2022 Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI)

Amplifying the voices of people with dementia and carers in South Africa

How can an outreach program bring dementia awareness to individuals living in South Africa? 

Melissa Chan
Bessie Makatini Foundation
Lamontville, South Africa

Background

Studies report that nearly two-thirds of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias live in low and middle income countries. South Africa is a middle income country with a rapidly aging population and a growing number of individuals living with dementia. However, awareness of dementia and its risk factors to individuals in this region is low. Programs designed to empower individuals with dementia and their caregivers have been successful at increasing community awareness and reducing the stigma associated with dementia in other regions. Dr. Melissa Chan project will implement one of these programs in South Africa. 

Research Plan

Dr. Chan and colleagues will work with the Bessie Makatini Foundation, a South African non-profit organization that provides support to individuals with dementia and their caregivers, to implement the “Voices for Hope” Program. First, the team will create a toolkit of educational materials for individuals with dementia and their caregivers in the pilot program which will be carried out over six to ten weeks. Next, the researchers will measure the success of the program by evaluating the impact the program and its materials have on dementia awareness and advocacy as well as community engagement.

Impact

If successful, this project will implement a new program to promote dementia awareness and advocacy in South Africa. Results from this study could potentially be used to develop additional outreach and education programs to reduce the stigma of dementia and improve how individuals with dementia and their caregivers are supported in this region.