The Brain and Mind Institute at Aga Khan University, in partnership with the FINGERS Brain Health Institute, has officially launched the Africa FINGERS Programme.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to address dementia across Africa by advocating for culturally informed lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.
The programme focuses on individuals aged 50 and above in both rural and urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria.
Its primary goal is to design interventions that tackle key dementia risk factors in ways that resonate with local cultures.
These interventions will be rigorously tested through randomized controlled trials, with the aim of implementing sustainable strategies to promote brain health throughout the communities.
Speaking at the launch, Abuya Norbet, Assistant Director of the Directorate of Primary Healthcare, highlighted the significance of the initiative in promoting healthier aging.
Representing Principal Secretary for Health, Mary Muriuki, Abuya emphasised that the Africa FINGERS Programme is a crucial step forward in addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time—dementia.
“With this growing health challenge, this project is vital because it focuses on prevention rather than treatment,”Abuya said.
“By understanding the unique risk factors specific to our populations and creating culturally relevant interventions, the Africa-FINGERS Program will allow us to address dementia before it becomes unmanageable. This is especially important as our aging population continues to grow.”
Founding Director of the Brain and Mind Institute Zul Merali shared his belief that the initiative has the potential to transform brain health not only on the African continent but globally.
"Studies have shown that modifiable risk factors—lifestyle aspects we can influence, such as diet, physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation—play a crucial role in brain health,” Merali said.
"The science is clear: by addressing these factors, we can prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia."
Merali also emphasised Africa’s unique position in this global effort.
“By 2050, Africa will have the world’s largest elderly population, even though its current median age is just 20,” he explained.
“This duality provides a critical opportunity to understand risk factors specific to Africa while promoting prevention among the younger population.”
“This initiative is about shaping the future of brain health for generations to come. Understanding the modifiable risk factors unique to African populations is essential not only for Africa but for the entire global community. What we learn here will help inform brain health strategies worldwide."
The Africa FINGERS Programme represents a pivotal moment in advancing brain health in Africa, offering hope for a healthier aging population across the continent and beyond.
