Lost memories: Why dementia care needs urgent action

Lost memories: Why dementia care needs urgent action (Photo: iStock)

Dementia is tightening its grip on Kenya, a growing health crisis that remains largely misunderstood, stigmatised, and often overlooked. Families struggle in silence as loved ones exhibit signs of memory loss, confusion, or personality changes, frequently dismissing these symptoms as a normal part of ageing. In some cases, cultural beliefs attribute dementia to supernatural forces, delaying crucial medical intervention.

Dr Edna Bosire, a medical anthropologist at the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI), highlights how stigma and misinformation prevent early diagnosis and access to care. Her findings stem from a study she led at the Aga Khan University's Brain and Mind Institute in collaboration with the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) and Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH,N), which sheds light on these challenges.