Dementia in Ghana: Study finds 23.4% of adults over 40 at risk as experts call for national care policy

Stakeholders are calling for: A national dementia policyA clear referral and care pathwayGreater support for caregiversExpanded public education to reduce stigmaCommunity-based programmes for elderly engagementDr Adadidudu said caregiver support networks must become a key part of Ghana’s response, given the central role families play in dementia care.

Nearly one in four adults aged 40 and above in parts of Ghana’s Ashanti Region are at risk of developing dementia, a finding experts say highlights a growing public health challenge and exposes gaps in the country’s care system.

When dementia is mistaken for witchcraftExperts say dementia in Ghana is not only a medical concern but also a social challenge, with misconceptions exposing many elderly people to discrimination and abuse.