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. 2024;100(4):1121-1131.
doi: 10.3233/JAD-240381.

Prevalence of Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in East Africa Region: A Scoping Review of Population-Based Studies and Call for Further Research

Muluken A Yenesew  1 , Janina Krell-Roesch  2 , Betelhem Fekadu  3 , Dabere Nigatu  1 , Aklilu Endalamaw  4   5 , Alemtsehay Mekonnen  1 , Mulugeta Biyadgie  6 , Gizachew Y Wubetu  7 , Alemu T Debiso  8 , Kassu M Beyene  9 , Teshome S Kelkile  10 , Daniel A Enquobahrie  11 , Tesfaye B Mersha  12 , Danielle E Eagan  13 , Yonas E Geda  14
Affiliations

Prevalence of Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in East Africa Region: A Scoping Review of Population-Based Studies and Call for Further Research

Muluken A Yenesew et al. J Alzheimers Dis. 2024.

Abstract

Background: Population-based research on the prevalence and determinants of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive impairment is scarce in East Africa.

Objective: To provide an overview of community- and population-based studies among older adults on the prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment in East Africa, and identify research gaps.

Methods: We carried out a literature search using three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) using pertinent search terms.

Results: After screening 445 publications, we identified four publications on the population-based prevalence of dementia, and three on cognitive impairment. Prevalence rates varied from 6- 23% for dementia, and 7- 44% for cognitive impairment, among participants aged≥50-70 years. Old age and a lower education level were risk factors for dementia and cognitive impairment. Physical inactivity, lack of a ventilated kitchen, and history of central nervous system infections and chronic headache were associated with increased odds of dementia. Female sex, depression, having no spouse, increased lifetime alcohol consumption, low income, rural residence, and low family support were associated with increased odds of cognitive impairment. Potential misclassification and non-standardized data collection methods are research gaps that should be addressed in future studies.

Conclusions: Establishing collaborative networks and partnering with international research institutions may enhance the capacity for conducting population-based studies on dementia and cognitive impairment in East Africa. Longitudinal studies may provide valuable insights on incidence, as well as potential risk and protective factors of dementia and cognitive impairment, and may inform the development of targeted interventions including preventive strategies in the region.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; East Africa; cognitive impairment; dementia; prevalence; scoping review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to report.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart of the selection process for the studies included in the scoping review.
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