Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) has officially launched the Africa-FINGERS project, a major initiative aimed at addressing the growing risk of dementia in Africa.
The project, funded by the UK’s Medical Research Council (MRC) and supported by the FINGERS Brain Health Institute, seeks to develop strategies that are tailored to the cultural and social contexts of African communities.
The project was launched on December 9th,2024 during the Dementia and Brain Ageing in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Conference. The event brought together researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss the urgent need for action as global dementia cases are projected to triple by 2050.
Professor Zul Merali, Founding Director, BMI, stressed the importance of focusing on African populations in the global fight against dementia. “Understanding the modifiable risk factors unique to African populations is critical,” he said. “What we learn here will inform prevention strategies not just for Africa, but for the world.”
With dementia cases in Sub-Saharan Africa expected to rise significantly by 2050, the study focuses on preventing cognitive decline through lifestyle changes. It will involve participants aged 50 and older in both rural and urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria. These efforts will target key factors that influence brain health, including nutrition, physical activity, brain and mental enrichment, social engagement, stress management and the management of chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
”We are working directly with local communities to co-create solutions that fit their contexts,” said Dr Chi Udeh-Momoh, the study’s Principal Investigator. “The goal is to ensure the interventions are not only effective but also sustainable and relevant to the people they are designed to help.”
The study will collaborate with local policymakers to ensure its findings can be integrated into national health systems. It also includes training healthcare providers and researchers to strengthen dementia prevention efforts across the continent.
“This study is as much about capacity-building as it is about research,” said Dr Udeh-Momoh. “We are investing in local expertise to ensure the impact lasts long after the project ends.”
One of the project’s priorities is to co-create solutions with local communities, ensuring interventions are culturally relevant and rooted in local resources. The aim is to design programs that can be scaled across African health systems, especially in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Professor Miia Kivipelto, founder of the FINGERS Brain Health Institute, highlighted the urgency of translating research into action. “We are moving from research to implementation because we know that turning findings into solutions takes time,” she said. “But we cannot afford to wait. Prevention is a lifelong opportunity, and it’s never too early or too late to make a change.”
As Africa’s population ages, the Africa-FINGERS project is seen as a vital step toward improving the quality of life for millions. The project’s findings are expected to provide valuable insights into global efforts to reduce the burden of dementia.
