Wayne Freeman Chong, PhD

09/08/2025

Love this focus on keeping minds engaged. Cognitive stimulation, whether through games, social interaction, or learning new skills, is a powerful buffer against decline. And when it’s fun, people stick with it.

08/08/2025

Is your dream on life support?

For many young adults like Joven, every hour at the bedside is an hour lost:

• building your CV,
• studying for that master’s, or
• simply exploring who you want to become.

According to Erikson, adolescence is meant to be a moratorium—a time to try on different roles without heavy obligations. Without it, youth caregivers often feel stuck in an identity they didn’t choose, and uncertain about who they truly are.

Recent research links this identity conflict to self-doubt, anxiety, and a sense of incompleteness.

How you can help:
• 𝗔𝘀𝗸: “Who are you beyond caregiving?”
• 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲: Block out even 30 minutes/week for a hobby, mentor chat, or career exploration.
• 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: Celebrate both their caregiving role and their personal dreams.

If you’re a teacher, mentor, or friend—reach out today.

If you’re a youth caregiver, know this: you are more than a caregiver.

👉 DM me to receive a free self-reflection worksheet based on Marcia’s four stages of identity development. Map where you are now—and chart where you could go next.

Explore how young caregivers navigate the tension between personal aspirations and caregiving responsibilities. Learn evidence-based strategies to support them.

05/08/2025

1 in 10 with dementia before 65?

Over the weekend, I had the privilege of being featured in CNA Today’s Big Read on young-onset dementia—a condition that’s quietly but rapidly reshaping the lives of families across Singapore.

Careers interrupted.

Childhoods changed.

And most of us never see it coming.

What’s less talked about: Dementia doesn’t only strike in the later decades.

It can affect those under 65—at a time when children are still in school, careers are in full swing, and the future feels open.

When a parent is diagnosed young, entire family roles are disrupted:

A spouse suddenly becomes a caregiver, often balancing parenting, work, and emotional strain.

Kids may lose not only the memories of a parent, but also the stability of their home life.

Several who crossed paths with HOPE worldwide (Singapore), Healthy Tec, Elderly Care India and Gerontological Society share stories of worry over early memory loss, or are living with undiagnosed mild cognitive impairment.

The journey is isolating, often invisible, and the support systems are not always clear.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲:
🟢 Up to 45% of dementia risk factors are modifiable through lifestyle changes, according to The Lancet.

This is not just a statistic—it’s a call to action.

Prevention and early intervention can change destinies, not just for individuals, but for entire families.

That’s why I spoke up in this CNA feature.

Not just to share the science, but to amplify the voices of caregivers, and advocate for prevention and real support.

Thank you to Mohd Taufiq Zalizan and the CNA TODAY team for shining a spotlight on this critical issue.

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀?

I welcome your questions and perspectives below. Let’s start a conversation.

Because every dementia story is also a caregiver story.



GeroPsych Consultants

Image credits: CNA

04/08/2025

𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦.

That’s what Joven Ng, my youth mentee, told me as we discussed what caregiving really means.

He watched his uncle—an informal caregiver supporting his aunt while holding a full-time job—quietly go above and beyond.

Taking his aunt to medical checkups, holding her hand, buying her favorite meals, keeping her spirits up.

It left him inspired, and a little unsure whether he could do the same if called upon.

This honest reflection is at the heart of our new 5-edition series, 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀: 𝗝𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆.

We don’t talk enough about what it really costs to care.

Especially when you’re young, and life is just opening up for you.

In this edition, Joven explores the realities of caregiving as a youth.

The privileges, the sacrifices, and the lessons learned from those who quietly care for others.

In this edition:
• Why care is a privilege—not just a duty
• The unsung caregivers who inspire the next generation
• The real sacrifices—big and small—that go into caring for someone you love

💬 Reflection Prompt:
Who in your life has quietly shown you what it means to care—through small gestures or enduring commitment?

Take a moment today to reach out and thank them. 🙏

👉 Read the full story below and join our journey!



GeroPsych Consultants

Explore real youth caregiving stories and insights. Follow Joven’s journey for practical tools, reflections, and lessons in caring from a young perspective.

02/08/2025

🧠💔 What if dementia didn’t just threaten memories in old age—but upended a young family in their prime?

Last night, I had the privilege of being featured in CNA TODAY’s Big Read on young-onset dementia—a condition quietly reshaping the lives of families across Singapore, often striking years before anyone expects it.

I’ve seen firsthand how a diagnosis of dementia in someone under 65 doesn’t just change one life—it disrupts entire families. Suddenly, a spouse becomes a caregiver, juggling parenting, work, and heartache. The emotional toll is real, and the uncertainty can feel overwhelming.

Several who come through the doors of my affiliated organizations HOPE worldwide (Singapore) and Centre For Seniors are concerned about cognitive decline or may even have undiagnosed mild cognitive impairment.

As a geropsychologist, researcher, and fellow caregiver, I know how isolating and invisible this journey can be. That’s why I chose to speak up in this CNA feature—not only to share the science, but to amplify caregivers’ voices and advocate for prevention and early action. Research now shows that up to 45% of dementia risk factors can be reduced with lifestyle changes. There is hope, and there are things we can do—together.

Curious about dementia prevention, support resources, or how to help caregivers? Drop your questions below, and I’ll do my best to answer or connect you to help.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/dementia-young-onset-caregivers-ageing-society-5271421

Caregivers of people living with dementia say the condition changes more than just memory – it alters lives, relationships and even personalities. As more are diagnosed in their prime, experts say individuals should be on guard for symptoms and risk factors.

31/07/2025

𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦?

My keynote carried this question at Fairfield Methodist Church’s Glowing Years Ministry (GYM) Lunch Fellowship on Sunday—where over 80 seniors and their families gathered not just for lunch, but for renewal.

We explored how dementia prevention isn’t just scientific—it can be spiritually meaningful too.

🧠 Train Your Brain – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think on what is good and praiseworthy—echoing what cognitive science today affirms.

💓 Vitalize Your Veins – 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reminds us that caring for our bodies honors the Creator.
And yes, cardiovascular health is also a top predictor of brain health.

💬 Share Your Stories – “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Social connection isn’t just fellowship—it’s neuroprotective.

A GYM leader said the session “hit home.”

Dr Suraja Raman, missionary and author, gifted me her book, 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨.

And I left with a thank-you card, deep encouragement, and photos with the GYM President.

This wasn’t just a talk. It was a reminder that dementia prevention can speak to both heart and mind.

If you missed it, I invite you to join my upcoming free webclass on science-backed strategies to reduce dementia risk.

It’s grounded in evidence, open to all, and empowers you to align the insights with your personal values and beliefs.



GeroPsych Consultants

30/07/2025

🎉 Looking for something meaningful (and fun) to do this weekend?

Join us at the Istana Open House on 3 August!
AIC has an exciting booth lined up—with everything from 🛠️ carpentry and 🧠 brain games to 🎁 prizes and even 🖨️ 3D printing!

It’s a great way to learn, play, and explore how we can all age well—together.

📍 Mark your calendar. Bring your family. Let’s make wellness a celebration.

29/07/2025

This isn’t a job. It’s a mission.

Mine has just crossed borders.

I’m delighted to step into a new role as Senior Knowledge Supporter at Elderly Care India, a nonprofit committed to improving eldercare across developing nations.

What began as a single conversation with Pankaj Mehrotra, their founder—about dementia, dignity, and intergenerational caregiving—has grown into something much deeper.

In this voluntary role, I’ll be:
🔹 Co-developing tools for dementia prevention and caregiving
🔹 Supporting policy and system-level innovation
🔹 Amplifying voices and practices that dignify ageing—across borders

This role aligns with my lifelong calling: to defy dementia and dignify ageing, wherever the need is greatest.

If you're working on eldercare, ageing policy, or dementia solutions in low-resource contexts, I’d love to hear what you’re building.

Let’s learn. Let’s collaborate. Let’s make it count.

Proud to continue this mission alongside my team at GeroPsych Consultants—where research meets practice, and science powers service. 💙

27/07/2025

Can yoga help prevent dementia? Science says — possibly, yes.

This latest episode of Life in Focus dives deep into how movement, breath, and mindfulness may support brain health. For caregivers and health professionals, it’s more than wellness talk — it’s a practical lens on proactive aging.

Worth a listen if you care about cognitive vitality and want real, actionable takeaways. Because brain health isn’t just medical — it’s movement, mindset, and momentum.

Podcast Episode · LIFE IN FOCUS · 07/17/2025 · 19m

26/07/2025

Seniors and their caregivers often face immense challenges — but they shouldn't face them alone.

The Keppel Club Charity Golf 2025 is more than a game. It’s a way to drive real impact for older adults and those caring for them. As someone who's worked closely with caregiving communities, I’ve seen how every dollar raised can uplift lives and restore hope.

Join in, swing for a cause, and help build a more caring Singapore.

⛳️ Keppel Club Charity Golf 2025 is here!

We’re excited to be one of the 16 charities supported this year. Your donations go a long way in supporting seniors in need and their caregivers in our community.

𝗧𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲:
📄 Download the form via https://www.tinyurl.com/KCG2025CWA
✍🏻 Fill it in
📧 Email it to KCG2025@keppelclub.com.sg

Let’s make an impact together. ❤️

25/07/2025

Calling for your paper for the launched collection in Scientific Reports:
and outreach.

I’m delighted to serve as a guest in this collection and am eager to read your submission.

To learn more about the collection and how to contribute, click the link below or scan the embedded QR code: https://www.nature.com/collections/ifjcdbjhee

Nature Portfolio