There are approximately 44 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia (1). The WHO has estimated that the number of individuals with dementia around the world will increase to 78 million and 139 million by 2030 and 2050 respectively(2). Due to its population size, South Asia, especially India, will be a major contributor to this increase (3). In India, currently more than 4 million people have some form of dementia (4).

The main risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is ageing. A study done by The National Institute on Ageing found that the prevalence of AD doubles every five years beyond 65 years (1). Another study reported that dementia was the seventh leading cause of death across all ages, and fourth amongst individuals greater than 70 years, across the globe (5).

Dementia has a disproportionate impact on women. 65% of the deaths in dementia were attributed to women, while disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were reported to be about 60% higher in women compared to men. Women also provide the majority of informal care for people living . . .