Urgent: Africa Faces Dementia Crisis as Global Task Force Launches

UPDATE: A new global task force has been formed to tackle the impending dementia crisis in Africa, where projections indicate that over 1 million people in South Africa alone will be living with dementia within the next few decades. This alarming statistic equates to the entire population of Nelson Mandela Bay. As of October 23, 2025, the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative has officially launched the Africa Task Force on Brain Health, highlighting urgent needs for the continent’s health systems.

The task force, led by Professor Stephen Tollman of the SAMRC/Wits Rural Health Transitions Unit, aims to create a robust framework to combat neurodegenerative diseases as Africa’s older population is projected to surge by 2050. The collaborative’s recent publication in Nature Medicine underscores the critical link between brain health and economic resilience, establishing a five-year plan known as the 6×5 plan to enhance Africa’s readiness.

“Brain health runs through every stage of life and every sector of society,” said Tollman, emphasizing its connection to health, education, equity, and opportunity. The overarching goal is to protect aging citizens while fostering sustainable economic growth. With the continent facing unprecedented health challenges, the time for action is now.

The 6×5 plan outlines six immediate priorities aimed at strengthening brain health across Africa, including:

1. **Expanding Advocacy and Literacy**: Raising awareness and challenging stigma surrounding dementia.
2. **Positioning Brain Health as a Socioeconomic Driver**: Recognizing cognitive resilience as essential for productivity and innovation.
3. **Utilizing Existing Resources**: Leveraging current infrastructure like immunization programs and community health workers for dementia care.
4. **Breaking Down Silos**: Harmonizing data and sharing evidence across countries for accurate policy-making.
5. **Harnessing Digital Health**: Utilizing mobile technology and AI to provide low-cost screenings.
6. **Securing Sustainable Funding**: Integrating brain health into universal health coverage and national development goals.

Professor Tollman stressed, “Africa can realize this plan, using much of what it already has.” The SAMRC/Wits-Agincourt Research Unit has been pivotal in documenting how adults over 40 live and age in resource-limited settings, providing critical data to inform these initiatives.

The research highlights the interplay between brain health and various chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, which are rising in fast-transitioning areas like Agincourt-Bushbuckridge. These conditions are not only risk factors for dementia but also coexist alongside it, creating a complex health landscape.

As the continent grapples with these challenges, the 6×5 plan offers a practical roadmap that could transform the future of brain health in Africa. The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative asserts that with coordinated efforts, Africa can turn the aging population into a source of resilience rather than vulnerability, paving the way for innovative, community-driven solutions.

The implications of this task force’s work are profound, not only for public health but also for social and economic development throughout the continent. Immediate action is essential to ensure that Africa is prepared for the upcoming crisis.

Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation develops.