Aga Khan University Hosts Groundbreaking Conference on Dementia and Brain Health in Africa

Aga Khan University’s Brain & Mind Institute, in collaboration with The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) and Nature Conferences, is hosting its inaugural conference on brain health and dementia, highlighting the unique challenges Africa faces in addressing these issues. The event, themed “The Future of Dementia in Africa: Advancing Global Partnerships,” brings together experts from across Africa and the world to discuss critical topics related to dementia, including the epidemiology, genetic factors, and the importance of early detection and diagnosis.

Africa faces significant obstacles in combating dementia, including limited resources, varying levels of healthcare infrastructure, and a general lack of awareness and education about the disease. The conference aims to address these issues and explore strategies for improving dementia care on the continent. With Africa’s older population expected to triple by 2050, addressing gaps in dementia care is becoming increasingly urgent.

During the opening ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and education about dementia in Africa. They noted that the continent’s healthcare systems often lack the capacity to effectively manage the growing burden of dementia, underscoring the need for greater investment in healthcare infrastructure and training.

Prof. Zul Merali, Director of the Brain & Mind Institute at Aga Khan University, spoke about the timeliness of the conference and the necessity for comprehensive interventions. “As we look at the unique challenges faced in addressing dementia in Africa, we must be alive to the important aspect that capacity building is needed in the global south in order to enable early detection of the disease,” he said. “We must also understand that lifestyle changes are important in changing the trajectory of dementia, and this is something that we must keep communicating to the public.”

One of the key themes of the conference is the focus on genetic research in dementia, particularly in African and underrepresented populations. Current research on dementia has largely centered on Caucasian populations, leading to a lack of diversity in genomic studies. This gap limits the effectiveness of targeted therapies across diverse populations. By expanding research to include African populations, the conference aims to contribute to the development of more inclusive and effective treatments for dementia.

George Vradenburg, Founding Chairman of Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, highlighted the significance of diverse genetic research in dementia. “These studies exemplify why we champion diverse genetic research in dementia. Each insight brings us closer to revolutionizing Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment globally. This conference marks a pivotal step towards inclusive, effective solutions for brain health across all populations,” he said.

The conference also delves into the broader aspects of brain health throughout the lifespan, with a focus on early detection methods and the role of primary care interventions in preventing brain disorders. Discussions will include how lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can influence the trajectory of dementia, and the importance of educating the public about these preventative measures.

Furthermore, the conference aims to foster new collaborations between African researchers and global partners. Experts are exploring how Africa’s evolving healthcare landscape presents a unique opportunity for advancing brain health solutions. By building partnerships and sharing knowledge, the conference seeks to create a more robust framework for dementia care in Africa.

With dementia projected to become a growing public health challenge worldwide, the conference underscores the urgent need for action. An estimated 150 million people are expected to be living with dementia globally by 2050. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, the number of individuals living with dementia is expected to increase from 2.13 million in 2015 to 3.48 million by 2030, and 7.62 million by 2050.

The Aga Khan University conference represents a critical step towards addressing these challenges, as it brings together key stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and advocate for greater investment in brain health and dementia care across Africa.