In a concerted effort to tackle the rising challenge of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases in Africa, leading scientists and policymakers will convene in Kenya this September for "The Future of Dementia in Africa: Advancing Global Partnerships" conference. Hosted by Nature in collaboration with the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) and the Aga Khan University, the event seeks to address the growing challenge of dementia in Africa and foster global partnerships to advance research and healthcare solutions.
Mie Rizig, a clinical senior research fellow at University College London and a member of the conference's Scientific Committee, emphasized the critical need for this conference. "In some African languages, there isn't even a word for dementia," Rizig explained. "Without proper terminology and understanding, early identification and intervention are challenging. The conference aims to change this by raising awareness and promoting a comprehensive understanding of dementia across the continent."
Historically, African healthcare systems have concentrated on combating infectious diseases, often overlooking noncommunicable diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. This oversight has led to widespread misconceptions, including the belief that neurodegenerative conditions are rare or nonexistent in Africa. Due to the lack of comprehensive studies, current data on dementia prevalence is sparse and based largely on fragmented estimates.
Rizig highlighted Africa's unique position in dementia research, particularly regarding its genetic diversity. "Two people from neighbouring villages in Nigeria can be more genetically distinct than individuals from Japan and France," she noted. This diversity, along with a relatively younger population, presents a unique opportunity for studying early cognitive decline and its risk factors. Recent findings, such as the identification of a genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease responsible for 30% of cases in Nigeria, underscore the importance of expanding research efforts.
The conference aims to bridge the gap between researchers, industry leaders, government representatives, and communities, offering a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Unlike traditional scientific meetings, this event will focus on practical solutions and community-driven successes, such as Ethiopia's innovative use of village clinics to reduce maternal mortality. These examples provide valuable insights into how resource-limited settings can achieve significant health outcomes.
One of the conference's primary objectives is to develop a unified approach to dementia research and care in Africa. The expected outcomes include establishing new partnerships and strategies aligned with the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017–2025. To date, no African country has implemented such a plan, indicating a critical gap in public health policy.
Rizig expressed hope for the conference's impact: "If we achieve nothing more than giving a name to dementia so people in Africa know what it is, we will have made significant progress." The outcomes of this conference are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future research, policy, and care strategies in Africa and beyond.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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