3rd Singapore International Neuroscience Conference

23 May 2006

By Professor K Satkunanantham, Director of Medical Services

Venue: National Neuroscience Institute

Dr Tang Feng Ru,

Chairman,

3rd Singapore International Neuroscience Conference

Dr Yee Woon Chee,

Deputy Director of Research,

National Neuroscience Institute

Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to join you here today, at the 3rd Singapore International Neuroscience Conference. Let me begin by extending a warm welcome to our overseas speakers and delegates.  I wish all of you a pleasant stay in our beautiful city.

IMPACT OF NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES IN SINGAPORE

Neurological diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality amongst Singaporeans. Stroke, for example, accounts for approximately 10% of all deaths annually - making it the fourth most common cause of mortality in Singapore today. In addition, with over 10,000 hospital admissions attributable to stroke each year, it is a particularly large burden on our healthcare system. Recent local studies indicate that the stroke prevalence amongst Singaporeans age 50 and above is about 4%. This figure rises amongst older Singaporeans and for the cohort of Singaporeans age 65 and above , the prevalence is almost double. As our population ages rapidly, stroke related morbidity and mortality is set to increase, along with the associated burden on our healthcare system.

We are not spared other neurological diseases either. For example, the local prevalence of Parkinson's disease today is about 0.3% in those aged 50 and above. The absolute number of Singaporeans suffering from it will increase significantly as our population ages, and as life expectancy increases. Patients living with Parkinson's disease also suffer protracted periods of debilitating illness with marked decrease in their quality of life. All this translates to an increased demand on health, community and social services.

Neurological diseases do not merely target the aged. A local study also showed that the lifetime prevalence of epilepsy in Singapore could be as high as 4.9 per 1000 males by the age of 18. While epilepsy can be treated, in many instances, optimal control is difficult to achieve. This disrupts the lives of young Singaporeans and affects their education, employability and productivity.

Such is the situation. Given that many neurological conditions do not as yet have a cure, patients end up living with their illness. Families and carers have to shoulder the accompanying financial and psychological burdens - which can be substantial when the condition is debilitating. A significant number of these patients also require long-term social and community support. These trends are troubling and we must find better solutions to expand our capacity and capability to care for them.

SINGAPORE AS A HUB FOR NEUROSCIENCE & TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

The government's push into research and development can help us in this endeavour. Investments in the biomedical sector and in translational research can be exploited to the fullest to help us contain this burden. In this day and age, clinicians can no longer just provide clinical care. It is equally important to engage in appropriate research that can improve the standard of care. For some years, we have neglected this and clinical and translational research remains relatively rudimentary in Singapore. Much more can be done to facilitate its growth.

Indeed, with a first world health system and biomedical infrastructure, a multi-ethnic population, a compact geography and a fair share of neurological diseases, Singapore is an excellent place for neuroscience research. We must nurture our clinical investigators and clinician scientists to enhance their ability to perform innovative research. Ultimately, quality research can help to improve our standards of care, and perhaps, find cures for some of these conditions. Our patients can then lead better and fuller lives.

ROLE OF NNI IN TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

To these ends, I am glad to learn that an increasing number of our clinicians and scientists are actively engaged in neuroscience research. For example, I am told that a local team of clinicians and research scientists at the NNI is deeply involved in the study of the biochemical and genetic markers underlying the patho-physiology of cerebrovascular disease. There are also longitudinal studies currently in progress to examine the natural history, risk factors, and the treatment and prevention of cognitive impairment and dementia following strokes. All these efforts will help us to provide better care for Singaporeans with neurological diseases.

The theme of this year's conference: "From brain research to brain repair" is particularly appropriate as it highlights the significance and growing importance of bench to bedside research. Conferences such as these help to bring together scientists and clinicians and narrow the gap between basic sciences and clinical application. Though our resources may be limited compared with others in the same field, we can be astute, nimble and seize the right opportunities that come our way. I urge you all to take up this challenge and strive to make Singapore a world leader in the neurosciences.

CONCLUSION

The topics to be covered at this conference range from basic neuro-physiology to novel therapeutic strategies such as molecular, gene and stem cell therapies. I hope that this platform would lay the foundation for future collaborations that would take neuroscience to greater heights and improve the care of patients the world over.

In closing, I would also like to commend the organising committee for arranging such an impressive programme to advance the knowledge and practice of neuroscience. I wish you all a very stimulating learning and sharing experience.

Thank you.