Nearly one in four adults aged 40 and above in parts of Ghana’s Ashanti Region are at risk of developing dementia, according to a new study that experts say exposes a growing public health challenge and major gaps in the country’s care system. The research found that 23.4% of participants were at risk, prompting renewed calls for a national dementia policy, better caregiver support and stronger public education to combat stigma.
This story falls under Lifestyle
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more interesting and relevant news
Researchers say the findings add to growing concerns about dementia care in Ghana, where the condition is often misunderstood and diagnosed late. The study also reinforces concerns raised in our previous report on how male fertility challenges are rising as more men face infertility than women, which highlighted increasing pressure on the country’s health system.
What the study found
The figure comes from a cross-sectional study involving more than 800 adults conducted between 2023 and 2025 under a UK-Ghana collaboration on non-communicable diseases.
The research was led by Dr Precious Adadidudu, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Huddersfield and Principal Investigator on a project developing a structured dementia referral and care pathway for Ghana.
According to Dr Adadidudu, dementia is becoming more common in low- and middle-income countries, yet awareness in Ghana remains low because many people associate its symptoms with spiritual causes rather than a medical condition.
“Ghana currently does not have clear data on how many people are living with dementia, but this study gives us important insight into the scale of the problem,” he said.
The researchers say misconceptions surrounding dementia often delay diagnosis and treatment, reducing the chances of patients receiving appropriate care early.
Caregivers and older people face growing challenges
Beyond the statistics, the study paints a troubling picture of the burden carried by families caring for relatives living with dementia.
Many caregivers are forced to reduce working hours or leave their jobs entirely to provide full-time care, placing significant emotional and financial strain on households.
“Some are burnt out, some are stressed, and many have had to sacrifice their livelihoods,” Dr Adadidudu said.
Experts also warned that stigma continues to expose many older people to neglect and abuse.
Symptoms such as memory loss, confusion and personality changes are sometimes wrongly interpreted as witchcraft or spiritual attacks. In some communities, elderly people, particularly women, have faced accusations after deaths, illnesses or family misfortunes, leading to isolation, abuse or displacement. Some eventually seek refuge in places such as the Gambaga witches’ camp after being rejected by their communities.
Clinical Psychologist and Founding Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies at the University of Ghana, Prof. Christopher Charles Mate-Kole, said public education is essential to help communities understand dementia as a medical condition rather than a spiritual problem.
He also called for stronger social protection policies to safeguard the dignity and wellbeing of older persons.
Why experts say urgent action is needed
Experts believe simple community activities, including music, storytelling, dancing, social interaction and light physical exercise, can improve the quality of life of people living with dementia. However, access to such programmes remains limited because Ghana lacks structured support systems for both patients and caregivers.
Speaking during a stakeholder workshop in Accra, Country Project Director for the Ghana-India-Nepal NCD study, Joshua Okyere, described the findings as a wake-up call.
“If about 23 percent of adults over 40 are already showing signs of dementia risk, then it means all of us are at risk as we age. We need urgent action,” he said.
Researchers say Ghana currently lacks a national dementia policy and a clear referral pathway within the healthcare system, meaning many patients receive diagnoses only after symptoms have significantly progressed.
To address this, local and international partners are working with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, academics, policymakers, faith leaders, media practitioners and caregivers to develop a dementia care pathway tailored to Ghana’s health system.
Stakeholders are calling for:
- A national dementia policy.
- A structured dementia referral and care pathway.
- Greater support for caregivers.
- Expanded public education to reduce stigma.
- Community-based programmes for older adults.
As Ghana’s population continues to age, researchers warn that dementia cases are likely to rise. They say stronger healthcare systems, better public awareness and earlier intervention will be critical to ensuring older Ghanaians receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Related reads
- Male Fertility Challenges Rising as More Men Face Infertility Than Women, Ghanaian Specialist Reveals
- Nearly 30% of working Ghanaians turn to betting to survive rising debts and living costs, says report
- Can You Sue For Breach Of Promise To Marry In Ghana? Lawyer Explains The Law, Damages And Legal Tests
- Inside Ghana’s thriving bead industry: How artisans in Amrahia turn recycled glass into cultural treasures
Explore more
News | Business | Entertainment | Lifestyle | Sports
