Kuala Lampur, June 19 -- Dementia often enters a family quietly. It may begin with a misplaced item, a repeated question, a forgotten name, or a familiar route suddenly becoming unfamiliar.

At first, these changes are frequently dismissed as a normal part of ageing. Only later do families realise that what they are witnessing is not simply forgetfulness, but a condition that gradually affects memory, judgement, behaviour and independence.

This quiet arrival is becoming a growing national concern.

Globally, the number of people living with dementia is projected to increase from 57.4 million in 2019 to more than 150 million by 2050.

Malaysia is not exempt from this demographic reality. The National Health and Morbidity Survey reported t...