Dementia is a degenerative disorder of the brain, severe enough to interfere with daily life. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can serve as an indicator for an increased risk of developing dementia. It refers to a condition where individuals can still perform everyday tasks but show lower performance on certain cognitive tests, indicating a higher risk for developing dementia. Dementia is associated with health problems with memory, attention, communication, thinking, judgement, and problem solving, and visual perception. There are over a hundred types of dementia, of which Alzheimer's is the most common. Although dementia is more common in old age, it is not a normal aging process.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a cognitive screening instrument developed to detect mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It assesses multiple cognitive domains including short term memory, visuospatial abilities, executive functions, attention, concentration and working memory, language, and orientation to time and place. The Hong Kong version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) is designed for individuals in Hong Kong and verified by a team of researchers. It aims to improve early detection of dementia. Early medical intervention can help slow or even prevent further cognitive decline.

The following risk factors may increase chances of developing :

• Age: The risk of dementia increases with age
• Family history of dementia: Having parents or siblings with dementia raises the likelihood of developing dementia.
• Cardiovascular diseases: such as high blood pressure and high blood lipids.
• Traumatic brain injury: Severe or repeated head injuries may increase the risk of dementia.
• Excessive alcohol consumption