The latest reports confirm that the eminent Singapore Director, Royston Tan has been chosen by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to direct a film on dementia. The film is believed to be a short film, which would raise awareness about dementia and it would also aim to reduce the taboo attached to the dreadful condition.

The decision to make the film is part of the campaign that has been initiated by the HPB to ensure that the social stigma attached to the disease is annihilated.

As per the figures divulged by the survey conducted by National Mental Health Survey for Elders in the year 2003, as many as 22,000 people were suffering from dementia and all of them fell in the age bracket of 60 years and above. The percentage of the same was noted to be 5.2%.

In the wake of the alarming numbers, it is claimed by the HPB that for the population of the next decade, dementia would be one of the mot rampant conditions.

Confirming the news of choosing Tan, Ms. Sng Yan Ling, Deputy Director of HPB's Mental Health Education department said, "He has a good understanding and appreciation of the local culture and his films have something that Singaporeans can connect with".

She added that Singapore's ageing population was kept in mind because the risk of dementia increases with age.

Further on Sept 26, a two-minute version of the film would be aired on TV. However, a full-length six minute version can be seen on YouTube as well.