Dr. Esther Adegbolagun, Senior Registrar and Psychiatrist at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, emphasized that family support and a multi-disciplinary approach are key to effectively managing dementia.
She spoke at a Care Haven webinar titled “Memory Loss or Normal Aging: How to Spot Dementia Early,” moderated by Dr. Omobonike Akinseye, who used case scenarios to illustrate caregiving challenges.
One scenario involved an elderly man who forgets where he keeps his keys or money and accuses a family member of theft.
Experts stressed that no family should face the journey alone.
Care Haven was established to transform elderly healthcare in Nigeria and Africa, offering virtual consultations and home visits for those unable to access hospitals.
The platform provides multi-disciplinary care from verified doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and support workers trained to care for elderly patients, including those with dementia. Visit carehaven.app for details.
Adegbolagun explained that dementia is progressive and incurable, but early intervention, lifestyle changes, and family support can slow its progression.
She noted that caring for a relative with dementia is demanding and can disrupt family harmony and stability.
Modifiable risk factors discussed included depression, obesity, smoking, social isolation, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and poor education.
Early signs include forgetting conversations and missing appointments.
Family members are often the first to notice symptoms and are urged to seek medical help immediately.
For prevention, she recommended a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.
“Fish rich in omega-3, like Titus, may also help,” she added.
She advised building routines that include cognitive stimulation—such as reading, listening to radio or music—alongside proper medication use.
Rather than shouting at a forgetful elderly relative, Adegbolagun suggested gently repeating information in short, simple sentences.
“Validation therapy meets the person where they are emotionally, reducing frustration for everyone involved,” she said.
Care Haven encouraged the public to follow its social media pages for updates on future webinars and elderly care tips (Instagram, Facebook: carehaven; TikTok: carehaven).
