As the world prepares to mark the 2025 World Alzheimer’s Day, Naidcare, a professional care services agency, has called for greater awareness and support for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and across Nigeria.
Speaking at a media chat over the weekend, Senior Executive and Head of Practice (HOP) of Naidcare, Ife James Itodio, lamented the low level of awareness about Alzheimer’s in the country. He stressed the urgent need for community leaders to take responsibility in spreading information, sensitizing families, and building support systems for those affected.
“It often starts with simple forgetfulness like misplacing car keys or a phone, but can progress to the point where a person forgets their own name, how to eat, or even how to use their limbs,” Itodio said, describing the seriousness of the condition.
To mark the day, Naidcare announced a series of activities including a free medical outreach, a one-kilometer awareness walk, expert-led presentations, and mentally stimulating board games such as scrabble, chess, and draughts—activities shown to aid prevention and management.
“This year, we have adopted the theme: Kick Out Alzheimer’s. Our goal is to remind the elderly that they are not forgotten. Sadly, in our society, aging is often equated with disability, which in turn fuels adult abuse,” Itodio added.
Also speaking, the Director of Health and Social Care at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Ayoola Abiodun Olufemi, confirmed the agency’s partnership with Naidcare to combat misinformation, stigma, and harmful myths surrounding Alzheimer’s.
“Many Nigerians, whether in rural communities or cities, are affected by dementia, but due to stigma and even spiritual interpretations, families suffer in silence. This awareness campaign is therefore timely and essential,” Olufemi said.
World Alzheimer’s Day, observed globally on September 21, is dedicated to raising awareness and challenging misconceptions about dementia.
