Around 258,000 Kenyans already have dementia, according to a seminar organised by Aga Khan Hospital. This number is expected to rise as Kenyans over 60 years quadruple by 2050.
Dementia is a condition where brain cells deteriorate and people, normally older people, start to become confused. We can protect ourselves, to some extent, against dementia with a healthy diet, physical exercise, socialising and mental activity.
However, in Kenya there is an additional problem that people, especially in rural areas, often confuse dementia with witchcraft.
An older person starts talking strangely, or picking up other people's property, and someone else in the village falls sick or dies. It is quickly assumed that the strange old neighbour is a witch whereas in all probability that person is just suffering from dementia.
Of course there are a few actual witch doctors, often herbalists providing traditional medicine but sometimes individuals practicing the dark arts.
But before we jump to conclusions that someone is a witch, we should take them to a hospital where their brain function can be tested to find out if they are suffering from dementia. Most 'witches' who are put to death are innocent and are just aging or suffering from dementia.
Quote of the day: "There is no conversation more boring than the one where everybody agrees."
Michel de Montaigne
The French philosopher died on September 13, 1592
