With over 75% of dementia cases in low- and middle-income countries going undiagnosed, Africa faces an urgent need for locally led research and culturally relevant interventions to address this growing public health crisis. In response, the Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) hosted the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) Neuroscience Next Nairobi Hub ─ a transformative event marking Africa’s shift from a passive participant to an active leader in global dementia discourse.
As part of the AAIC Neuroscience Next global initiative, the conference brought together African researchers, early-career scientists, and healthcare professionals to drive innovation, collaboration, and mentorship in neuroscience. With Africa’s rapidly aging population and dementia research remaining significantly underfunded, the event underscored the need for region-specific solutions to address care gaps and shape policies that directly impact affected communities.
Emphasizing the urgent need for action, Prof. Zul Merali, Founding Director of the Brain and Mind Institute, stressed the importance of building a strong neuroscience ecosystem in Africa. “Dementia is not just a health issue; it is a growing societal challenge. Africa is at a crucial juncture, and without urgent action, we will face a public health crisis,” said Prof. Merali. “This conference is a stepping stone toward creating a robust neuroscience ecosystem in Africa, one that is driven by African innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving lives.”
The event also highlighted the critical role of African neuroscientists in leading research efforts that reflect the realities of their own populations, a point reinforced by Dr. Chi Udeh-Momoh, a Translational Neuroscientist at BMI. “This is not just an academic gathering, it is a movement to redefine neuroscience research in Africa,” said Dr. Udeh-Momoh. “For too long, African perspectives have been missing from global dementia studies, leaving critical gaps in our understanding of how the disease manifests in our populations. We are here to change that. By fostering mentorship and collaboration, we are equipping young African researchers to drive discoveries that will inform policies, improve patient care, and reduce the burden of dementia in our communities.”
Discussions covered early detection, risk reduction, and innovative approaches to managing brain disorders. Experts emphasized that dementia research should not remain confined to academic journals but should be translated into practical healthcare solutions that benefit African communities. The event also explored the intersection of genetics, environment, and lifestyle in brain health, advocating for solutions tailored to Africa’s unique demographics, healthcare systems, and cultural contexts.
This conference has set the stage for sustained research, policy development, and interventions that will shape Africa’s approach to dementia care and prevention. The momentum from this gathering is expected to drive new collaborations, funding opportunities, and actionable strategies to tackle neurodegenerative diseases across the continent.
This event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of AAIC Neuroscience Next and International Brain Research Organization(IBRO).
