[Socioeconomic significance of dementia and mild cognitive disorders]

While diagnostic criteria and epidemiologic results are available for dementia, reliable quantitative information on mild cognitive impairment is rare. The distinction between mild cognitive impairment, effects of normal ageing and dementia can be difficult to establish. Conceptual problems notwithstanding, a growing number of patients with dementia and with mild cognitive impairment can be safely predicted. Reduced quality of life on the part of patients and their families, growing demand for care and increasing costs of illness will prove the socioeconomic relevance of dementia.