THE NEED TO CREATE AWARENESS ON DEMENTIA IS THE FOCUS OF TODAY’S VIEWPOINT.IT IS WRITTEN BY BABATUNDE TIAMIYU, GENERAL MANAGER PENSIONERS’ FM
Dementia is a complex medical condition characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities, memory loss, impaired reasoning, and changes in behaviour.
It is crucial to approach discussions about dementia from a scientific and medical perspective, dispelling any unfounded notions or myths, such as associations with witchcraft.
Firstly, dementia is a medical condition rooted in neurobiology, specifically affecting the brain’s structure and function.
It is not caused by supernatural forces, witchcraft, or external curses. The development of dementia is often linked to underlying diseases.
Other causes include vascular dementia, lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. These conditions involve the degeneration of brain cells, leading to the cognitive decline observed in individuals with dementia.
The misconception linking dementia to witchcraft likely stems from historical and cultural misunderstandings.
In various cultures, mental illnesses are historically attributed to supernatural causes, contributing to stigmatization and misconceptions.
In the context of dementia, it is essential to reject such unfounded beliefs and emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and care.
To debunk claims associating dementia with witchcraft, it is crucial to educate communities on the scientific understanding of the condition.
Public health initiatives should promote awareness, emphasizing that dementia is not a result of curses, hexes, or magical spells. Instead, it is a medical condition that requires appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and support.
Furthermore, combating the stigma associated with dementia is essential for fostering a supportive and empathetic community. Individuals living with dementia and their caregivers may already face significant challenges, and perpetuating myths about witchcraft can exacerbate social isolation and hinder access to necessary medical care.
Efforts should be directed towards destigmatizing dementia and promoting accurate information through community engagement, educational campaigns, and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
By emphasizing the medical nature of dementia, societies can work towards creating environments that support those affected by the condition and encourage open conversations about mental health.
To tackle dementia among older persons, African Dementia Consortium, AFDC, set up a community advisory board, cab in all communities in Oyo state.
According to AFDC, the community advisory board will guide researchers to create awareness about dementia in communities and to improve patient engagement, and involvement in dementia research.
The body also appointed the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Oyo State Council, Comrade Olusegun Abatan as the president of the Community Advisory Board, CAB.
Other members of CAB are Pastor David Oluwasina, Deputy President, Mr Ajomale Olayinka, Secretary and Mrs Sade Oguntola as Public Relations Officer.
The President of the Community Advisory Board, Comrade Olusegun Abatan expressed the readiness of the board to work assiduously with other stakeholders to create awareness on dementia.
In conclusion, dementia is a medical condition with well-established scientific explanations, and claims associating it with witchcraft lack any empirical basis.
It is imperative to dispel such myths through education, community engagement, and promoting accurate information.
By fostering a greater understanding of dementia within society, we can contribute to breaking down stigma and providing compassionate support for individuals living with this challenging condition.
