By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The average person in Zimbabwe is likely to have come across the term Dementia, but very few comprehend the condition in its entirety. The country as a microcosm of Africa as a whole can be classified as highly cultural deep rooted in cultural norms and values that more often than not apportion any sickness or most conditions to acts of witchcraft and Dementia is no exception. But what is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain, impacting memory, thinking, behavior, and emotion. It is frequently the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly and ranks as the 7th leading cause of death globally. Alarmingly, every three seconds someone develops the condition.
It’s important to note that dementia is not a normal part of aging. It can also affect individuals under the age of 65, a condition known as young-onset dementia. Currently, there are an estimated 55 million people living with dementia worldwide.
Despite being one of the most underreported conditions, dementia is often less promoted in terms of awareness, which is a significant concern. The stigma and misconceptions surrounding dementia frequently leave individuals and families isolated, struggling to navigate the complexities of the condition without adequate support.
According to a 2019 report by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Zimbabwe currently has 27,377 individuals living with dementia. This number is projected to skyrocket to 80,386 by 2050—a staggering increase of 194%. The report attributes this alarming trend to an aging population and overall population growth, emphasizing the pressing need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to combat stigma and misinformation surrounding dementia.
Given the increasing numbers of people suffering from the condition, the Alzheimer’s disease International (ADI) and the Zimbabwe Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association (ZARDA) are urging responsible authorities to urgently adopt and expand their Global Action Plan on Dementia. The surge in worldwide cases including locally underscores the critical need for robust public awareness campaigns and the integration of dementia care into national policies.
During the launch of the 2024 World Alzheimer’s Report in September 2024, Paola Barbarino, CEO of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), pointed out that many people remain unaware of dementia, and there is still significant stigma attached to the condition. This lack of understanding, combined with misinformation and discrimination, leads many individuals to overlook the early warning signs of dementia.
“Low awareness levels, enduring stigma, misinformation, and discrimination hamper efforts to address the condition, meaning many ignore the warning signs,” Barbarino noted.
Barbarino also emphasized that obtaining a timely diagnosis is crucial, as it allows those affected to access post-diagnostic support, helping them live more independently and with a better quality of life for a longer period.
“Currently, 75% of those living with the condition do so undiagnosed. With a timely diagnosis, people can access post-diagnostic support to enable them to live well and independently with the condition for longer,” she explained.
Janet Wood, Chairperson of ZARDA, echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for a shift in public perception and attitudes towards dementia.
“Timely intervention and support for those affected by dementia—both the individuals and their caregivers—are paramount,” she stated.
Wood emphasized that increased awareness is essential for encouraging more individuals to seek information, advice, and support.
“We are hopeful that improvements in diagnosis rates and access to treatment and care will lead to a transformation in public attitudes towards dementia,” she concluded.
To promote awareness, ZARDA conducts monthly support group meetings for primary caregivers, providing a safe space to share experiences and strategies while fostering a sense of community. They also engage in community outreach to educate the public about dementia, raising awareness and promoting understanding to combat the damaging stereotypes that persist.
As Zimbabwe grapples with this escalating health challenge, the call to action from ADI and ZARDA is clear: governments and communities must rally together to implement comprehensive awareness campaigns and integrate dementia care into national health policies.
With dementia on the rise, proactive and timely measures are not just beneficial—they are necessary to ensure a supportive and inclusive environment for those affected by the condition and their families.