By Joyce Ojanji
To address the growing challenge of dementia across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Brain and Mind Institute at Aga Khan University and the FINGERS Brain Health Institute have launched the Africa FINGERS Program, which aims to co-create culturally informed lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.
Supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC), and global collaborators, including worldwide FINGERS, the Africa Dementia Consortium, Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, Global Brain Health Institute, Alzheimer’s Disease International and the Global Dementia Prevention Program, this initiative is tailored to meet the unique needs of African communities.
Focusing on individuals aged 50 and above in both rural and urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria, the program aims to design interventions that address key dementia risk factors in culturally relevant ways, test these interventions through rigorous randomized controlled trials, and implement sustainable strategies to promote brain health across communities.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Zul Merali, Founding Director of the Brain and Mind Institute, said the initiative has the potential to reshape the future of brain health on the African continent and globally. It is about building a legacy, with intentions to establish a Brain Resiliency Centre in Africa- one that will serve not only as a hub for research and innovation but as a beacon of hope for communities worldwide.
‘’Studies have shown us that modifiable risk factors – those aspects of our lifestyles that we can influence, such as diet, physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation play a crucial role in brain health. The science is clear, by addressing these factors, we can prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, ’’he said.
Dr. Merali noted that Africa is uniquely positioned, in this effort. By 2050, the continent will host the largest of the world’s elderly, even as its current medium age is just 20. This duality gives the globe a critical opportunity to better understand risk factors specific to Africa while fostering prevention in the younger population.
“This is about shaping the future of brain health for generations to come. Understanding the modifiable risk factors that are unique to African populations is essential not just for Africa, but for the global community. What we learn here will help shape strategies for brain health across the word,’’ he added.
Representing the Principal Secretary for Health, Dr. Abuya Norbert, Assistant Director, Directorate of Primary Healthcare, Ministry of Health Kenya noted that the initiative marks a significant step forward in promoting healthier aging by addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, dementia.
“With this growing health challenge, this project is important because it focuses on prevention rather than treatment. In Kenya, as in many other African countries, access to healthcare and specialized dementia care remains limited. By understanding the risk factors, unique to our populations and creating culturally relevant interventions, the Africa-FINGERS Project will enable us to tackle dementia before it becomes unmanageable,” he explained.
Dr. Abuya said that the MoH recognized the urgent need to address healthy aging as part of its commitment to universal health coverage. Therefore it has taken steps to support the aging population, including developing policies and frameworks, enhancing awareness and improving access to healthcare.
“I want to commend the Brain and Mind Institute at Aga Khan University and their partners for leading this initiative. It represents a bold and necessary response to dementia prevention. By examining dementia risk factors in Kenya and beyond, this project aims to discover practical solutions that align with our unique cultures and context. It is about prevention, taking steps to reduce the risk of dementia before it begins and equipping our communities with tools to live longer, healthier lives,” he added.
Dr. Chi Udeh-Momoh, Principal Investigator of Africa-FINGERS, emphasized the significance of the program stating that Africa FINGERS is about prevention. She said that by working with communities to create tailored interventions, they aim to delay the onset of dementia and equip families across Africa with the tools to build a healthier future.
“Africa FINGERS program demonstrates the power of global collaboration in tackling dementia. Together we can adopt proven interventions to the local realities of African Communities creating meaningful and sustainable solutions.’’ Miia Kivipelto, founder of the FINGERS Brain Health Institute noted.
The Africa FINGERS program underscores the urgency of prevention in addressing Africa’s dementia crisis and offers a proactive approach to safeguard the brain health of aging populations across the continent.
