Background: Dementia risk is shaped by modifiable lifestyle, social, and cardiometabolic factors, yet most prevention models have been developed in high-income settings with limited relevance for African contexts. The Africa-FINGERS Project adapts the multidomain FINGER dementia prevention model for Africa using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. This study presents co-creation findings from urban and rural sites in Kenya and Nigeria to inform culturally grounded and scalable dementia prevention interventions.

 

Methods: Between July and November 2025, a qualitative CBPR study was conducted in Kenya and Nigeria across five intervention domains: nutrition, physical activity, cardiometabolic health, cognitive enrichment, and social engagement. In Kenya, data were collected through Community Advisory Board meetings (n=2), focus group discussions (6 FGDs; n≈60), in-depth interviews (n=33), and a validation workshop. In Nigeria, data collection included CAB meetings (n=4), FGDs (n=5; ≈40 participants), in-depth interviews (n=19), and validation activities. Participants were purposively sampled, including older adults, caregivers, health workers, providers, local leaders, and policymakers. Data were transcribed and analyzed thematically.

 

Findings: Across Kenya and Nigeria, communities emphasized the importance of culturally appropriate, affordable, and locally available strategies for dementia risk reduction. In Kenya, participants prioritized balanced meals using household measures, substitution of costly foods with local alternatives, and simple physical activities such as walking groups and dance, though awareness of brain-healthy diets was limited. In Nigeria, dietary practices were strongly shaped by cultural norms and social status, underscoring the need for context-sensitive nutrition guidance supported by visual tools and testimonials. Physical activity preferences in Nigeria focused on low-intensity routines integrated into daily life, with music and social acceptability influencing participation. In both settings, cognitive health was linked to familiar everyday activities and social engagement within existing community networks, though these took context-specific forms, including savings groups in Kenya and intergenerational interactions in Nigeria. For cardiometabolic health, participants in both countries highlighted the importance of accessible, community-based screening delivered through trusted local structures.

 

Conclusion: Co-designing dementia prevention interventions with communities enhances relevance, acceptability, and feasibility. Africa-FINGERS demonstrates the value of culturally grounded, community-led approaches for sustainable dementia prevention across diverse African settings.

 

Key words: Africa-FINGERS; Co-creation; Community-Based Participatory Research; Dementia prevention; Kenya; Nigeria