Addressing Global Inequities in Dementia Care: A New Majority World Perspective

A major new international volume offers a comprehensive examination of how dementia is understood, diagnosed and cared for across low‑ and middle‑income countries — the majority world.

^{Photograph by Atlantic Fellow Alex Kornhuber.}

Dementia disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet research, diagnostics, and interventions continue to be shaped largely by high-income countries, often overlooking the socio-cultural, economic and healthcare contexts of LMICs.

Led by the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), Dementia Care and Provision in the Majority World seeks to address this imbalance by championing interdisciplinary and inclusive perspectives that move beyond high‑income‑country‑centric models. The book will be launched on 14 April 2026 during the Alzheimer’s Disease International Global Conference in Lyon, France.

The international publication brings together 44 authors from 38 countries and 40 disciplines, including 25 Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health at GBHI. Contributors explore diverse and culturally inclusive perspectives on understanding, diagnosing, and managing dementia in the majority world. The term “majority world,” introduced by Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam, shifts the narrative away from deficit‑based language and towards recognising these regions as the global majority.

Iracema Leroi, Professor in Geriatric Psychiatry and Site Director of the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin, said: 

“'As Editor, it has been an honour to work on this book with the stellar brain health leaders from the Global Brain Health Institute. In collating this work, we have actualized the Nairobi Declaration on Dementia and demonstrated excellence across the range of interlinking fields and activities necessary to address the challenges of dementia across the majority world.”

From Evidence to Action in the Majority World

Edited by GBHI faculty and Atlantic Fellows Iracema Leroi, Kim‑Huong Nguyen, Agustin Ibañez, and Hany Ibrahim, the book is an expansive exploration of dementia across the majority world, from historical and epidemiological perspectives, challenges of diagnosis in diverse settings, approaches to treatment and intervention, as well as advocacy, and policy development.

Atlantic Fellow Hany Ibrahim, consultant geriatrician and senior lecturer at Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt commented:

“There are currently few comprehensive resources that examine dementia from the majority world’s perspective. This book addresses a critical gap by promoting equitable, locally driven dementia strategies and emphasising the need for regionally led research that integrates traditional knowledge with contemporary science to build capacity and drive meaningful change.”

Atlantic Fellow Temitope Farombi, neurologist and researcher at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria added: 

“Dementia care in the majority world is shaped by families, communities and limited healthcare resources. Through case studies and research — including work in Nepal, Nigeria and Brazil — the book shows how innovative, locally grown initiatives can enhance care while overcoming infrastructural and economic barriers.”

Designed for academics, researchers, clinicians, policymakers and advocates, the book takes a global approach, with contributions spanning South Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe and North America.

As GBHI marks its 10‑year milestone, the book underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge‑sharing across countries and disciplines to advance equity in brain health and dementia care.

Dementia Care and Provision in the Majority World is published by Routledge and is available for purchase on their website.

Book Launch: Event Details

Join us for the launch of Dementia Care and Provision in the Majority World during the Global Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International:

• Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 14:00-14:45
• Venue: Salon Tête d'Or (Arts room), Palais des congrès de Lyon, 50 Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon, France