This is the sobering message as the world marks World Brain Day on July 22, with a global spotlight on dementia prevention.

Health experts are warning that sub-Saharan Africa faces a growing crisis as rising life expectancy, urbanisation, and shifting lifestyles fuel a surge in dementia cases. Dr James Butler, Executive Board Member of the Neurological Association of South Africa, said many people are unaware that dementia is not an inevitable consequence of ageing, and that over 40% of cases could be prevented.

“Dementia is not just a condition of old age. It is driven by risk factors that begin early in life, from poor nutrition and lack of education to unmanaged chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension,”Butler told African news outlets.

With the number of older people increasing across the continent, experts are calling for urgent investment in early intervention programmes, public education campaigns, and basic health services to delay or prevent dementia onset.

Encouragingly, Butler noted that it is never too late to make a difference. Simple lifestyle changes, regular exercise, healthy eating, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol use, and staying socially and mentally active, can all protect brain health.

“We need to treat brain health like heart health. Prevention starts early, but even later in life, making positive changes can slow decline,” Butler said.

--ChannelAfrica--