Dementia, a neurological disorder that impairs memory, cognition, and daily functioning, is increasingly recognized as a significant global public health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 50 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2021, with approximately 60% residing in low- and middle-income countries.1 Dementia mainly affects those over 60 years of age, and in Nigeria, where life expectancy is rising, the prevalence of dementia is expected to increase dramatically.
Nigeria has a population of over 260 million and faces mounting challenges in addressing the needs of its aging population, which includes more than 9.4 million individuals aged 60 years and older.
A study reported that the prevalence of dementia in Nigeria is 4.9%, and it was more common in older women than in men.2 According to United Nations estimates, Nigeria’s rapid demographic transition has nearly doubled its population aged 60+ from 5 million in 1995 to 9.5 million in 2015, increasing the number at risk for dementia.
However, despite these estimates, dementia is still underdiagnosed and underreported, which leaves these older people without adequate care. Research has shown that early diagnosis and management have greatly enhanced the quality of life for those with dementia as well as their relatives.
However, in Nigeria, prompt medical attention is hampered by inadequate knowledge, poor healthcare infrastructure, cultural stigmatization, and misunderstandings such as associating dementia with spiritual punishment or witchcraft. The Role of Nursing Homes and Caregivers In developed countries, nursing homes offer elderly persons with dementia-controlled care environments.
Sadly, Nigeria has very few functional nursing institutions, and families are responsible for the care of those with dementia.3 Though family-based care aligns with traditional African beliefs, it frequently results in carer fatigue, financial difficulty, and inadequate patient treatment. However, since professional carers who have received training in dementia management are few in Nigeria, the quality of the available treatment suffers greatly.
Geriatric care is still in its early stages in Nigeria, but there is a growing awareness of the need to prioritize aging brain health in primary healthcare facilities. Challenges Facing Dementia Care in Nigeria 1. Limited Infrastructure: Nigeria’s healthcare system is not built to meet the demands of people with dementia.
Few experts, including geriatricians and neurologists, are available, and there are very few memory clinics. 2. Economic Barriers: Many families find the cost of dementia treatment overwhelming as medications, frequent medical consultations, and professional care services seem beyond the reach of a typical Nigerian home. 3. Cultural Stigma: Because of stigma, families sometimes hide dementia cases, which causes the affected people to be isolated and delays in treatment.
Some people perceive it to be a consequence of an individual’s actions and associate dementia with karma. 4. Lack of Government Policy: Nigeria currently lacks comprehensive policies and/or initiatives aimed at dementia care, which leaves the responsibility of people with dementia mostly on families and non-governmental groups.
Despite the Global Dementia Action Plan 2017, Nigeria does not have an integrated national dementia strategy.4 Call to Action: Sensitization and Policy Intervention The public and the government have to act quickly to resolve the developing epidemic of dementia. These are some essential recommendations: • Public Awareness Campaigns: It is important to educate people about dementia, its symptoms, and the need for early intervention.
Such initiatives should target both urban and rural populations. • Policy Development: The government should create a national dementia plan that focuses on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and carer support. • Support for Caregivers: Create initiatives to assist and educate carers via financial subsidies and access to counseling services. • Investment in Healthcare: The government should provide more funding for geriatric care, including training medical staff and building specialized facilities. • Community Engagement: Support community-based projects, including volunteer programs and support groups, to provide families with more tools. •
Authored by: Mariam Oyejumoke Oloyede