The inaugural brain health and dementia conference, set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, promises to transform the landscape of dementia research and innovation in Africa. Organized by the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC), in collaboration with Nature Conferences and the Aga Khan University’s Brain & Mind Institute, the event titled “The Future of Dementia in Africa: Advancing Global Partnerships,” represents a significant milestone in advancing brain health initiatives across the continent.
Scheduled for September 11-12, the conference will bring together interdisciplinary experts and stakeholders from Africa and around the world. Attendees will include researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience of dementia. The conference will focus on scientific advancements in understanding dementia, including its impact, genetic risk factors, and early detection methods, both within Africa and globally.
Africa's evolving healthcare landscape, marked by rapid urbanization and a growing youth population, presents unique opportunities for innovation in dementia and brain health. The conference aims to leverage grassroots initiatives, global partnerships, and advancing technologies to address diverse healthcare challenges effectively.
With Africa’s older population projected to triple by 2050, addressing gaps in dementia and brain health research is crucial. George Vradenburg, Founding Chairman of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The African opportunity aligns with DAC’s commitment to link and scale brain health innovation from the world’s diverse racial and ethnic tapestry to build the global brain resilience needed to address the massive 21st-century challenge of brain disorders.”
Zul Merali, Director of the Brain and Mind Institute at the Aga Khan University, highlighted the conference’s focus on indigenous African research and the potential for discovering new strategies to prevent and treat dementia. By prioritizing insights from the global south and fostering collaboration, the event aims to drive significant progress against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, building a stronger network of researchers and creating a collaborative environment to improve brain health in Africa and beyond.
With its emphasis on collaboration, research, and community engagement, the conference is poised to make meaningful strides in addressing one of the most pressing healthcare issues of our time.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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