MHM Magazine

10 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2025 | Issue 2 MHM complex problems and driving innovative solutions. Research can be broadly categorised under purpose, process, and outcome. Purpose which can be descriptive, analytical, exploratory or predictive; or a process which encompasses qualitative, quantitative or mixed; and outcome which can be in the form of basic, applied, or translational research. However, for the purpose of this article, the focus will be on translational research commonly referred to as "bench-to-bedside". Translational research bridges the gap between basic science and practical applications. It focuses on applying results of basic research to promote preventive interventions, develop novel therapies and healthcare solutions. This type of research ensures that scientific discoveries are effectively translated into benefits for patients and communities. Although translational research is pivotal in advancing knowledge for improved systems across life spans, its use remains subpar in addressing unique mental health challenges among older women in Africa. Analogously, there is insufficient research on gender specific mental health conditions such as post partum depression, other psychological conditions that occur during phases of the menstrual cycle such as menopause or hormonal influences on mood and cognition, trauma from gender-based violence, and mental health impacts of economic and social inequalities on women. In Veronica’s case where dementia can be considered a possible diagnosis, there is the need to translate research findings into community-driven initiatives to raise awareness, reduce stigma, improve access and quality of life of people living with dementia (PLWD). Research findings demonstrate that there is an increasing burden of dementia globally with high prevalence in low-and middle- income countries (LMICs), yet dementia remains poorly understood, under researched, and under treated in Africa. Dementia is a syndrome characterised by progressive decline in cognitive function, that affects memory, thinking, personality, mood, and social abilities to the extent that it interferes with activities of daily functioning. Dementia is not a specific disease but an umbrella term that encompasses other conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease and alcohol related dementia. Dementia is typically caused by damage to brain cells and the damage can be from Alzheimer's, vascular issues, head trauma, medications, toxins, infections etc. Depending on the aetiology, some dementia types can be reversible like normal pressure hydrocephalous and metabolic related types i.e Vitamin B12 deficiency. Although it’s common in older adults it’s not a normal part of aging, and it isn’t exclusive to adults. There are documented reports of infantile and juvenile onset forms. Women generally face a higher risk of dementia compared to men and are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia. Symptoms of dementia may include but are not exclusive to the following: • Forgetting recent events or information • Struggling to find the right words • Misplacing commonly used items or placing them in unusual spots • Getting lost when walking or driving in familiar terrains • Finding it hard to do more than one thing at once or to follow multiple steps • Difficulties solving problems or making decisions • Impaired judgment • Problems with coordination and spatial awareness • Changes in mood, personality and/ or behaviour Dementia impacts each person differently, shaped by factors like underlying causes, existing health conditions, and their cognitive function before the illness. Interestingly, ongoing research demonstrates that the prevention potential of dementia is estimated to be over 40-50% in LMICs. It’s therefore important to highlight the benefits of addressing the underlisted modifiable risk factors, particularly at community levels- 1. Engaging in regular physical activities 2. Attaining a high level of education 3. Treating hypertension 4. Minimising diabetes 5. Reducing excessive alcohol intake 6. Stopping smoking 7. Reducing midlife obesity 8. Avoiding solitude 9. Reducing hearing impairment 10. Avoiding head injury 11. Reducing air pollution 12. Reducing the occurrence of depression Considering that a substantial number of PLWD live in hard- to-reach locations in Africa, telepsychiatry can be leveraged to provide information and accessible mental healthcare for those in underserved regions. Translational research can be harnessed to strengthen local research capacity, develop culturally considerate interventions that incorporates evidence-based African indigenous therapies to address mental health problems and inform policies that improve the overall mental health of older adults in Africa whilst prioritising gender specific mental healthcare. However, current translational mental health research in older adults, particularly women present several challenges such as multiple comorbidities; ethical considerations especially in individuals with declining cognition, who lack competency or PLWD; and funding constraints which makes it difficult to conduct large scale mental health research and long-term studies. Conclusively, Veronica's story highlights the urgent need for focused mental health research that translates scientific findings into practical, accessible, and sociocultural adaptable interventions that will bridge the gaps in knowledge and management while bringing respite and hope to thousands of aging African women and their families. References available on request. MHM | 2025 | Volume 12 | Issue 2 | Translational Mental Health Research for Aging Women in Africa H