THE University of Stirling is embarking on a major study to transform dementia care in Kenya, where cases of the disease are growing but outcomes for those affected are poor.
The five-year project, funded by Wellcome Trust, will address the issues faced in rural and urban communities in Kenya, where there is no national policy on dementia care, and limited public awareness or professional training.
Cases of dementia are projected to rise by 316% in Kenya by 2050, according to previous research.
However, cultural beliefs play a significant role in understanding dementia across Africa, with many not recognising dementia as a medical condition that requires care intervention.
With formal services still developing around the disease, family members in Kenya often bear the pressure of dementia care without adequate support. The lack of institutional support and misconceptions around the disease lead to poor outcomes for those living with dementia, say the University of Stirling’s healthy ageing experts.
Dr Mary Njoki (pictured), originally from Kenya, has been awarded a £666,529 Wellcome Early Career Researcher Award for the study, which will include interviews and a film to advance understanding of the country’s gaps in knowledge, policy and practice around dementia.
The research findings will also help in the development of dementia-inclusive communities and dementia education programmes in Kenya.