Ivory Coast
Specialised diagnostic care in Ivory Coast is heavily centralised, exemplified by the memory consultation unit at the University Hospital of Yopougon in Abidjan, which schedules neuropsychological assessments just one morning per week. Due to these structural bottlenecks and deep-rooted cultural misconceptions — where cognitive decline is frequently attributed to normal aging or even witchcraft — patients face an average diagnostic delay of over three years. Financial barriers further complicate patient care. While the Universal Health Coverage scheme subsidises basic diagnostic scans and general consultations, it does not currently reimburse any Alzheimer’s medications, and advanced fluid biomarker tests remain virtually inaccessible due to their prohibitive out-of-pocket costs. To combat severe social stigma and support affected households, organisation La Fondation AFLÉ is creating a digital platform that provides essential carer education and advocates for the dignity of older adults.
AD Rating
Diagnostic Pathway
Specialized Care
Caregiver Support
National Policies
Access to ATT-s
Highlights
Population
Median age
Health expenditure (% of GDP)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Show moreIvory Coast has no nationally standardised dementia diagnostic pathway. Available evidence from Yopougon University Hospital in Abidjan indicates a specialist-led model, with patients generally referred to a neurology-based Memory Clinic, which operates one morning per week. Assessment combines systematic MoCA testing, MRI, and laboratory investigations; the MMSE is also used clinically, although neither test has documented Ivorian population-specific norms. MRI is established in specialist assessment, while PET/CT is available at IMENA, although routine Alzheimer’s-specific use is unclear. Advanced diagnostics remain limited, with no documented routine APOE or familial Alzheimer’s genetic testing and no reliable evidence of routine CSF amyloid/tau or plasma biomarker testing. No national referral-to-diagnosis waiting-time data are published; the Abidjan study reported a mean 3.3-year delay from symptom onset to diagnosis, ranging from one to 15 years. CMU generally covers 70% of eligible consultations and investigations, leaving a 30% copayment. Alzheimer’s diagnosis is not a distinct fully covered package, so uncovered or out-of-pathway services may generate additional costs. RAM provides greater protection for economically vulnerable people.
Diagnosis pathway
Ivory Coast lacks a nationally standardised dementia diagnostic pathway, with the available evidence pointing to specialist hospital-based assessment. At Yopougon University Hospital in Abidjan, patients are generally referred by another physician to a neurology-based memory consultation, where neuropsychological assessments are conducted by trained neurologists. The service operates only one morning per week, representing a structural capacity constraint. Diagnosis incorporates systematic MoCA screening, cranial MRI, and blood tests to investigate alternative causes of cognitive decline, using DSM-5 and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Advanced Alzheimer’s biomarkers remain largely inaccessible: amyloid and tau fluid testing was performed in only one of 36 confirmed cases in the documented cohort, with costs exceeding €370, limiting routine use.
In Ivory Coast, there is no national standardised diagnostic protocol specifically for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The only available account of how dementia is actually diagnosed in the country is from a single hospital-based study out of the Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Yopougon in Abidjan. The pathway that does exist runs almost entirely through hospital-based specialist care rather than a structured primary-care-first model. According to the Yopougon study, 83.3% of patients arriving at the memory consultation unit had already been referred by another physician, mainly for memory complaints, meaning a general practitioner or other doctor typically raises the initial suspicion before sending the patient to a specialised unit. That unit, run out of the neurology department, only sees patients who specifically request a neuropsychological assessment, and evaluations are carried out by neurologists holding a university diploma in neuropsychology, on a fixed weekly schedule (one morning per week). This narrow scheduling window is itself a structural bottleneck built into the system, distinct from any formal wait-time target.
Cognitive testing is central to the process, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is used systematically for every patient, since it takes about ten minutes and screens attention, memory, language, visuospatial and executive function, with scores below 26 out of 30 flagging impairment split into mild, moderate and severe categories. This is paired with neuroimaging, specifically cranioencephalic MRI, which in the Abidjan cohort most often revealed bilateral hippocampal atrophy, and with a standard blood work-up (complete blood count, inflammatory markers, liver, kidney and thyroid function, vitamin B12 and B9, HIV and syphilis serology) used to rule out other causes of cognitive decline, following DSM-5 and NINCDS-ADRDA clinical criteria. Fluid biomarker testing for amyloid and tau proteins, the kind of test increasingly used to confirm Alzheimer’s disease elsewhere, was performed in only one of the 36 confirmed cases in the entire study, because the cost exceeds 370 euros, a prohibitive sum in the local context.
Wait times
Waiting times, in the sense of a formal referral-to-diagnosis target, are not measured or published in the country. What the Abidjan study does report is the mean delay between symptom onset and eventual diagnosis, which was 3.3 years, with individual cases ranging from 1 to 15 years.
Diagnosis cost
CMU partially covers Alzheimer’s diagnostic care in Côte d’Ivoire, generally reimbursing 70% of eligible consultations, laboratory investigations, and imaging, while patients contribute 30%. Financial protection varies according to whether services are covered and obtained through the appropriate pathway, leaving greater costs for excluded tests or private care. RAM offers additional protection for economically vulnerable people through state-funded CMU participation.
Eligible residents enrolled in the Universal Health Coverage scheme (Couverture Maladie Universelle, CMU) can receive coverage for consultations, laboratory tests and certain medical imaging, but the precise Alzheimer’s disease diagnostic pathway is not specifically identified as a fully covered package. For services that are included in the CMU benefits package, the CMU generally covers 70% and the patient pays a 30% copayment (ticket modérateur). This applies to covered consultations and diagnostic examinations. For example, the Ivorian government has reported a specialist consultation costing 2,000 FCFA for which a CMU patient paid 600 FCFA. Diagnostic tools are only partly protected financially. The current CMU package includes laboratory examinations and medical imaging, but coverage depends on whether the particular investigation is included in the benefits package and the appropriate care pathway is followed. Consequently, families can bear a meaningful part of the financial burden of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in Côte d’Ivoire. Even insured patients normally contribute towards covered services, while uncovered tests, private services or services obtained outside the CMU pathway may require greater out-of-pocket payment. An important exception is the Régime d’Assistance Médicale (RAM) for economically vulnerable people: the state pays their CMU contribution and provides substantially greater financial protection.
Cognitive tests
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is used for the assessment of Alzheimer’s disease in Côte d’Ivoire. A 2026 study from the specialised Memory Clinic in Abidjan, based at the Neurology Department of the University Hospital of Yopougon, reported that MoCA was systematically administered to all people undergoing neuropsychological assessment. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is also recognised by the Abidjan clinicians, although the recent Alzheimer’s disease cohort used MoCA preferentially because of its greater sensitivity to milder cognitive impairment. Although both tests are available internationally in French language, there is no evidence that MoCA or MMSE have been specifically validated or normed in an Ivorian population.
Imaging tests
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available in Ivory Coast, particularly in Abidjan and other major healthcare centres. There is direct evidence that MRI is incorporated into Alzheimer’s disease assessment at the specialised Memory Clinic in Abidjan. In the recent cohort of 36 people living with Alzheimer’s disease, brain MRI was used to characterise structural abnormalities, with bilateral hippocampal atrophy identified in 63.9% of patients. The Institut de Médecine Nucléaire d’Abidjan (IMENA), located at the University Hospital of Cocody, lists PET/CT among its diagnostic nuclear-medicine services. The government’s new National Centre for Radiotherapy, Radiology and Medical Oncology (CNROM) at Grand-Bassam is also planned to include MRI, CT, angiography and nuclear medicine equipment.
Genetic tests
There is no publicly documented service offering routine APOE genotyping or sequencing of APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 as part of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in Ivory Coast.
Biomarker tests
CSF Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers appear very limited and are not routinely available. There is also no reliable evidence of routine clinical availability of Alzheimer’s disease-specific tests such as plasma p-tau217, p-tau181 or Aβ42/Aβ40.
Cognitive Tests
Cognitive Tests
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is used for the assessment of Alzheimer’s disease in Côte d’Ivoire. A 2026 study from the specialised Memory Clinic in Abidjan, based at the Neurology Department of the University Hospital of Yopougon, reported that MoCA was systematically administered to all people undergoing neuropsychological assessment. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is also recognised by the Abidjan clinicians, although the recent Alzheimer’s disease cohort used MoCA preferentially because of its greater sensitivity to milder cognitive impairment. Although both tests are available internationally in French language, there is no evidence that MoCA or MMSE have been specifically validated or normed in an Ivorian population.
Imaging Tests
Imaging Tests
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available in Ivory Coast, particularly in Abidjan and other major healthcare centres. There is direct evidence that MRI is incorporated into Alzheimer’s disease assessment at the specialised Memory Clinic in Abidjan. In the recent cohort of 36 people living with Alzheimer’s disease, brain MRI was used to characterise structural abnormalities, with bilateral hippocampal atrophy identified in 63.9% of patients. The Institut de Médecine Nucléaire d’Abidjan (IMENA), located at the University Hospital of Cocody, lists PET/CT among its diagnostic nuclear-medicine services. The government’s new National Centre for Radiotherapy, Radiology and Medical Oncology (CNROM) at Grand-Bassam is also planned to include MRI, CT, angiography and nuclear medicine equipment.
Genetic Tests
Genetic Tests
There is no publicly documented service offering routine APOE genotyping or sequencing of APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 as part of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in Ivory Coast.
Biomarker Tests
Biomarker Tests
CSF Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers appear very limited and are not routinely available. There is also no reliable evidence of routine clinical availability of Alzheimer’s disease-specific tests such as plasma p-tau217, p-tau181 or Aβ42/Aβ40.
Treatment & Care
Treatment & care
Show moreIvory Coast lacks a national network of dedicated memory clinics, Alzheimer’s centres, or dementia-specific day and home-care services. Care is provided through general neurology, psychiatry, and geriatric or medical services, with specialist capacity concentrated in major referral cities. Government home visits and the Centre ami des Aînés support older people more broadly, while palliative care remains primarily focused on cancer and other serious chronic illnesses. CMU generally covers 70% of eligible services and medicines, with a 30% patient copayment, but Alzheimer’s medicines could not be confirmed as included in the benefits package. There is also no identified Alzheimer’s-specific caregiver allowance or paid family-caregiving benefit; available social protection targets older people, people with disabilities, and vulnerable households more generally.
Specialized facilities and services
Ivory Coast lacks a national network of dedicated memory clinics, Alzheimer’s centres, or dementia-specific day and home-care services. Assessment and management are provided through general neurology, psychiatry, and geriatric or medical services, with specialist capacity concentrated in Abidjan and other major referral cities. Government home visits and the Centre ami des Aînés pilot support older people generally but are not dementia-specific. Palliative care has also been incorporated into the national health system, although specialist services remain primarily focused on cancer and other serious chronic illnesses rather than dementia.
Ivory Coast does not have a formal nationwide network of dedicated memory clinics or specialised Alzheimer’s centres. Dementia assessment and management are instead provided within general neurology, psychiatry and geriatric/medical services. Specialist neurological capacity is concentrated particularly in Abidjan and other major referral cities such as Bouaké.
There is no evidence of dementia-specific day centres, and Alzheimer’s home-care programmes. However, the government provides medical assistance and home visits for older adults across the country, as well as a pilot “Centre ami des Aînés” at the Anono Social Centre in Abidjan-Cocody, designed to provide dedicated space and support for older people. These programmes are aimed at older adults generally rather than specifically at people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Ivory Coast has developed palliative care within its health system, but specialist provision remains strongly associated with cancer and other serious chronic illnesses rather than dementia-specific care. The Centre National d’Oncologie Médicale et de Radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara (CNRAO) in Abidjan has a dedicated supportive and palliative-care programme incorporating psychological, nutritional, social, rehabilitation and other services, and the Ministry describes it as pioneering the integration of palliative care within a public cancer hospital. Ivory Coast has also developed a national strategic framework for palliative care.
Approved medication
| Generic Name | Trade Name | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Donepezil | Aricept, Aricept ODT, Adlarity, Eranz, Memac, Alzepil, Davia, Donecept, Donep, Donepex, Donesyn, Dopezil, Yasnal, Memorit, Pezale, Redumas, Zolpezil, Namzaric* | Donepezil is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia. |
| Rivastigmine | Exelon, Exelon Patch, Prometax, Rivastach, Nimvastid | Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia. Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. |
| Galantamine | Razadyne, Razadyne ER, Reminyl, Reminyl XL, Nivalin, Lycoremine, Galsya | Galantamine is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia of the Alzheimer type. |
| Memantine | Namenda, Namenda XR, Ebixa, Memary, Axura, Akatinol, Maruxa, Nemdatine, Namzaric* | Treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. |
*Namzaric = combination of Donepezil and Memantine
Treatment cost
For services and medicines included in the Couverture Maladie Universelle (CMU) benefit package, the standard arrangement is 70% paid by the CMU and 30% paid by the patient as a copayment (ticket modérateur). However, Alzheimer’s disease medicines could not be identified among the medicines covered by the CMU; therefore, their reimbursement under the national insurance scheme could not be confirmed.
Caregiver support
There is no evidence of a state financial allowance specifically for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease in Ivory Coast. The government’s social-protection framework provides general protection for older people, people with disabilities and vulnerable households, but the official public-service portal does not identify a caregiver allowance, paid family-caregiving scheme, or Alzheimer’s disease-specific cash benefit.
Policy
Policy
Show moreIvory Coast lacks a comprehensive national dementia strategy or dedicated legal framework covering diagnosis, care, awareness, caregiver support, and rights, with no public indication that one is currently being developed. The gap is increasingly significant as dementia prevalence is projected to rise from approximately 34,400 people in 2019 to 178,000 by 2050, an increase of more than 400%. Dementia is also affected by significant stigma and supernatural interpretations, including associations with witchcraft. These beliefs may delay medical care and have been linked to exclusion, mistreatment, and violence. A recent Abidjan caregiver study further identified limited knowledge of Alzheimer’s symptoms and care practices.
National dementia plan
Ivory Coast does not have a dedicated national strategy or action plan for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Upcoming plans
There are currently no public announcements indicating that Ivory Coast is developing a national dementia strategy.
Policy gaps
Legal barriers
Ivory Coast has no comprehensive dementia-specific legal or policy framework for coordinating care, awareness, caregiver support, and rights, despite dementia prevalence being projected to increase more than fourfold by 2050.
Ivory Coast does not have a comprehensive dementia-specific legal and policy framework comparable to national dementia strategies found in some higher-income countries. This is significant because WHO considers national dementia plans important for coordinating diagnosis, care, public awareness, dementia-friendly communities, carer support and protection of rights. The institutional gap is becoming increasingly consequential: Global Burden of Disease modelling estimates about 34,400 people with dementia in Côte d’Ivoire in 2019 and projects roughly 178,000 by 2050, an increase of over 400%.
Cultural barriers
Stigma and cultural beliefs can significantly affect dementia recognition and care in Côte d’Ivoire, with symptoms sometimes attributed to normal ageing or witchcraft by families, community or religious figures, and even healthcare professionals. Witchcraft accusations can expose older people to exclusion, mistreatment, and violence. Limited caregiver knowledge further shapes care, alongside reliance on family, economic, social, and culturally influenced coping strategies.
A 2026 study specifically examining Alzheimer’s disease at the Abidjan Memory Clinic states that dementia remains stigmatised and that stigma can be rooted in cultural and supernatural belief systems in which people with dementia may be regarded as witches. It also reports that traditional healers, community leaders and religious healers may interpret dementia not as a specific neurological disease but as part of normal ageing; importantly, similar misconceptions can sometimes occur among caregivers and healthcare professionals.
There is additional evidence showing why the witchcraft association can have particularly serious consequences for older adults. Research on older people’s living conditions in Ivory Coast documents negative representations of older people and reports cases in which older adults were accused of witchcraft and consequently mistreated or rejected. Another socio-anthropological study documented older women accused of witchcraft experiencing insults, family exclusion, detention and physical violence.
Finally, a recent qualitative study of 20 family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease in Abidjan found that families use a mixture of social and symbolic practices, economic resources and family adaptation to manage Alzheimer’s disease, while highlighting caregivers’ limited knowledge of symptoms and care practices.
Research
Research
Show moreIvory Coast’s AIRP oversees pharmaceutical regulation and clinical trial authorisation, but the country has no independent public-facing national clinical trial registry. Researchers and sponsors are encouraged to register studies through the WHO-recognised Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR), with ClinicalTrials.gov providing an additional international resource. No studies investigating innovative Alzheimer’s or dementia therapies or methods were identified in Ivory Coast.
Selected academic institutions
Clinical trials and registries
The Ivorian Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority (The Autorité Ivoirienne de Régulation Pharmaceutique, AIRP) is the independent administrative authority responsible for regulating the pharmaceutical sector and authorizing clinical trials.
Ivory Coast does not maintain its own independent, public-facing national clinical trial registry. Researchers and sponsors are encouraged to register their trials on the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR), the primary WHO-recognized registry for the continent. Patients looking for actively recruiting Alzheimer’s disease or dementia studies can search the PACTR database or global platforms like ClinicalTrials.gov.
Selected innovative methods
No studies investigating innovative therapies, or using innovative methods, were identified in Ivory Coast.
Support
Support
Show moreNo dedicated initiatives for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia have been documented in Ivory Coast, and the country has no specialised media outlet focused exclusively on these conditions.
Selected national associations, patient family associations, NGOs:
Selected initiatives
There are no documented initiatives for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Dedicated media outlets
Ivory Coast does not have a dedicated media outlet focused exclusively on Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
