Researchers have launched an initiative to address Africa’s growing dementia crisis.
Dementia is a term for several diseases that affect memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily activities.
The Africa Fingers programme, designed to tackle dementia and cognitive decline, aims to develop culturally tailored lifestyle interventions that reduce the risk of dementia among African communities.
The programme, which was launched by Brain and Mind Institute at Aga Khan University, in partnership with the Fingers Brain Health Institute, is a response to the rising dementia burden in Africa.
It targets individuals aged 50 and above in both rural and urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria, addressing critical dementia risk factors with locally relevant approaches.
At the launch, Dr Zul Merali, founding director of the Brain and Mind Institute, said: "By focusing on culturally relevant prevention strategies, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on brain health for generations to come."
Dr Chi Udeh-Momoh, principal investigator of Africa-Fingers, highlighted the programme’s prevention-focused approach, stating that, "by working with communities to create tailored interventions, we aim to delay the onset of dementia and equip families with the tools to build a healthier future."
The programme’s focus on prevention is critical as the African continent faces an increasing number of elderly individuals, with limited resources for specialised dementia care.
Prof Miia Kivipelto, founder of the Fingers Brain Health Institute, stressed the importance of global collaboration.
"Together, we can adapt proven interventions to the local realities of African communities, creating meaningful and sustainable solutions," she said. One of the key components of the programme will involve testing lifestyle interventions through randomised controlled trials.
These interventions will aim to reduce common dementia risk factors such as physical inactivity, poor diet and lack of mental stimulation in a way that is relevant to local cultures.
The programme also plans to develop long-term strategies to integrate brain health promotion into African communities.
Dr Nobert Abuya, assistant director of the Directorate of Primary Health Care at Kenya’s Ministry of Health, who spoke on behalf of Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki, said that by understanding the risk factors unique to our populations, the project will help tackle dementia before it becomes unmanageable.
Dr Abuya also noted that dementia care in Kenya remains limited, making preventive measures all the more important. "The insights gained from this research will not only benefit Kenya but will contribute to global knowledge about brain health in diverse populations," he said.
