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By Damiete Braide
The Gabi Williams Alzheimer’s Foundation (GWAF), in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Disease Advocate of Nigeria and the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Nigeria, recently hosted the premiere of an animation titled, ‘Remembering Tomorrow’ at the mini-hall of the Church of the Resurrection, 1004 Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event aimed to promote brain health and encourage healthy aging through a captivating four-minute 2D animated film.
The gathering was graced by several notable speakers and key figures in the field of Alzheimer’s research and advocacy. Ms. Olatoun Gabi-Williams, a trustee of the foundation, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, setting the tone for the evening. She reminisced about the inception of the foundation, which was inaugurated on September 11, 2017, in memory of Dr. Gabi Williams, a public health pioneer who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 10 years prior. The foundation’s mission is to honour his life and work by raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and advocating for brain health.
Ms. Gabi-Williams emphasized the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s on the aging population, noting that while it is not exclusively a disease of the elderly, it affects this demographic significantly. She explained the nature of Alzheimer as a degenerative brain disease that leads to memory loss, impaired thinking and, ultimately, inability to perform basic daily functions. Highlighting the importance of addressing factors such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking and periodontal disease, she stressed that identifying and treating these conditions was crucial in combating Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
GWAF’s Brain Health & Healthy Ageing Outreaches, a flagship project of the foundation, aims to spread awareness through various means, including faith-based and community outreach programmes. Ms. Gabi-Williams mentioned that creating and disseminating animated videos like ‘Remembering Tomorrow’ across multiple platforms—such as BRT buses, cinema houses, online television and traditional television—was a powerful intervention strategy adopted by the foundation. She expressed gratitude to the guests and acknowledged her mother, Dr. Abisola Gabi-Williams, for her unwavering support over the past seven years.
The timing of the event coincided with Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, observed in June with a particular emphasis on the 21st. This period is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and promoting brain health.
Ms. Gabi-Williams referred to the American Academy of Neurology’s Brain Health Initiative, which underscores the importance of brain health for overall well-being and social progress. She highlighted the need for a multidisciplinary approach to brain health, involving collaboration between professional and public organisations.
Ola Olaniyan Peter, senior officer at GWAF, delivered a poignant address calling for action to reduce the global burden of dementia. He referenced the World Health Organization’s identification of key research priorities in 2015, many of which focused on the prevention, identification and reduction of dementia risk. Despite the anticipated increase in dementia prevalence due to population aging, recent epidemiological evidence suggests a potential decline in dementia incidence.
This optimism is bolstered by ongoing trials indicating that multi-domain interventions could halt cognitive decline in at-risk older adults.
Peter emphasized the importance of psychosocial research into care models, particularly in community settings and across the disease course. He noted the potential of e-health and mobile health technologies to support people with dementia and reduce caregiver burden. He also stressed the need for education, training and support for formal and informal caregivers.
Chukwuanugo Ogbuagu, managing director and president of the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Nigeria, spoke on behalf of both associations, highlighting the collective commitment to advancing research, raising awareness and providing support for those affected by Alzheimer’s. He praised the work of the Gabi Williams Foundation, describing it as a beacon of hope and resilience. Ogbuagu urged attendees to support fundraising efforts, emphasizing that every contribution makes a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Prof. Olajide Gabi-Williams, a trustee of GWAF and the keynote speaker at the event, delivered an enlightening lecture on dementia and brain health. He explained that dementia was an umbrella term for cognitive dysfunction, with Alzheimer’s disease being one of the most common causes. Prof. Gabi-Williams outlined the risk factors for Alzheimer’s, including age, gender and conditions such as diabetes, stroke, smoking, high blood pressure and obesity.
To reduce the risk of dementia, he recommended maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while minimizing red meat and high salt intake. He also stressed the importance of regular physical activity and sufficient sleep. His practical advice aimed to help individuals optimize their brain health and reduce their risk of developing dementia.
Dr. Laz Ude Eze, co-founder of the Sub-Saharan Africa Brain Health Initiative (SSHBI), commended the Gabi Williams Foundation for its efforts in promoting brain health and preventing brain diseases.
He lauded the foundation’s support for caregivers and its commitment to conducting research. Dr. Eze noted the aptness of the title “Remembering Tomorrow,” emphasizing the need to think about the future and take steps to ensure healthy aging.
Other distinguished speakers included Dr. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, founder and CEO of CHELD, Health Ethics & Law Consulting; Dr. Toyin Salawu, a retired director of the Federal Ministry of Health and veteran of public health; Dr. Funke Alabi, a family health practitioner with a special interest in dementia; and Kunle Adewale of Arts in Medicine, who reminded the audience of the healing power of art.
The event concluded with a strong call to action, encouraging continued advocacy, education, and support for Alzheimer’s research and awareness initiatives. Attendees were reminded that their efforts today shape the future and that collective action is essential in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Through events like these, the Gabi Williams Alzheimer’s Foundation continues to illuminate the path toward a future where brain health is prioritized, and Alzheimer’s disease no longer robs individuals of their cherished memories.
