According to statistics from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), there were approximately 2 million people aged 60 years and older living in South Africa in 2020. Of these, approximately 10% had dementia, amounting to 200,000 people!

Dementia is a condition that affects memory and cognitive function and is more common among older adults. Dementia is a condition that affects memory and cognitive function and is more common among older adults. Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease that can also have many associated impacts on patients, in addition to memory loss and cognitive decline, including:

1. Behavioural changes: Dementia can cause changes in behaviour such as agitation, aggression, and depression.
2. Difficulty with daily activities: As dementia progresses, patients may have difficulty with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
3. Communication problems: Dementia can cause difficulty with communication such as finding the right words or understanding what others are saying.
4. Hallucinations and delusions: Some patients with dementia may experience hallucinations or delusions.
5. Wandering: Patients with dementia may wander and get lost, which can be dangerous.
6. Incontinence: Dementia can cause incontinence, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for patients.
7. Increased risk of falls: Patients with dementia are at an increased risk of falls due to balance problems and other factors.
8. Loss of independence: As dementia progresses, patients may lose their independence and require assistance with daily activities.