Imagine waking up and forgetting the way to your favourite café—or even the name of someone you deeply care about. For over 57 million people globally, this is not a passing moment but a daily struggle. It’s called dementia, and it’s more preventable than many people realise.
World Brain Day was recently marked on July 22, with medical experts urging people to treat brain health as a lifelong priority, not just a concern for the elderly.
According to Dr Patty Francis, president of the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA), dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing. She explains that it often develops after years of unmanaged health risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression, smoking, chronic stress, and low social interaction—some of which begin as early as a person’s 30s.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that dementia is on the rise. By 2030, global cases are projected to reach 78 million, and by 2050, over 153 million. Sub-Saharan Africa, already dealing with high rates of HIV and stroke—both linked to cognitive decline—is expected to see dementia cases rise from just over 2 million to more than 7.6 million within 25 years.
Fortunately, up to 45% of cases may be preventable. According to Dr Francis, addressing 14 modifiable risk factors—such as hearing loss, low education, social isolation, and unmanaged chronic illnesses—can make a meaningful difference. Even simple choices like completing secondary school, staying physically active, or maintaining a healthy diet play a role in protecting long-term brain health.
She notes that the habits formed in your 20s, 30s, and 40s are crucial. Good sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and staying connected with others help strengthen the brain before any symptoms emerge.
Early detection also matters. Many people overlook signs like memory lapses, confusion, or personality changes, assuming it's just ageing. But these may be early symptoms of dementia. Other signs include trouble with familiar tasks, getting lost, or struggling to find the right words. Seeking medical advice early can lead to interventions that may slow progression or, in some cases, reverse symptoms—especially in treatable conditions like vitamin B12 deficiency or HIV-related cognitive issues.
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease—the most common form of dementia—treatments can ease symptoms. These include cognitive rehabilitation, medication, and managing conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
While newer medications show promise, Dr Francis highlights that they remain costly and are not widely available in many lower-income areas. For most South Africans, prevention through early screening, education, and support is still the best approach.
She adds that we should view brain health the same way we view heart health—essential and lifelong.
The message from World Brain Day remains clear: everyday actions matter. By making simple lifestyle changes now, you can improve your brain health and reduce your future risk. Healthy brains lead to stronger families, more resilient communities, and a better tomorrow.
World Brain Day was recently marked on July 22, with medical experts urging people to treat brain health as a lifelong priority, not just a concern for the elderly.
According to Dr Patty Francis, president of the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA), dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing. She explains that it often develops after years of unmanaged health risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression, smoking, chronic stress, and low social interaction—some of which begin as early as a person’s 30s.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that dementia is on the rise. By 2030, global cases are projected to reach 78 million, and by 2050, over 153 million. Sub-Saharan Africa, already dealing with high rates of HIV and stroke—both linked to cognitive decline—is expected to see dementia cases rise from just over 2 million to more than 7.6 million within 25 years.
Fortunately, up to 45% of cases may be preventable. According to Dr Francis, addressing 14 modifiable risk factors—such as hearing loss, low education, social isolation, and unmanaged chronic illnesses—can make a meaningful difference. Even simple choices like completing secondary school, staying physically active, or maintaining a healthy diet play a role in protecting long-term brain health.
She notes that the habits formed in your 20s, 30s, and 40s are crucial. Good sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and staying connected with others help strengthen the brain before any symptoms emerge.
Early detection also matters. Many people overlook signs like memory lapses, confusion, or personality changes, assuming it's just ageing. But these may be early symptoms of dementia. Other signs include trouble with familiar tasks, getting lost, or struggling to find the right words. Seeking medical advice early can lead to interventions that may slow progression or, in some cases, reverse symptoms—especially in treatable conditions like vitamin B12 deficiency or HIV-related cognitive issues.
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease—the most common form of dementia—treatments can ease symptoms. These include cognitive rehabilitation, medication, and managing conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
While newer medications show promise, Dr Francis highlights that they remain costly and are not widely available in many lower-income areas. For most South Africans, prevention through early screening, education, and support is still the best approach.
She adds that we should view brain health the same way we view heart health—essential and lifelong.
The message from World Brain Day remains clear: everyday actions matter. By making simple lifestyle changes now, you can improve your brain health and reduce your future risk. Healthy brains lead to stronger families, more resilient communities, and a better tomorrow.
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From the Medical Directory library. For advice about your own health, speak to your healthcare professional.
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