As the population ages, dementia is becoming a major public health problem in Africa.
In 2015, Sub-Saharan Africa had more than two million people with dementia. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, this figure is expected to reach nearly eight million by 2050.
Despite this, a huge gap in dementia research and evidence remains in the region.
Scientists say genetic research is key to addressing the gaps in dementia. They also emphasize the importance of collaboration between researchers, the private sector and governments, along with new technologies for early detection and community engagement.
When we work together, we have much more power than when we act alone.
Only if we come together can we achieve the maximum speed and impact of developments in the field of dementia.”
George Vradenburg, founder and chairman of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a number of brain diseases that cause a decline in memory, thinking and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form and accounts for 70 percent of cases worldwide.
The WHO estimates that more than 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, with approximately 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.
About 60 percent of cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, where the population is aging rapidly.
Genetic research
Vradenburg says the diverse genetics and environmental factors in Africa can provide valuable insights into dementia.
“The microbiome [community of bacteria and other microorganisms] in Africa is different, the environmental stress in Africa is different… the genetics of Africans are very diverse and will teach us a lot,” Vradenburg said. SciDev.Net during a dementia conference in Nairobi last month.
One of the key topics discussed at The Future of Dementia in Africa conference was the relevance of African genetic variation in dementia research.
Africa has a higher level of genetic diversity than any other continent, providing great opportunities to investigate dementia-related genetic variables.
In 2023, a study found that more than a third of people of African descent carried a genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease – often a precursor to dementia.
Researchers expect that similar studies among African populations could lead to important findings about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Tackling stigma
In many African societies, dementia is often misunderstood and stigmatized, due to beliefs that attribute the disorder to witchcraft or other supernatural causes. This can delay diagnosis and treatment.
To address this problem, Kenyan healthcare professionals worked with community leaders, traditional healers, religious healers and clergy.
According to David Ndetei, founder and director of the Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health, this collaboration has been crucial in reducing stigma and improving access to care.
“We came together and showed the traditional healers that we respected their views… but we also emphasized that there are other views, such as the medical view, and along the way we developed a dialogue,” Ndetei said. SciDev.Net.
As a result, traditional healers are now referring patients to doctors, giving more people access to professional dementia care, he said.
Dementia detection
New technologies are being explored to detect dementia early in the African population.
Biostatistician Jim Todd and his team at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences in Mwanza, Tanzania, are pioneering a digital tool that analyzes changes in vocal patterns to identify possible signs of dementia. By comparing voice data with blood biomarkers, they aim to detect early cognitive decline before symptoms become apparent.
“We’re looking at 65 priority features,” says Todd.
“The next step is to collect a second round of voice data from the same people to see changes that have occurred over six months to a year,” he explains.
“We will then relate these changes to the markers from blood samples.”
This innovative approach could provide a cost-effective solution for the early detection of dementia in Africa, the researcher says.
Improving brain health
In addition to technological innovations, dementia specialists are also looking at holistic approaches to brain health.
Razak Gyasi, associate researcher at the African Population and Health Research Centre, highlighted the role of social inclusion and lifestyle factors such as healthy eating and exercise in improving the mental health of older adults.
Gyasi’s research in Ghana shows that traditional practices such as massage therapy, herbal medicine and music therapy are used to support brain health.
“Africa does not need to rely solely on Western medicine to address the mental health of older adults,” he said during his presentation at the conference in Nairobi, adding: “Physical activity, social inclusion, nutrition and good sleep quality benefits brain function.
Global partnerships in dementia
Collaboration between researchers, companies and governments is crucial as dementia cases rise in Africa, said Vradenburg of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative.
He believes such partnerships can result in advances in diagnostic and therapeutic processes, and advocates the development of national dementia programs to drive these advances.
“If we work together, we will have much more power than if we act alone,” he told the conference, which brought together researchers, policymakers and healthcare professionals.
He cited HIV/AIDS as an example of where African discoveries and research have led to major progress.