A consultant neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Temitope Farombi, has raised concerns over the growing burden of dementia in Nigeria, warning that about 20 million Nigerians are already at risk of developing the condition.

Farombi, who is also the Founder of Brain Centre Neurological and Rehabilitation Services, Ibadan, said the country’s ageing population, combined with low public awareness and the absence of a National Dementia Plan, could worsen the burden unless urgent interventions are implemented.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Online medicine promoter explained that although Nigeria has a predominantly youthful population, between eight and 10 per cent of its citizens, approximately 20 million people, are aged 60 years and above, placing them in the high-risk category for dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

According to her, public understanding of dementia remains poor, especially among people with limited formal education, resulting in delayed diagnosis and increasing pressure on patients, families, caregivers and the healthcare system.

She lamented that Nigeria is yet to adopt a National Dementia Plan, describing it as a critical policy gap that requires immediate attention.

Farombi emphasised that dementia should not be mistaken for normal ageing, explaining that while older people may occasionally become forgetful, dementia is a progressive brain disease that impairs memory, reasoning and the ability to carry out everyday activities independently.

She urged families to seek prompt medical evaluation when elderly relatives begin to exhibit persistent forgetfulness, repeated questioning, inability to recognise familiar people or getting lost in familiar places.

The neurologist identified the high cost of treatment, emotional strain, loss of productivity by caregivers and persistent stigma as major challenges confronting families caring for people living with dementia.

To address the situation, she urged the government to intensify public awareness campaigns, strengthen primary healthcare services, establish effective referral systems and include dementia diagnosis, treatment and long-term care under health insurance schemes.

Farombi also called for greater investment in preventing and managing hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, noting that these conditions significantly increase the risk of dementia.

She also expressed concern over the shortage of neurological specialists in the country, revealing that fewer than 100 neurologists currently serve Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people.

According to her, the government should establish Brain Health Desks across local government areas and provide specialised training for primary healthcare workers to improve early diagnosis and referrals.

On emerging innovations, Farombi said telemedicine and artificial intelligence could significantly improve neurological care by expanding access to specialist services and supporting accurate diagnosis, particularly in underserved communities.

She also advocated the digitalisation of hospitals to facilitate seamless sharing of patients’ medical records across healthcare facilities.

Farombi urged young Nigerians to pursue careers in neurology, psychiatry, neurosurgery and neuroscience, stressing that the country urgently needs more specialists to meet its growing healthcare demands.

She urged Nigerians to adopt healthy lifestyles, remain mentally active as they age and show greater empathy toward older persons and other vulnerable members of society, stressing that protecting brain health throughout life remains the best defence against dementia.