Global Brain Experts Urge Nigerian Government to Fund Dementia Care and Policy
International brain health experts have issued a compelling call to the Nigerian government, urging a significant increase in funding for dementia care and the establishment of a comprehensive national policy. This appeal aims to address the escalating burden of neurological disorders among the country's ageing population, highlighting an urgent need for action.
Call for National Policy and Funding
Speaking at a one-day interactive workshop organized by the International Dementia Academy Africa in collaboration with the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan, stakeholders emphasized the critical necessity for structured care pathways, robust research initiatives, and accessible healthcare services for older adults. The event, held at the Paul Hendrickson Lecture Theatre, brought together local and international experts under the theme, “Advancing Brain Health through Partnership: An Interactive Session to Identify Joint Research, Training and Advocacy Priorities.”
Dr. Temitope Farombi, founder of the Brain Health Initiative Nigeria and the Brain Centre Neurocritical and Rehabilitation Centre, pointed out that the government has not adequately addressed brain health, particularly for adults aged 60 and above. “Healthcare budgets largely prioritize maternal and child health while neglecting older adults who often face neurological conditions,” Farombi stated. “Expanding health insurance coverage to include informal sector workers is critical to ensuring equitable access to care.”
Regional Research Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer
Professor Agustin Ibanez, Director of Dementia Research at the Latin America Consortium in Chile, underscored the importance of regional research collaboration. “We must identify region-specific drivers of dementia and explore how these findings can contribute to global scientific knowledge,” he explained. “Integrating studies across Africa, Latin America, and Asia provides unparalleled potential for discovery.”
In his remarks, Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, stressed the value of collaborative research in tackling dementia. “Through joint training and partnerships with global experts, young healthcare professionals in Nigeria are gaining first-hand exposure to best practices in dementia care,” he said. “This knowledge transfer is vital to expanding expertise across Africa.”
Leveraging Technology and Prevention Strategies
Dr. Rufus Akinyemi, Professor of Geriatric Neurology at UCH Ibadan, highlighted the potential of digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) in brain health management. “While overreliance on technology can pose risks, properly harnessed digital tools can enhance learning, accelerate research, and improve brain health screening,” he noted.
Professor Iracema Leroi, Director of the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin, emphasized that much of dementia is preventable. “Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and cognitive stimulation can significantly reduce dementia risk,” she added. “Prevention begins with awareness and personal responsibility, but access to diagnosis and care must also improve.”
Support for Culturally Responsive Care Models
Other experts, including Dr. Laz Eze, Dr. Khanyo, and Dr. Kwaku Sarfo Mamu, praised the initiative, advocating for culturally responsive care models and government-led investment to mitigate the impact of dementia in Nigeria. They called for a holistic approach that integrates local contexts with global best practices to ensure effective and sustainable solutions.
