Abuja: Grandma Rose, a retired school principal, experienced an unexpected and troubling shift in her behavior, marking the onset of a challenging journey with Alzheimer’s dementia. Her daughter, Chinedum, faced emotional turmoil as she navigated the complexities of caring for her once-strong mother, now vulnerable and dependent.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines dementia as a condition affecting memory, thinking, and daily activities, often caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s. Dr. Matthias Kwenin from Rightresults Diagnostic Centre highlights that while dementia is common after age 65, it is not an inevitable part of aging. He emphasizes early diagnosis and medication can slow its progression, although there’s no cure.
Dr. Oluwatoyin Adeyemi stresses the urgent need for dementia advocacy in Nigeria, citing the lack of a National Dementia Strategy and the cultural and economic challenges faced by caregivers. She calls for systemic collaboration among government, private sector, NGOs, and social enterprises to address these issues, including training more geriatricians and equipping primary health care centers.
Anastacia Ojimba, a Consultant Public Health Physician, advocates for social welfare prioritization and the establishment of more care homes. Meanwhile, Dr. Favour Abiola warns of the vulnerability of older adults with dementia to abuse and neglect, urging collective responsibility for their protection.
Dr. Esther Adegbolagun highlights the importance of family support and a multi-disciplinary approach in managing dementia, recommending cognitive stimulation, proper medication, and lifestyle adjustments. As Nigeria grapples with increasing awareness of dementia, structured actions are crucial to preserving the dignity of its aging population.