Misconception of dementia-related disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa

Adebisi, Abdulyekeen T.; Salawu, Mufutau A.

doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1148076

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Stigma and misconceptions surrounding dementia can also play a significant role in perpetuating knowledge deficits [ 25 ]. Some physicians may hold biases or outdated beliefs about the condition, hindering their willingness to learn more or seek appropriate training.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dementia Knowledge Among Primary Healthcare Physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Alsalem,

Alghathber,

Alowain

et al. 2024

Cureus

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Introduction: Dementia poses a significant healthcare challenge globally, and healthcare providers must have adequate knowledge about its diagnosis, management, and support services. By assessing the knowledge level of primary care physicians in Riyadh, we can identify potential gaps and areas for improvement in dementia care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. This study holds promise in shedding light on the current state of dementia knowledge among primary healthcare physicians in Riyadh and offering insights into strategies to enhance dementia care in this region. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted from the first of June 2023 to the end of December 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire was used to assess physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice toward dementia. Results: A total of 151 physicians completed the questionnaires. The majority were male (55%), below 30 years of age (88.1%), and family medicine residents (84.8%). Most (74.8%) recognized old age as the most significant risk factor; an overwhelming majority of participants (98.7%) could not identify the minimum course of treatment to judge a medication’s effectiveness. The average score of correct responses (7.74 ∓ 4.11) was equivalent to 38.7%. Furthermore, the average correct responses were significantly different among the different job levels of the participants. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight a lack of knowledge among primary care physicians regarding dementia, emphasizing the crucial importance of physician education in this area. Additionally, the results strongly indicate the need for emphasis on dementia education within the undergraduate medical curriculum, family medicine curriculum, and physician training programs. By addressing these educational gaps, we can better equip physicians to provide optimal care and support for individuals with dementia, ultimately improving patient care and quality of life.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dementia Knowledge Among Primary Healthcare Physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Alsalem,

Alghathber,

Alowain

et al. 2024

Cureus

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“…Cultural beliefs and superstitions additionally fuel misconceptions about the origins and repercussions of dementia in the Nigerian context. The resultant stigma manifests in fear and isolation, extending to avoidance behaviors even among healthcare professionals [38,39]. These observations underscore the imperative of an ongoing collaborative effort involving government agencies, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and advocacy groups to address and mitigate awareness gaps and stigma associated with dementia.…”

Section: Awareness and Stigmamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the WHO Action Plan recommends economic support mechanisms for caregivers, acknowledging the financial strain associated with dementia care. Still, tailoring these recommendations to the Nigerian context involves collaboration between government agencies and nonprofit organizations to establish targeted financial aid programs [38]. The feasibility of implementing caregiver support initiatives is contingent on addressing challenges such as limited resources, cultural stigmas surrounding dementia, and the need for a nuanced understanding of regional diversity.…”

Section: Pre-2021mentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing the challenges of dementia care in Nigeria: A call for a comprehensive national strategy

Oyinlola

2024

Public Health Challenges

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Despite the growing prevalence of dementia, driven by an ageing population and compounded by cultural misunderstandings and stigma, Nigeria lacks a coherent national plan to address this issue. The article points out that although Nigeria has enacted policies such as the National Aging Policy, which do not sufficiently address the specific needs of people living with dementia. It underscores the necessity of integrating a dementia strategy within the broader health and social care systems of Nigeria. The article draws on the World Health Organization's Global Dementia Action Plan to elaborates on several critical areas for action, including public health prioritization of dementia, awareness and stigma reduction, improved diagnosis, treatment, care, and support, alongside bolstering support for caregivers. It stresses the importance of a dementia‐friendly infrastructure, research and innovation, and leveraging community support to foster a more inclusive society. Furthermore, the article outlines current state of healthcare and social support systems in Nigeria, pointing to significant gaps in infrastructure, healthcare workforce, and financial mechanisms that hinder effective dementia care. Hence, elevating dementia care as a national health priority, and increasing access to quality care and support, Nigeria is well positioned to mitigate the impact of dementia on families and the person with dementia. The call to action is clear: a national dementia strategy, informed by global best practices and tailored to Nigeria's unique cultural and societal context, is essential for addressing the challenges of dementia care and improving the well‐being of affected individuals and their families in Nigeria.

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“…The lack of universal health coverage in many countries is one of the several factors affecting AD management in Africa [ 28 ]. The high costs associated with neuroimaging tools add to the cost of specialized physician consultation, which leads some patients to seek alternative solutions, including traditional medicine or religious practices [ 2 , 29 , 30 ]. Practitioners in resource-limited settings often resort to less expensive diagnostic modalities based on clinical evaluations and the use of less specific techniques, such as CT scans or EEGs [ 31 ].…”

Section: Current Diagnostic Models Of Ad and Application Challenges I...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Africa, where life expectancy ranges between 58 and 65 years and treatments are not widely available, families often question the necessity of invasive procedures [ 9 , 32 ]. Cultural beliefs also influence the perceptions of neurocognitive impairment, often seen as a normal part of aging [ 2 , 29 ]. Additionally, the limited availability of multidisciplinary centers and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals significantly impede an effective response to AD in some countries, such as Cameroon in Africa, which has only approximately 60 psychiatrists and 35 neurologists for a population of over 25 million [ 33 ].…”

Section: Current Diagnostic Models Of Ad and Application Challenges I...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Circulating Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease: Unlocking the Diagnostic Potential in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Focusing on Africa

Nwamekang Belinga,

Espourteille,

Wepnyu Njamnshi

et al. 2024

Neurodegener Dis

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Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is emerging as a significant public health challenge in Africa, with predictions indicating a tripling in incidence by 2050. The diagnosis of AD on the African continent is notably difficult, leading to late detection that severely limits treatment options and significantly impacts the quality of life for patients and their families. Summary: This review focuses on the potential of high-sensitivity specific blood biomarkers as promising tools for improving AD diagnosis and management globally, particularly in Africa. These advances are particularly pertinent in the continent, where access to medical and technical resources is often limited. Key Messages: Identifying precise, sensitive, and specific blood biomarkers could contribute to the biological characterization and management of Alzheimer's disease in Africa. Such advances promise to improve patient care and pave the way for new regional opportunities in pharmaceutical research and drug trials on the continent for Alzheimer's disease.

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Misconception of dementia-related disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa

Cited by 5 publications

References 30 publications

Dementia Knowledge Among Primary Healthcare Physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Dementia Knowledge Among Primary Healthcare Physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Addressing the challenges of dementia care in Nigeria: A call for a comprehensive national strategy

Circulating Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease: Unlocking the Diagnostic Potential in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Focusing on Africa

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