• Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities.
• Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of ageing.
• Worldwide, around 50 million people have dementia, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year.
• Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases.
• Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide.
• Dementia has a physical, psychological, social, and economical impact, not only on people with dementia, but also on their carers, families and society at large.