The epidemiology of dementia in Africa: a review

Very few of the 100 studies of the prevalence of dementia have been carried out in Africa. Much of the early work concerned small hospitalised samples. However, a series of studies from Ibadan, Nigeria, have produced consistently low rates for dementia, especially for Alzheimer's Disease. The most recent studies reveal rather higher rates, but still lower than surveys carried out elsewhere. The possible reasons for these findings are considered: differential survival rates, the hiding of cases by relatives because of stigma, reluctance to seek medical assistance as inappropriate, poor access to medical care, the feeling that the old person has come to the end of his useful life and defective case-finding techniques. The need for further research is emphasised.