Dementia research needs in Ghana: a perspective

Abstract

Background Background Estimates suggest that about 50 million individuals are living with dementia globally. Thus, dementia remains a public health concern at all levels. Although there are several factors that offer conditions for the provision of empirical evidence for an intervention, little is known about dementia within the Ghanaian population. This write-up aims to describe Ghana's dementia research needs. Methods Methods Based on results from a study conducted in the Kintampo area of Ghana, the study team strategized to identify dementia research needs in Ghana. Additionally, a literature search was used to identify and outline the dementia research needs.

Tackling dementia globally: the Global Dementia Prevention Program (GloDePP) collaboration

“…Under sub-theme 1, Adeloye et al [6], Nitrini et al [7], Noroozian et al [8], Nulkar et al [9], Nyame et al [10], Poon et al [11], Wang et al [12] describe the rising trend of dementia in China, Ghana, Nigeria, India, Iran, Latin American, and Southeast Asian countries, the paucity of epidemiological and other research into dementia, and the fragmentation of diagnosis, prevention, and care services in these settings leading to large gaps in diagnosis (up to 90%), treatment, and support services resulting in over-reliance on informal care by the family. Scarcity of funding aside, the lack of recognition towards dementia by governments and health authorities is seen by many of our authors as a key contributor to the paucity of research and delivery of necessary social and health services [7-10,12].…”

Primary caregivers’ experiences of caring for people living with dementia in Ghana: a phenomenological study

“…This makes dementia a growing threat to the healthcare system of SSA. Although Ghana lacks comprehensive data on dementia, it is estimated that the condition is prevalent among 5% of the overall population [ 5 ]. Consequently, there have been an increasing concern for dementia and its nuances in Ghana.…”

“…Nonetheless, Ghana lacks empirical evidence and understanding of the effects of caring for PwD on the life of primary caregivers. The extant literature in Ghana has mainly focused on understanding dementia research needs and gaps [ 5 ], the caregiver’s needs [ 9 ], utilization of technology to improve the quality of life of PwD [ 10 ], and the lived experiences of PwD [ 11 , 12 ]. To the best of our knowledge, and after extensive literature search, there is currently no published empirical evidence that qualitatively explores the lived experiences of primary caregivers of PwD in relation to the impact of assuming caregiving role in Ghana.…”

Gendered differences in the prevalence and associated factors of dementia in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey

“…In Ghana, there is little empirical evidence on the spread and magnitude of the condition. One study [ 3 ] estimated the overall prevalence to be 5% among the general Ghanaian population. However, Nyame et al’s [ 3 ] study was limited to only persons aged 70 years or older.…”

“…One study [ 3 ] estimated the overall prevalence to be 5% among the general Ghanaian population. However, Nyame et al’s [ 3 ] study was limited to only persons aged 70 years or older. Given that dementia can also affect individuals below the age of 70, the exclusion of younger population in Nyame et al’s study [ 3 ] results in an incomplete understanding of the overall prevalence and patterns of dementia in Ghana.…”