Dementia and cognitive impairment in French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa: a comprehensive review on moving out of the shadows of neglect

Dementia is a global public health problem with increasing prevalence and incidence worldwide. The African continent is expected to bear the biggest brunt of the burden of dementia by 2050 because of the rapid demographic changes, including rapid population growth, an increase in life expectancy, and ageing. However, French-speaking Sub-Saharan African (FS-SSA) countries are underrepresented in research on dementia in Africa. While the reasons are diverse and complex, linguistic and cultural barriers to research, disproportionately affect these countries and may be significant factors. Any efforts, therefore, to redress the burden of dementia in Africa must consider the specific demographic, cultural, and linguistic characteristics of FS-SSA countries. This scoping review explores the current state of knowledge in dementia and cognitive impairment in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting research gaps and specific patterns unique to FS-SSA Africa. We identify pathways for research to bridge the knowledge gaps on dementia in FS-SSA as part of the global endeavor to tackle dementia worldwide

BILIARY ATRESIA: Diagnosis, management and outcome of eight cases in Yaounde, Cameroon.

To describe the diagnosis and management of extra-hepatic biliary atresia seen in Yaounde from 1990 to 2004, eight patients' files with this disorder were studied. The mean age of onset of signs of cholestasis was 3.25 days and the mean time for consultation 40.87 days. One patient presented with portal hypertension. Laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis in 50% of our cases. In the others, diagnosis was based on anamnestic, clinical and paraclinical findings. The mean age at surgery was 128.25 days and the failure rate was 75%. At the end of the study, 6 patients were lost to follow-up or dead. One is presently 14 years old, underwent liver transplantation at the age of 17 months, and in another, success was partial. We conclude that all jaundiced newborns and toddlers must be thoroughly examined and undergo an appropriate workup to exclude cholestasis and ensure prompt management.Dans le but de décrire le diagnostic et la prise en charge de huit cas d'atrésie des voies biliaires extra hépatiques reçus entre 1990 et 2004, les dossiers médicaux des patients avec cette affection ont été exploités. L'âge moyen à l'installation des signes de choléstase était de 3,25 jours et le temps moyen à la présentation clinique de 40,87 jours. Un malade avait une hypertension portale à l'arrivée. La laparotomie a confirmé le diagnostic dans 50% des cas. L'âge moyen au moment de l'intervention chirurgicale était de 128,25 jours et le taux d'échec de 75%. Au terme de l'étude, 6 patients étaient perdus de vue ou décédés. Un actuellement âgé de 14 ans a bénéficié d'une transplantation hépatique à l'âge de 17 mois. Le succès était partiel chez un autre. Nous concluons que tous les nouveau-nés et nourrissons ictériques doivent être examinés minutieusement et bénéficier d'un bilan approprié pour exclure une choléstase et garantir une prise en charge rapide. Keywords: Extra-hepatic biliary atresia - Diagnosis - Management - Cameroon. Clinics in Mother and Child Health Vol. 3(2) 2006: pp. 551-55