Leading international brain health experts have called on the Nigerian government to increase funding for dementia care and introduce a national policy to address the growing burden of neurological disorders among the ageing population.
Speaking at a one-day interactive workshop organised by the International Dementia Academy Africa in partnership with the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, stakeholders emphasised the urgent need for structured care pathways, research initiatives, and accessible healthcare for older adults.
The event, held at the Paul Hendrickson Lecture Theatre, College of Medicine, UI, brought together local and international experts under the theme, “Advancing Brain Health through Partnership: An Interactive Session to Identify Joint Research, Training and Advocacy Priorities.”
Dr. Temitope Farombi, founder of the Brain Health Initiative Nigeria and the Brain Centre Neurocritical and Rehabilitation Centre, said the government has not done enough to address brain health, particularly for adults aged 60 and above.
“Healthcare budgets largely prioritise maternal and child health while neglecting older adults who often face neurological conditions. Expanding health insurance coverage to include informal sector workers is critical to ensuring equitable access to care,” Farombi, who is the convener, stated.
Professor Agustin Ibanez, Director of Dementia Research at the Latin America Consortium, Chile, highlighted the need for regional research collaboration. “We must identify region-specific drivers of dementia and explore how these findings can contribute to global scientific knowledge. Integrating studies across Africa, Latin America, and Asia provides unparalleled potential for discovery,” he said.
In his remarks,Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, stressed the importance of collaborative research in tackling dementia. “Through joint training and partnerships with global experts, young healthcare professionals in Nigeria are gaining first-hand exposure to best practices in dementia care. This knowledge transfer is vital to expanding expertise across Africa,” he said.
Dr. Rufus Akinyemi, Professor of Geriatric Neurology at UCH Ibadan, noted the potential of digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) in brain health management. “While overreliance on technology can pose risks, properly harnessed digital tools can enhance learning, accelerate research, and improve brain health screening,” he explained.
Professor Iracema Leroi, Director of the Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, emphasised that much of dementia is preventable. “Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and cognitive stimulation can significantly reduce dementia risk. Prevention begins with awareness and personal responsibility, but access to diagnosis and care must also improve,” she added.
Other experts, including Dr. Laz Eze, Dr. Khanyo, and Dr. Kwaku Sarfo Mamu, lauded the initiative, calling for culturally responsive care models and government-led investment to reduce the impact of dementia in Nigeria.
