Questions, answered.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in memory and thinking severe enough to affect daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for roughly 60–70% of cases. Our awareness workshops explain the difference in plain, jargon-free language.

No. While some slowing is normal with age, dementia is a medical condition — not an inevitable part of growing old. A 2021 survey found 62% of Indian respondents incorrectly believed dementia was normal ageing, a misconception that delays diagnosis and care.

To a significant degree, yes. Up to 45% of cases could potentially be delayed or prevented by addressing the 14 modifiable risk factors identified by the 2024 Lancet Commission — including hypertension, hearing loss, physical inactivity, smoking and social isolation. Midlife (ages 18–65) is when prevention is most powerful.

Yes. All Mishra Foundation events — health check camps, awareness workshops and support circles — are free. No prior knowledge of dementia is required, and all languages and backgrounds are welcome. Sarve means all.

Our camps provide cognitive screening using validated tools like MMSE and MoCA, plus referral pathways to neurologists and geriatricians for formal diagnosis. Screening is an early step that helps families reach the right specialist sooner — the average diagnosis delay in India is otherwise three to five years.

We run caregiver training programmes and moderated Family Support Circles — both online and in-person — where caregivers share experiences and access resources like government schemes and specialist directories. Reach out via our contact page to join.

All donations above Rs. 500 receive a receipt. We are working to obtain 80G tax exemption status — please check with us for current eligibility. Bank transfer and online payment options are available on request.

No. Most roles — program support, translation, and digital and communications — need no clinical background. We train all volunteers before deployment and ask for a minimum of four hours per month.

We run programmes across India — urban, semi-urban and rural — with a current focus on Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and growing partnerships in Europe and the United States. We also run online programmes and support circles across all time zones.