A qualitative investigation involving 83 community advisory members from Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon found that people living with dementia are frequently concealed, locked indoors, neglected or subjected to physical abuse because of widespread misconceptions about the condition. The study, released in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Behaviour & Socioeconomics of Aging on 15 October 2026, examined attitudes in three West‑Central African nations participating in the READD‑ADSP Project.
Key findings
- The research team, which included Eniola O. Cadmus, Oyedunni Arulogun, Michelle Nichols and Olorunyomi Felix Olorunsogbon, held ten focus‑group discussions with 83 Community Advisory Board members – 66 from Nigeria, 10 from Ghana and seven from Cameroon.
- Participants could recognise classic dementia symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, aggression and wandering, yet their explanations for the cause varied dramatically.
- While a minority linked the illness to normal ageing, many attributed it to witchcraft, evil spirits, curses or punishment for past misdeeds.
- A quoted participant noted, “When a relative starts behaving oddly, we think they are possessed, not ill.”
What misconceptions drive the stigma?
The study revealed that local languages often lack a precise term for dementia, prompting people to describe it with words associated with madness, childishness or foolishness. This linguistic gap reinforces negative stereotypes and discourages families from seeking professional help.
How are affected individuals being treated?
Respondents reported several harmful practices across all three countries, including:
- Locking relatives inside homes to stop them from wandering.
- Withholding food, neglecting basic needs, and inflicting physical violence.
- Concealing the person from neighbours because families feel embarrassed or fear community judgment.
These actions were described as varying in severity but present in each of the study locations.
What solutions do the researchers propose?
To mitigate stigma, the authors recommend:
- Designing culturally appropriate dementia education programmes that employ non‑stigmatising local terminology.
- Engaging religious leaders, traditional chiefs, community groups and other trusted figures in awareness campaigns.
- Training Community Advisory Board members to act as “Dementia Champions” who can educate neighbours, challenge harmful beliefs and foster supportive attitudes.
- Integrating dementia information into existing community health initiatives that already address hypertension, diabetes and brain health, while strengthening caregiver support and community‑based care services.
- Formulating policies that enable older adults with dementia to receive adequate care within familiar environments whenever possible.
Limitations of the study
The research relied on a convenience sample of only 83 advisory board members, limiting its ability to represent the broader populations of the three nations. Consequently, while the findings illuminate prevailing perceptions, they cannot quantify how widespread the reported attitudes and practices truly are.
The investigators conclude that culturally sensitive interventions are essential to protect the dignity of people living with dementia, reduce discrimination, and improve assistance for families and caregivers.