When Dementia Is Mistaken for Witchcraft, Zambia’s Elderly Pay the Price

Family Development Initiatives (FDI), a Muslim faith-based organisation, is calling for greater public awareness about dementia amid concerns that symptoms of the condition are sometimes mistaken for witchcraft.

The organisation says such misconceptions can put elderly people at serious risk, with some facing accusations of sorcery, humiliation, violence and, in extreme cases, death.

The concern follows reports of an elderly woman who was allegedly paraded by a mob in the presence of a witchfinder and accused of attempting to kill a child.

FDI Team Leader Sheikh Yusuf Ayami says government and civil society organisations should step up community sensitisation in both rural and urban areas to help people understand dementia as a medical condition.

He says changes in memory, behaviour and perception among older people can be linked to health conditions and should not automatically be attributed to supernatural causes.

Ayami has also called for the law to be enforced against people who accuse or target others on allegations of witchcraft, while urging authorities to strengthen measures to protect vulnerable elderly people from abuse.

He says families and communities must recognise that older people are entitled to dignity, safety and protection regardless of their health or age.

“Growing old is not a crime,” Ayami said.

He stressed that elderly people should be treated with respect and compassion rather than suspicion when they experience age-related health or behavioural changes.

FDI says it will continue working with traditional leaders, faith groups and health professionals to promote greater understanding of dementia and discourage witchcraft-related persecution.

The organisation believes better awareness could encourage families to seek medical assistance for elderly relatives instead of turning to accusations that could put their lives at risk.

For FDI, the issue goes beyond dementia. It is also about how communities treat and protect older people as they become more vulnerable with age.

The message is clear - the elderly deserve dignity, safety and protection — because growing old is something many of us will one day experience.