Call for policy on dementia, support for caregivers

As Nigeria grapples with the increasing burden of dementia among its ageing population, stakeholders from across the country and beyond have called for the urgent development of a national dementia policy and greater support for caregivers.

This call was made during the maiden edition of the Dementia Care in Nigeria Conference organised by the Good Hands Initiative for Elderly Care.

Held at The Dome Event Centre, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, the hybrid event attracted a wide array of participants, including health professionals, caregivers, policymakers, and researchers, from Nigeria, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

With the theme “Empowering Voices: Driving Dementia Advocacy and Action,” the event aimed to raise awareness, drive collaboration, and influence policy action on what experts have described as a “silent epidemic” in Nigeria.

In her opening remarks, Director of Good Hands Initiative, Mrs. Ozioma Capuano, described dementia as one of the country’s most under-discussed public health issues.

“Dementia doesn’t only affect the individual, it disrupts families, communities, and the economy. Nigeria must act through policy, advocacy, and inclusive care systems,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address virtually, Prof. Sonia Savitri Anand, a Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at McMaster University, Canada, called for culturally responsive care models in Nigeria, noting the global advances in dementia research.

On behalf of the Lagos State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoni Adeyemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising ageing-related health issues.

“We are taking steps to improve elderly care services, but partnerships like this are crucial to shaping sustainable, community-led responses,” she said.

The conference featured two engaging panel discussions moderated by popular medical influencer and physician, Dr. Chinonso Fidelis Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor.

Panel 1, titled Understanding Dementia – Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria, featured Dr. Matthias Kwenin, Consultant Family Physician; Mrs. Busola Shogbamimu, Director of MASC Care Home; and Prof. Anand, among others.

The speakers identified the lack of early diagnosis, persistent cultural stigma, and inadequate caregiver support as major hurdles to dementia care in the country.

Panel 2 explored sustainable dementia care through policy reform, public-private partnerships, and capacity building. Contributors such as Mrs. Vera David-Emesiobum, Director of Project Grey Elderly Care Initiative, and Prof. Jackie Bosch, Assistant Dean at McMaster University, advocated for training healthcare workers and adopting a comprehensive national dementia framework.

Personal testimonies from individuals caring for relatives living with dementia added emotional depth to the discussions. One participant narrated the painful experience of caring for her father, underscoring the psychological and financial burdens that caregivers bear in silence.

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Speakers and panellists were later recognised with plaques for their contributions to dementia advocacy.

The final segment of the conference featured an interactive workshop that generated practical action points grouped into three key categories.

For government, participants called for the creation and funding of a national dementia policy, subsidised training for caregivers, and the integration of elderly care into broader public health strategies.

At the family level, the workshop emphasised the importance of encouraging early diagnosis, fostering compassion, and reducing stigma within homes and communities.

Meanwhile, the media was urged to amplify dementia-related stories, normalise conversations around ageing, and actively support public awareness campaigns.

A comprehensive report capturing all workshop recommendations will be compiled and shared with relevant stakeholders and policymakers.

With over 13 expert speakers and a broad range of participants, the conference represents a turning point in Nigeria’s dementia advocacy journey.

In her closing remark, Mrs. Capuano saud, “This is only the beginning. We will continue to amplify elderly voices and work towards inclusive policies that improve the lives of persons living with dementia and their caregivers.”

The Good Hands Initiative for Elderly Care is a Lagos-based non-profit organisation focused on improving the lives of older persons in Nigeria. Through advocacy, education, support services, and partnerships, the organisation works to ensure dignified care and increased visibility for ageing-related issues in national discourse.