₦airaland Forum

Why We Must Prioritize Dementia Care in Our Communities -Tonte Abban

According to World Health Organization, dementia is rapidly becoming a major health issue in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 3.9 million people currently affected, and the number expected to rise to over 14 million by 2050. In Nigeria alone, more than 1 million people are living with dementia, a number that will grow as life expectancy increases and age-related conditions, like stroke, improve survival rates.

Despite this rise in prevalence, dementia remains widely underrecognized and misunderstood, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare access.

The increasing number of dementia cases in the region is largely due to the aging population and improvements in healthcare. However, in many African communities, symptoms like memory loss and behavioural changes are often misunderstood. These signs are sometimes dismissed as normal aging or wrongly attributed to supernatural causes, such as witchcraft. These cultural misconceptions prevent early diagnosis and effective treatment, leading to individuals suffering in silence or being misdiagnosed.

Additionally, the lack of trained healthcare professionals and inadequate healthcare infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa compounds the problem, leaving many without the necessary care.

A critical but often overlooked aspect of dementia care is self-care. In African societies, caregiving for elderly relatives is primarily a family responsibility. While this model offers emotional support and preserves cultural continuity, it can also lead to caregiver burnout, especially when families lack the knowledge or resources to provide adequate care. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding mental health conditions, including dementia, discourages families from seeking professional help, leading to isolation and neglect of dementia patients.

Given the scarcity of formal care systems in many African regions, it is essential to embrace practical self-care strategies. Establishing a structured daily routine, which includes regular meals, physical activity, and proper sleep, can help dementia patients feel more secure and reduce confusion. Engaging in physical activities like walking, gardening, or dancing, which are common in many African communities, can alleviate depression, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall well-being.

Additionally, mental stimulation through activities such as storytelling, traditional games, and music plays an important role in stimulating memory and improving brain health. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is also vital for managing dementia progression and maintaining cognitive health.

Efforts to improve dementia care are underway, with organizations like Alzheimer’s Disease International working with governments and NGOs to raise awareness, educate caregivers, and integrate dementia care into national health policies. In Kenya, community-based programs have been successful in teaching families how to care for dementia patients and reducing stigma. However, these initiatives need to be expanded across Sub-Saharan Africa to meet the growing demand for dementia care.

Despite progress, significant challenges remain. In rural areas, where healthcare infrastructure is still inadequate, and the high cost of treatment makes it difficult for families to access the care they need, dementia care continues to fall short. Additionally, cultural stigma and financial barriers discourage many from seeking help, leaving patients isolated and underserved.

[quote]Tackling dementia in Sub-Saharan Africa requires a comprehensive approach. Governments, healthcare institutions, and international organizations must collaborate to raise awareness, train caregivers, and improve healthcare resources. Prioritizing dementia care is essential for enhancing the quality of life for millions across the continent and ensuring that dementia patients receive the support and care they deserve.

Tamuno Tonte Abban is a healthcare advocate and a registered nurse with over 13 years’ experience with a focus on geriatric care, mental health and learning disability, working to raise awareness about dementia in local communities.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/04/11/why-we-must-prioritize-dementia-care-in-our-communities-tonte-abban/

Nigeria doesn't believe on mental health

liamrocklee:
Nigeria doesn't believe on mental health

That's why a lot of people suffer...some outwardly, some in silence.

We better start believing.

Utterly useless sickness.

I wouldn't pray for my enemy to have one.

The thing about dementia...as life expectancy improves worldwide, more people get old...and dememtia hits the elders the most.

Exercise, veggie diet, lean meat, and doing complex exercises may be of great prevention (also fasting may even reverse it, but that was a study involving 3 patients, and only one could say for sure it was reversed.).

Research is ongoing to better drugs...and hopefully a vaccine.

Maybe in future, we might be able to do a brain transplant, or replace one's brain with a positronic brain, which may work like the new one....maybe?

Dementia for Elderly women
Prostate cancer for elderly men
Nigeria
Its becoming the norm
Sad that awareness is on the low, even in religious setups. They used to help with healthcare programs over a decade ago but now, everyone just face front. I really commend the Breast Cancer awareness that went round in 2013/14.


Awareness programs need to reach that level again. Nigerians and medical check ups are word and opposite, majorly due to finance and mentality.

God help and heal everyone facing this slow killer.

daveP:
Dementia for Elderly women
Prostate cancer for elderly men
Nigeria
Its becoming the norm
Sad that awareness is on the low, even in religious setups. They used to help with healthcare programs over a decade ago but now, everyone just face front. I really commend the Breast Cancer awareness that went round in 2013/14.


Awareness programs need to reach that level again. Nigerians and medical check ups are word and opposite, majorly due to finance and mentality.

God help and heal everyone facing this slow killer.

Dememntia affects men too. I have seen it.

The cost of managing dementia is another factor.

It can really be draining for the families of the patients too

My dad is suffering from this currently, I had to read more on it to know what it's immediately doctor confirm this for us.

nairalanda1:
Dememntia affects men too. I have seen it.

Yeah i know. Wasn't trying to make it a women only thing. Sorry if that's how it looked.

Was just highlighting the % of the increase in the last few years for each sides.

ebenope:
My dad is suffering from this currently, I had to read more on it to know what it's immediately doctor confirm this for us.

Dementia can be a very stressful condition for individuals living with it and their loved ones. Turmeric found to drastically improve memory in dementia sufferers. While black pepper is often recommended to enhance turmeric absorption due to piperine, it's not strictly necessary for activation. Your dad can improve turmeric's bioavailability by consuming it with healthy fats, such as avocado, olive oil (original), or 100% pure coconut oil . Additionally, incorporating quercetin-rich foods can also aid in absorption.
P.S. Get him MCT oil.

Start from the Senate.

I concur with you. Honestly it's a priority area in age friendly healthcare together with other 4Ms.

With the goal of what you want to achieve, a strategic plan is very essential to scale and spread the initiative.

Its good. Hope i can get across to her

Physical exercise has been shown to an extend in improving mental clarity.Consistent training can help to inhibit some form of dementia.Sadly,only youngsters, usually between 16 -35 are the group that occupy the gyms.Our parents or middle age folks must be informed of the need for regular exercises.Old age or retirement doesn't mean people should sit and remain inactive.The states and local governments must also help in building free outdoor gyms or training centers for regular people to go and keep fit

Dementia is really a serious disorder. This requires a lot of attention and budget.

ekitimanalways:
Dementia can be a very stressful condition for individuals living with it and their loved ones. Turmeric found to drastically improve memory in dementia sufferers. While black pepper is often recommended to enhance turmeric absorption due to piperine, it's not strictly necessary for activation. Your dad can improve turmeric's bioavailability by consuming it with healthy fats, such as avocado, olive oil (original), or 100% pure coconut oil . Additionally, incorporating quercetin-rich foods can also aid in absorption.
P.S. Get him MCT oil.

What's MCT oil sir?

ebenope:
What's MCT oil sir?

MCT oil is a supplement made from a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides. MCT molecules are smaller than those in most of the fats we eat, which are long-chain triglycerides. This makes them easier to digest. One can absorb MCT in one's bloodstream quickly.