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Aga Khan University’s Brain & Mind Institute Launches Africa-FINGERS Program to Combat Dementia Across Africa


   
Nairobi, Kenya – December 4, 2024

   The Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) at Aga Khan University, in partnership with the FINGERS Brain Health Institute, has officially launched the Africa-FINGERS Program to tackle the growing challenge of dementia across Sub-Saharan Africa. This pioneering initiative aims to develop culturally relevant lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, focusing on populations aged 50 and above in both rural and urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria.

  The program is supported by prominent organizations, including the Medical Research Council (MRC), Worldwide FINGERS, the Africa Dementia Consortium, Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, Global Brain Health Institute, Alzheimer’s Disease International, and the Global Dementia Prevention Program.

    The Africa-FINGERS Program is designed to address key dementia risk factors specific to African communities. It seeks to co-create preventive strategies, test them through rigorous randomized controlled trials, and implement sustainable solutions to improve brain health.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Zul Merali, Founding Director of the Brain and Mind Institute, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "This program is a timely and necessary response to the rising dementia burden in Africa. By focusing on culturally relevant prevention strategies, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on brain health for generations to come."
   Dr. Chi Udeh-Momoh, Principal Investigator of Africa-FINGERS, highlighted the program’s preventive approach:
"By working with communities to create tailored interventions, we aim to delay the onset of dementia and equip families across Africa with the tools to build a healthier future."
   Professor Miia Kivipelto, Founder of the FINGERS Brain Health Institute, lauded the global collaboration: "The Africa-FINGERS Program demonstrates the power of global partnership in addressing dementia. Together, we can adapt proven interventions to the realities of African communities, creating meaningful and sustainable solutions."

   Representing the Ministry of Health at the launch, Dr. Abuya Norbert, Assistant Director at the Directorate of Primary Healthcare, delivered remarks on behalf of Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki: "This initiative marks a significant step in promoting healthier aging and addressing the growing challenge of dementia in Kenya and beyond. By focusing on prevention and tailoring interventions to our unique cultural contexts, the Africa-FINGERS Project will enable us to tackle dementia proactively and sustainably." Dr. Norbert further reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting healthy aging and universal health coverage, emphasizing collaboration as a key driver of the program’s success.

  The Brain and Mind Institute at Aga Khan University is dedicated to empowering neuroscience and mental health research across East Africa and Central/South Asia. Through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation, BMI addresses neurological and mental health challenges while tailoring solutions to the needs of local communities.
   The Africa-FINGERS Program represents a groundbreaking approach to dementia prevention in Africa, offering hope and tangible solutions to communities grappling with this growing health crisis. As the program unfolds, its findings and interventions are expected to influence policies and practices not only in Africa but also globally.

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