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2022 Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI)

Co-developing care pathways for dementia in South Africa: Exploring traditional and biomedical practices

Can a collaborative dementia care program be created for older persons in South Africa?

Ntokozo Ngcobo
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa



Background

Studies report that nearly two-thirds of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia 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, a unified healthcare program and strategy for individuals with dementia and their caregivers is not prevalent. Dr. Ntokozo Ngcobo proposes a pilot project that will examine the current care pathways for individuals with dementia in South Africa with the goal of developing a collaborative dementia care strategy.

Research Plan

Dr. Ngcobo and colleagues will first survey physicians and traditional health practitioners in both urban and rural regions of South Africa on their knowledge of dementia care practices. Next, they will interview physicians and traditional health practitioners on their views on collaborative dementia care strategies. Lastly, the team will use the survey and interview findings to develop recommendations and guidelines for improved collaborative dementia services in South Africa.

Impact

If successful, this project may provide key insight into dementia care pathways in South Africa. Results from this study may be used to develop a future collaborative dementia care program. 

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