The Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) has launched the Africa-FINGERS project, a groundbreaking initiative to address the growing dementia crisis in Africa. With support from the UK’s Medical Research Council (MRC) and the FINGERS Brain Health Institute, the project focuses on developing culturally relevant and sustainable strategies to prevent cognitive decline across the continent.

Dementia cases in Sub-Saharan Africa are projected to rise significantly by 2050, creating an urgent need for preventative measures. The Africa-FINGERS project will address modifiable lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, mental stimulation, social interaction, stress management, and chronic disease control, including hypertension. The initiative will engage individuals aged 50 and above from urban and rural communities in Kenya and Nigeria, tailoring interventions to their unique needs.

“Africa presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to dementia prevention,” said Dr Chi Udeh-Momoh, Principal Investigator of the project. “By co-creating solutions with local communities, we aim to ensure the interventions are scientifically sound, practical, and sustainable.”

Launched at the Dementia and Brain Ageing in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Conference, the project highlights the urgent need for action as global dementia cases are expected to triple by 2050. The initiative aims to embed its findings into national health policies, build capacity through healthcare training, and foster collaboration with policymakers to ensure long-term implementation.

Professor Zul Merali, Founding Director of BMI, emphasized the importance of understanding local risk factors: “This knowledge will not only guide interventions in Africa but will also contribute to global strategies for dementia prevention.”

The Africa-FINGERS project is part of a global shift from research to implementation. Professor Miia Kivipelto, founder of the FINGERS Brain Health Institute, stressed urgency: “Prevention begins now. Research findings must translate into real-world solutions without delay.”

What sets Africa-FINGERS apart is its community-driven approach. It co-designs solutions with local input to ensure cultural relevance and scalability, particularly in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

The initiative’s findings are expected to extend beyond Africa, contributing to global efforts to combat dementia, improving the quality of life for millions, and establishing a model for dementia prevention worldwide.

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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