Call for Abstracts

The State of Dementia in Africa: Shaping the Future of Dementia Care in Africa.

Dementia is a rapidly growing public health challenge worldwide. In Africa, however, it remains significantly under-researched, under-recognized, and under-resourced. As population ageing accelerates across the continent, there is an urgent need for evidence-driven, culturally grounded, and sustainable approaches to dementia prevention, care, and policy.

In response to this need, Dementia Africa is pleased to convene its inaugural two-day conference, which aims to advance scholarship, practice, and policy dialogue on dementia across African contexts.

Conference Theme: The State of Dementia in Africa: Shaping the Future of Dementia Care in Africa.

Venue: Exclusive Serene Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria

Dates: 2–3 September 2026

Conference Overview

This conference will serve as a pan-African platform for multidisciplinary exchange, bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates working in dementia research and care. The meeting will emphasise African-led evidence, contextually relevant interventions, and inclusive policy solutions that address the lived realities of persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

Abstracts

The Conference Organising Committee invites the submission of original abstracts for oral or poster presentations. Submissions may include original research, systematic or scoping reviews, implementation and health systems studies, policy analyses, case studies, and innovative models of dementia care.

Thematic Tracks

1. Epidemiology and Burden of Dementia
2. Early Diagnosis, Biomarkers, and Screening Approaches
3. Dementia Care Models and Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings
4. Cultural Perspectives, Perceptions, Stigma, and Community Awareness
5. Caregiver Burden, Support Systems, and Lived Experiences
6. Policy Development, Advocacy, and Health Systems Strengthening
7. Ethics, Human Rights, and Inclusion of Persons Living with Dementia
8. Technology, Innovation, and Digital Health in Dementia Care

Abstract Submission Guidelines (Summary)

• Abstract length: 300–350 words
• Structure: Title, Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions
• Presentation format: Oral or Poster (final allocation by Committee)
• Language: English (French or Portuguese accepted subject to review capacity)
• Ethics: Abstracts reporting human research must indicate ethical approval

Key Dates

• Abstract submission deadline: 31st May, 2026.
• Notification of acceptance: 30th June, 2026.
• Presenter registration deadline: 30th July, 2026.

Participation and Eligibility

Submissions are encouraged from both early-career and established researchers, clinicians, allied health professionals, policymakers, civil society organisations, and community-based practitioners within Africa and internationally. Particular encouragement is given to African-led and context-specific work.