Global dementia cases expected to triple in the next 25 years

Pippa Hudson interviews Sam Nightingale, Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Cape Town.

Listen below.

Dementia occurs when abnormal proteins accumulate in the brain, damaging nerve cells. Yet, as Nightingale explains, the exact cause remains a mystery.

With the rising global prevalence of dementia, particularly in Africa, where the population of older adults is growing the fastest, it is more critical than ever to deepen our understanding of the disease, Nightingale emphasises.

He also highlights a concerning statistic: the number of people living with dementia worldwide is expected to triple within the next 25 years.

"That huge increase is mostly in Africa and other low and middle income countries."

- Sam Nightingale, Associate Professor of Neurology – University of Cape Town

While many dismiss memory problems as a normal part of ageing, Nightingale emphasises that, although some decline is inevitable, it should not interfere with daily life or function.

He also points out that various risk factors can influence the onset of dementia from early life through to old age, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, poor air quality, and even neglecting hearing health.

RELATED: Does obesity really increase your risk of dementia?

"It's really about maintaining a healthy brain throughout the life course."

- Sam Nightingale, Associate Professor of Neurology – University of Cape Town 

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.