By 2050, an estimated 80 million Africans could be living with dementia—four times more than in 2015. This alarming forecast has raised a crucial question: Why should governments invest in brain health? According to the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC), doing so is not just a health necessity; it’s an economic imperative.
During a recent meeting in Johannesburg, DAC founder George Vradenburg emphasized the unique opportunity Africa has. With a predominantly young population, the continent can adopt preventive measures against cognitive decline early on. “Preventing Alzheimer’s largely depends on lifelong brain care,” he stated. The meeting, co-hosted by the Science for Africa Foundation, centered on strategic approaches to bolster brain health.
Key experts brought attention to early life nutrition. Mireille Wenger, Health Minister of the Western Cape, stressed that brain development starts in the womb. “The first 1,000 days are vital for brain architecture,” she explained. Good nutrition, affection, and a supportive environment during these early years lay the groundwork for learning and resilience later in life.
Dr. Holly Baines from Wellcome Leap pointed out another critical phase: adolescence. Emerging evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s may begin to develop in midlife, especially concerning women’s health. “Understanding the specific windows for effective intervention is still a challenge,” she noted.
At the meeting, Africa launched its first-ever Brain Health Plan. This five-year roadmap aims to invest in “brain capital” through strategic goals like advocacy, harnessing data, and exploring funding avenues. Vradenburg highlighted that nearly 60% of Africa’s population is under 25. By 2030, half of all new workers globally will stem from sub-Saharan Africa. This workforce’s creativity and problem-solving abilities will be essential. A focus on brain health is critical for Africa’s competitiveness and innovation in the 21st-century job market.
According to McKinsey Health Institute’s Kana Enomoto, scaling up brain health solutions could potentially yield $6.2 trillion, or about 3% of the global GDP, annually by 2050. However, data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation shows that in 2019, Africa allocated around $10 billion to address various brain disorders, raising concerns about investment priorities.
Vradenburg criticized the disparity in health investments. “While millions go into AI development, brain health gets little attention,” he lamented. “Urgent investment in human intelligence is necessary.”
Looking ahead, the demographics in Africa are shifting rapidly. Prof. Mohamed Salama from the American University in Cairo warned that older adults are expected to triple by 2050. “We must prepare for the challenges this brings to healthcare and the economy,” he cautioned. Wenger echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for long-term planning focused on prevention and early intervention.
Digital solutions are emerging as valuable tools. For instance, chatbots in various African languages are assisting dementia care in Tunisia. These AI-driven services help ease the journey for patients who may otherwise struggle to access specialized treatment.
Tom Kariuki, CEO of the Science for Africa Foundation, succinctly described brain health as “both an economic and social investment.” He stressed that enhancing brain health bolsters innovation, productivity, and resilience—foundations for Africa’s growth.
Professor Claudio Bassetti, vice-president of the European Brain Council, noted the gap in global investment for dementia prevention. He pointed out that countries like Switzerland allocate a mere 2% of their health budget to prevention, despite substantial costs linked to dementia care.
Vradenburg announced DAC’s plans for next year: to shift focus from mere brain health to fostering a robust brain economy. The aim is to turn current challenges into opportunities, ensuring that Africa can thrive amidst changing demographics and technological advances.
