You Will Learn From This Article:
Watch the Interview
Audio version coming soon on PodBean
You can also read the full transcript here
What Are the Signs of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults?
Understanding Early Changes in Memory, Thinking, and Behaviour
Cognitive decline is one of the most common concerns families notice as loved ones age. It can be subtle at first, and many people are unsure whether the changes are “normal” or a sign to consult a geriatric doctor in Singapore.
Common early signs include:
Forgetting recent conversations or events
Misplacing items frequently
Difficulty following instructions or managing daily tasks
Struggling with finances, phone use, or digital devices
Becoming more withdrawn or less interested in activities
Changes in mood, irritability, or anxiety
Getting lost in familiar places
Trouble finding words or expressing thoughts
Repeating questions or stories
Poor judgement or unusual decisions
Dr Tan explains that normal ageing is not the same as dementia. Occasional forgetfulness can be expected. However, when memory issues begin affecting day-to-day life, family relationships, or independence, a proper assessment becomes essential.
“Perhaps it is not being able to use the phone or i-banking… depending on what the problem is, come in, let us know and we can evaluate for you.”
Early assessment helps identify whether the cause is dementia, a medical condition like thyroid imbalance, mood disorders, sleep issues, or even silent strokes, many of which are treatable.
What Makes Geriatric Medicine Different
Geriatrics looks beyond a single diagnosis. As Dr Tan explains, “In geriatric care, we focus on care of the complex older adult.”
Older adults often live with multiple medical, physical, and emotional needs. This can include:
Dementia or memory concerns
Confusion or mood changes
Falls and frailty
Mobility challenges
Heart failure and breathlessness
Joint pains or osteoporosis
End-of-life needs
What sets geriatric medicine apart is the holistic approach, looking not only at medical conditions, but at daily function, home safety, social support, and emotional well-being.
At Straits Geriatrics Centre, assessments and care plans are designed to help seniors not just survive illness, but return to the quality of life they value.A Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment: Why It Matters
A comprehensive assessment acts like a “deep dive” into an older adult’s health, mood, memory, function, and daily challenges.
Dr Tan describes it as “a ton of questions” designed to understand someone beyond symptoms: uncovering hidden issues such as unintentional weight loss, risk of falls, nutritional gaps, constipation, or signs of early cognitive decline.
By identifying these early, the team can recommend steps to prevent further deterioration and support healthy ageing.
Warm, Personalised Care, Both in Clinic or at Home
Straits Geriatrics Centre offers a wide range of services, including:
Dementia screening
Falls risk assessment
Clinic consultations
Home visits and home-based care
IV hydration, antibiotics, catheter care, feeding tube management
Nutritional and continence management
Palliative and end-of-life care
Hospital reviews when patients are admitted
Preventive care: vaccinations, exercise prescriptions, chronic disease monitoring
For patients too unwell to travel, Dr Tan and her nurse provide home evaluations, a service highly valued by families.
“Home is of course the most comfortable environment for most… and being able to assess you, evaluate you and also provide treatments in your home is actually very important.”
A Journey Inspired by Human Stories
For Dr Tan, her path into medicine began from a place of wanting to understand and wanting to help.
“So my story to medicine is a personal one. I essentially didn't want to feel very helpless. I wanted to be armed with knowledge on how to handle certain situations that afflict us, you know, everyone in their day to day life.”
It was only during her early posting in geriatrics that she found her calling. Reading through handwritten case notes, she found herself drawn not just to diagnoses, but to the life behind each file.
“Understanding and reading through their stories is like reading a storybook… it helped me to understand more than just the illness, but how the person works, how they interacted, who was at home with them.”
This deeper appreciation of each patient’s story continues to shape her compassionate and person-centred style of care today.
Meet the Doctor
Dr Tan understands that ageing comes with uncertainties. Her message to caregivers is gentle and grounding: priorities may shift, and expectations need to be adjusted with each phase of life.
She emphasises compassionate communication, tailored treatment plans, and honouring the wishes of patients, especially when approaching end-of-life care. It is in these moments that clear guidance and emotional support make the greatest difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When should I bring my loved one to see a geriatric doctor?
If you notice memory changes, frequent falls, confusion, mood shifts, mobility issues, or difficulties managing daily activities, a geriatric assessment can help identify the cause and support early intervention.
2. What are the signs of cognitive decline?
Common signs include forgetfulness, difficulty managing tasks, misplacing items, mood changes, confusion, getting lost, poor judgement, and repeating questions.
3. Are home visits available?
Yes. Dr Tan provides home assessments for patients who are homebound or too unwell to travel.
4. Do I need a referral?
No. You can make an appointment directly.
5. What makes Straits Geriatrics Centre unique?
A multidisciplinary, family-inclusive approach, warm communication, and tailored care that extends from clinic to home and hospital.
Clinic Overview
The Straits Geriatrics Centre
Gleneagles Medical Centre 6 Napier Road, #03-14, SG 258499
Community Clinic BLK 185 Toa Payoh Central, #01-320, Singapore 310185
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Saturday 8.30 AM to 12.00 PM
Sunday Closed
Disclaimer
This interview is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Patients should consult a qualified specialist in Singapore for personalised care.
