Dementia, currently the seventh leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability and dependency among older people worldwide, is a syndrome that severely impacts cognitive functions. More than 55 million people had dementia worldwide in 2023, with over 60 per cent of them in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). There are nearly 10 million new cases every year. ALSO READ: How to reduce your risk of dementia Dementia is a syndrome caused by various diseases that progressively destroy nerve cells and damage the brain. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-70 per cent of all cases. Other forms include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (abnormal deposits of protein inside nerve cells). This leads to a deterioration in cognitive function—such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning—beyond what might be expected from normal aging. Importantly, while cognitive abilities decline, consciousness remains unaffected. However, individuals often experience changes in mood, emotional control, behaviour, or motivation, which may precede cognitive symptoms. Prof Vincent Sezibera, the Director of Centre for Mental Health at the University of Rwanda, explained that dementia falls within the domain of neurodegenerative disorders, which specifically impact the brain rather than the body. It makes people lose the capacity to think, and their daily activities are affected. You cannot see it externally, he said. Sezibera highlighted the connection between Parkinson’s disease and dementia, pointing out that many individuals with Parkinson’s eventually develop dementia. ALSO READ: Study discovers link between internet use and dementia “Other things that may increase the likelihood of developing dementia are mainly being 65 years old or older, having hypertension, diabetes, and experiencing social isolation,” he said. Sezibera explained symptoms such as memory loss, misplacing items, confusion in familiar places, and having difficulty performing routine tasks. These symptoms are progressive, meaning they worsen over time, he said. Although, currently there is no cure for dementia, Sezibera said early preventive measures can help manage the progression of the disease such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, social engagement and managing chronic conditions. ALSO READ: What you should know about dementia In a recent WHO podcast, Dr Katrin Seeher, an expert noted that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Notably, two out of three people in their 90s do not have dementia, meaning that it is a medical condition affecting the brain, and not just a consequence of getting older, she said. In some cases, however, dementia can occur in individuals in their 40s and 50s. Seeher emphasised the importance of early diagnosis as it enables individuals to understand the symptoms experienced by themselves or their family members and to prepare for the future accordingly. “I encourage people who live with dementia to lead an active life, physically, mentally and socially, because that will help you to remain independent and maintain a good quality of life for longer,” she said. Christian Mucyo, a nurse at Iwacu Dignity Home Care, noted that Rwandans are still unfamiliar with dementia, which often prevents them from seeking help. Many individuals with family members suffering from dementia tend to hide them at home, perhaps out of fear of embarrassment, Mucyo said. People need to support these individuals in their daily lives. If they can't cook, at least let them eat by themselves. Help them develop their skills and stay close to them,” he said. They need to feel valued, and socialise. They are people like everyone else and need to be shown love so they can also love themselves, Mucyo added.
