Tackling the Hidden Dementia Crisis in Third-World Nations

“Dementia is not a normal part of ageing — and in developing countries, it is a quiet crisis that’s rapidly growing louder.”

The Silent Epidemic of Dementia Crisis No One’s Talking About

In bustling cities and rural villages across Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, a quiet but devastating crisis is unfolding, one that steals memories, fractures families, and overwhelms already fragile health systems. This is the hidden dementia crisis in the developing world, and its impact is accelerating with alarming speed.

According to the World Health Organization, over 60% of people living with dementia reside in low- and middle-income countries. By 2050, that figure is expected to rise to 71%, driven by rapid urbanization, increased life expectancy, and inadequate health infrastructure. Yet in many of these countries, dementia remains misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and massively underreported.

Our experiences with Dementia victims and other research we have engaged in over the years, in order to tackle the crisis of suffering from Dementia, we would break down how Dementia can be managed, regardless of the crisis faced by many.

What Is Dementia, Really?

Dementia isn’t just forgetfulness. It is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, reasoning, behavior, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form, accounts for 60–70% of cases.

While aging is the primary risk factor, other contributors include genetics, poor cardiovascular health, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension — many of which are becoming more common in developing countries due to changing diets and lifestyles.

The Dementia Crisis in Developing Nations: Why It’s Getting Worse

Rising Numbers, Growing Burden

In Africa alone, the number of people with dementia is projected to triple by 2050, from 3.3 million in 2019 to over 10 million, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International.

“We’re witnessing an unprecedented rise in dementia cases in sub-Saharan Africa, but with almost no parallel increase in capacity to detect or manage the condition.”— Dr. Catherine Abbo, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Policy Advisor, Uganda

This trend is driven by:

• Aging populations – Thanks to improved public health, people are living longer — but longer life also means higher dementia risk.

• Urbanization – Changes in lifestyle, diet, and stress levels contribute to chronic illnesses that raise dementia risk.

• Education gaps – Lower levels of formal education, common in many rural areas, are also linked to increased dementia vulnerability.

Stigma and Misconception

In many third-world countries, dementia is often mistaken for “normal ageing” or worse — supernatural affliction. In some African and Latin American communities, elderly individuals showing signs of memory loss are accused of witchcraft or spiritual possession.

“Stigma around dementia is so strong in rural Nigeria that some elders are isolated or even harmed by their communities.”— Dr. Oye Gureje, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

This leads to:

• Delayed diagnosis — Families often don’t seek medical help until the disease is severe.

• Abuse and neglect — Individuals with dementia may face social exclusion or mistreatment due to myths and fear.

Why Diagnosis and Care for Dementia Remain a Huge Challenge

Limited Medical Infrastructure

In many developing countries:

• There are few neurologists or geriatricians.

• Most health facilities lack diagnostic tools like brain scans or memory testing protocols.

• Primary care providers are often not trained to recognize early signs of dementia.

Financial and Social Costs

• Most dementia care costs are out-of-pocket, putting immense pressure on families.

• Caregivers often reduce work hours or quit jobs entirely, deepening poverty and economic stress.

In Kenya, for example, studies show that only 1 in 4 people with dementia receives a formal diagnosis, and virtually none have access to professional care.

Dementia Crisis Case Studies

Nigeria

Many elderly Nigerians with dementia go undiagnosed, or worse, are accused of being witches or cursed individuals. This not only delays medical care but puts vulnerable people at risk of violence or abandonment.

Brazil and Latin America

In parts of Latin America, prevalence rates are comparable to or higher than in Western countries, yet the healthcare systems are far less equipped to deal with the crisis. Educational inequality and rural-urban divides worsen diagnosis and care disparities.

What to do to tackle the Dementia Crisis

1. Public Education and Awareness

• Community outreach can dispel myths and encourage families to seek help.

• Educational campaigns should explain that dementia is a medical condition, not a curse.

“Educating communities is the first and most powerful step in fighting dementia.”— Dr. Daisy Acosta, Former Chair, Alzheimer’s Disease International

2. Strengthening Healthcare Systems

• Train healthcare workers to recognize and manage dementia.

• Invest in affordable screening tools and mobile clinics to reach rural populations.

3. National Dementia Policies

• Governments must create national dementia plans, as recommended by the WHO.

• These should include budget allocations, care guidelines, and support for caregivers.

As of 2024, only 37 countries globally have adopted national dementia strategies — most of them in high-income nations. The rest of the world is still dangerously unprepared.

Conclusion: A Crisis We Can No Longer Ignore

Dementia is not just a disease of the wealthy or the aged. It’s a growing public health crisis that’s hitting third-world nations hardest, and in many ways, most invisibly.

The burden of dementia in developing countries reflects deep gaps in health education, infrastructure, and policy. Without urgent action, millions of people — and their families — will suffer needlessly.

By raising awareness, training caregivers and health professionals, and investing in accessible care, we can not only improve lives but also build stronger, more compassionate health systems.

“If we act now, dementia doesn’t have to be a tragedy. It can be a challenge we rise to meet with humanity, science, and resolve.”— Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization

Call for Help on Dementia Crisis

Want to help?

• Support NGOs focused on dementia education in developing nations.

• Share this post to raise awareness.

• Urge local leaders to prioritize mental health and elder care in policy decisions.

The time to act is now — before today’s hidden crisis becomes tomorrow’s global emergency.