Dementia is becoming one of Africa’s most pressing health concerns, with cases projected to rise steeply by 2050. Africa-FINGERS is a pioneering, multinational initiative that aims to prevent dementia through culturally relevant, lifestyle-based strategies across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Led by Dr. Chi Udeh-Momoh, a Translational Neuroscientist, and building on the globally recognized FINGER model, the project conducts rigorous, community-centered research in Kenya and Nigeria, adapting evidence-based methods to local realities.
Africa FINGERS unites research and community engagement to prevent dementia through practical, multi-faceted strategies.
Conduct trials to adapt proven dementia prevention strategies for African populations
Create culturally tailored programs that address local health beliefs and needs
Develop sustainable brain health programs that integrate into regional health systems
Build local healthcare capacity to support dementia prevention and care long-term
Africa-FINGERS is the first large-scale brain health study in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over five years, the study will recruit 600 older adults in Kenya and Nigeria to test lifestyle approaches that may reduce dementia risk, including healthy eating, regular exercise, cardiovascular health, cognitive enrichment and mental and social engagement.
With dementia projected to rise sharply in Africa, and over 60% of people with dementia expected to live in low- and middle-income countries by 2050, Africa-FINGERS focuses on early prevention by targeting common risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Co-designed with local communities and health experts, the study is being tested in urban and rural settings, including Nairobi, Kilifi, Lagos and Anambra. By combining science, culture and real-world health needs, Africa-FINGERS aims to improve brain health and create a practical, community-based model for Africa and the African diaspora.
Africa-FINGERS aims to prevent dementia through evidence-based, culturally grounded approaches that put communities first.
Co-create dementia prevention programs tailored to local needs and resources.
Empower individuals to take preventative action
Strengthen local health systems and workforce
Educate communities on brain health
Influence regional policy with evidence-based recommendations
The Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) at the Aga Khan University, operates in East Africa and Central/South Asia. BMI’s ethos is to span from neuron to the neighbourhood and across multi-country campuses. The operational model is to empower and strengthen neuroscience and mental health research and interventions through capacity building and partnerships, connecting the rich tapestry of academics, research entities, stakeholders, and communities of lived experience.
BMI facilitates interdisciplinary research, education and innovation in mental health and neurosciences. Through transdisciplinary research approaches, BMI aims to impact the lives of people who are affected by debilitating neurological and mental health problems. Whether it is uncovering the causes of illness or advancing breakthrough research into treatments or interventions, BMI’s approach is always mindful of the local needs of the people and communities at risk.
Empowering healthy aging through science and community engagement
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The Brain and Mind Institute (BMI), through the Africa-FINGERS project team, brought together community members, researchers, and health officials for validation workshops in Nairobi on October 27 and in Kilifi…
The Brain and Mind Institute carried out a series of community and health system engagement activities in Kilifi County from August 25–29, 2025, as part of the Africa-FINGERS program. Supported…
Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) has officially launched the Africa-FINGERS project, a major initiative aimed at addressing the growing risk of dementia in Africa. The project, funded…
