The inaugural Future of Dementia in Africa: Advancing Global Partnerships conference successfully concluded in Nairobi, marking a landmark achievement in the pursuit of brain health and dementia care across the African continent. Co-hosted by Aga Khan University’s Brain & Mind Institute, the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC), and Nature Conferences, this landmark event united over 200 researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders from Africa and around the world, setting a new benchmark for global collaboration in tackling dementia.
Spanning two impactful days, the conference spotlighted Africa's critical role in advancing brain health research and dementia care. With the continent's elderly population projected to triple by 2050, the urgency of addressing dementia has never been greater. The event showcased a diverse array of topics, from cutting-edge research to innovative community healthcare solutions. Notably, African researchers and institutions took centre stage, underscoring the crucial role of local leadership in addressing the region’s pressing health challenges.
At the heart of the event were discussions on advancing early prevention and detection of dementia, with an emphasis on enhancing primary care and promoting healthier lifestyles. Experts underscored the necessity for research that is more inclusive and reflective of Africa’s genetic diversity.
George Vradenburg, Founding Chairman of DAC, highlighted Africa’s potential to spearhead global advancements in brain health, stating, “Africa can drive global progress in brain health through its diverse populations and healthcare settings.”
Professor Zul Merali, Director of the Brain & Mind Institute at Aga Khan University, called for a comprehensive approach to dementia that encompasses prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. He asserted, “Dementia care requires a unified approach, specifically tailored for Africa.”A key takeaway from the conference was the pressing need for more research focused on African populations. Dr Chi Udeh-Momoh, Neuroscientist at the Brain and Mind Institute, highlighted this issue, noting, “Many current treatments may not work as effectively for Africans due to the lack of research on local genetic data. We need African-specific studies to find the right solutions.”
The discussions also emphasized that increasing African involvement in global dementia research could yield valuable insights into combating Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases, ultimately benefiting the global community.The conference encouraged international partnerships and funding for brain health, particularly for underserved communities. Participants stressed the importance of grassroots healthcare efforts, which are already showing success in various parts of Africa. By combining these local efforts with global research, the conference set the stage for future breakthroughs in dementia care.
With Africa’s aging population growing rapidly, the time to act on brain health is now. By 2050, over 7.6 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are expected to be living with dementia. This conference showed how Africa can lead the way through homegrown solutions, strong partnerships, and evidence-based strategies.
“Africa is stepping up to the dementia challenge,” said Vradenburg. “The future lies in partnerships, effective interventions, and a focus on brain health.”
One message resonated clearly: Africa is poised to lead the world in brain health.
