By Tshephiso Camilla Teseletso, student of the Master in Applied Neuroscience

Abstract

Age related cognitive decline represents a pressing public health challenge in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), where rapid demographic shifts intersect with growing burdens of non-communicable diseases. Globally, cognitive training programmes (CTPs) have shown promise in mitigating cognitive decline, yet the extent to which such interventions are effective and sustainable in SSA has remained unclear. This scoping review consolidated evidence from six peer-reviewed studies on cognitive training among aging populations in SSA, while also synthesizing global and regional literature. The review assessed the effectiveness of training models, the neurocognitive domains they targeted, and contextual factors influencing their success, alongside methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools. Findings revealed that most interventions produced short-term cognitive benefits, particularly in global cognition, memory, and executive function, but quality of life outcomes were inconsistent and functional capacity was not addressed. Structural and contextual barriers such as low literacy, stigma, and limited health infrastructure moderated intervention outcomes. Methodological weaknesses, including small samples, short follow-up, and non-standardized measures, limited generalizability. Overall, while CTPs show feasibility and promise in SSA, evidence remains scarce and fragmented. Future research should prioritize larger, robust trials with culturally adapted, multi-domain approaches that assess both cognitive and functional outcomes to inform policy and practice for healthy aging in SSA.

Keywords: Cognitive training, aging, Sub-Saharan Africa, scoping review.

Download the full Research Work: Teseletso, T. C. (2025). An Overview of Cognitive Training Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa. SAERA