Leading international brain health experts have called on the Nigerian government to prioritise dementia care through increased funding and the development of a comprehensive national policy to address the rising burden of neurological disorders among the country’s ageing population.
The call was made at a one-day interactive workshop organised by the International Dementia Academy Africa in collaboration with the College of Medicine University of Ibadan.
The event, held at the Paul Hendrickson Lecture Theatre, brought together local and international stakeholders under the theme, “Advancing Brain Health through Partnership: An Interactive Session to Identify Joint Research, Training and Advocacy Priorities.”
Convener of the programme and Founder of the Brain Health Initiative Nigeria, Dr. Temitope Farombi, expressed concern over what he described as inadequate government attention to brain health, particularly among citizens aged 60 and above. He noted that healthcare funding in Nigeria largely focuses on maternal and child health, leaving older adults who are more vulnerable to neurological conditions underserved.
He also advocated expanding health insurance coverage to include workers in the informal sector to improve access to care.
Highlighting the global dimension of the challenge, Professor Agustin Ibanez of the Latin America Consortium for Dementia Research in Chile called for stronger regional and cross-continental collaboration.
According to him, identifying region-specific causes of dementia across Africa, Latin America, and Asia could significantly enrich global scientific understanding and lead to more effective interventions.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital Ibadan,
Professor Jesse Otegbayo, underscored the value of partnerships in strengthening capacity. He explained that collaboration with international experts is already equipping young Nigerian healthcare professionals with practical knowledge and exposure to global best practices in dementia care.
Also speaking, Professor Rufus Akinyemi highlighted the growing relevance of digital health and artificial intelligence in improving early detection and management of dementia. He said that when effectively utilised, such tools can enhance research, support training, and broaden access to screening services.
From a prevention standpoint, Professor Iracema Leroi, Director at the Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, noted that a large proportion of dementia cases are preventable. She emphasised that lifestyle factors such as healthy diet, regular exercise, blood pressure control, and cognitive engagement play a critical role in reducing risk, while also stressing the need for improved access to diagnosis and care.
Other contributors, including Dr. Laz Eze, Dr. Khanyo, and Dr. Kwaku Sarfo Mamu, commended the initiative and called for culturally relevant care models, backed by deliberate government investment, to mitigate the growing impact of dementia in Nigeria.
