Introduction
The prevalence of age-related health problems is becoming
an important public health concern as proportions of older
individuals in populations worldwide grow.1 Dementia is one
of the major causes of disability in older people.2 It is a complex
syndrome characterized by global and irreversible cognitive
decline that is severe enough to undermine daily functioning.3
Dementia is a chronic illness that arises from an interplay of
genetic, environmental and behavioural factors, with severe
adverse influences on social and physical activities and quality
of life. In cognitive impairment and mild cognitive impairment,
the cognitive deficit is less severe than in dementia
and normal daily function and independence are generally
maintained. It is a chronic condition that is a precursor to
dementia in up to one third of cases