NCD Watch

Understanding Dementia

19 August 2025 (Tue)

Dementia is a chronic and progressive syndrome characterised by a deterioration in cognitive function, such as the ability to remember, think and reason, which impairs daily life. Although consciousness is not affected, the decline in cognitive function is commonly accompanied with emotional, behavioural or motivational changes. Dementia is one of the major causes of dependency, disability and death among older people. The World Health Organization recognises dementia as a global public health priority and urges Member States to increase public awareness of dementia and reduce the risk of disease.

In Hong Kong, cognitive morbidity in the older community is common. According to the Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey for Older People conducted from 2019 to 2023, 9.7% of older adults aged 60 or above had dementia after adjusting for age and gender. In the past 20 years, the number of registered deaths due to dementia in Hong Kong has increased from 276 in 2004 to 1 364 in 2024, representing an almost five-fold increase. In 2024, dementia was the seventh leading cause of death.

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Although it is much more common in older people, young people can also develop dementia due to brain injury, genetic and other factors. Dementia is preventable. By properly managing common health issues and chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes; avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption; increasing physical activity; and preventing head injuries, nearly half of all dementias could be prevented.

Cognition vitality is essential to quality of life and survival in later years. To prevent or reduce the risk of getting dementia, individuals should proactively take measures to prevent and manage dementia-related risk factors as early as possible.

Source: NCD Watch August 2025