COSROPIN, NAIDCare seek govt action in fight against Alzheimer’s disease in older people

The President of the Coalition for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), Senator Eze Ajoku, OFR, has called for the Federal Government’s urgent intervention to combat Alzheimer’s disease among older Nigerians.

Alzheimer’s, a condition similar to dementia, predominantly affects elderly individuals, making it difficult for them to recognize close family members, such as spouses and children, as well as friends and acquaintances.

Speaking at the “Walk the Talk” sensitization event in Abuja, held in commemoration of the 2024 World Alzheimer’s Day, Ajoku emphasized the need for increased awareness and education on the disease. He urged the government to take a leading role in raising public awareness.

“The key action is that the government should support efforts to create awareness about this disease. It’s crucial for Nigerians to understand the condition, as many are living in denial. That’s why NAIDCare and other stakeholders are here today to sensitize older persons in the FCT, so Nigerians will become more caring towards families affected by this illness,” Senator Ajoku stated.

He further added, “If you see an older person walking alone on the road, you can ask, ‘Baba, Mama, do you know where you are going?’ Offering assistance can make a difference in reducing cases of elderly individuals wandering away from home due to Alzheimer’s or dementia.”

In his remarks, the Managing Director of NAIDCare and Principal Partner for the event, Mr. Foluso Junaid, alongside the Head of NAIDCare’s Abuja office, Mr. James Itodo, pledged the organization’s continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to fight the disease among Nigeria’s elderly population.

They stressed that awareness remains insufficient, which necessitates the “Walk the Talk” campaign to raise awareness in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the organizers, over 55 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while more than 1.5 million people are affected in Nigeria. They called for intensified efforts to address this growing problem.

Dr. Nana Abubakar, Acting Director of Community Health Services at the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, revealed that the agency has implemented measures to address Alzheimer’s among the elderly.

She stated that these interventions will be integrated into the agency’s healthcare facilities to provide care at various levels.

The event featured health talks, medical check-ups, and the distribution of medication to elderly participants as part of the “Walk the Talk” forum’s activities.