Oluwatobi Adu 
Consultant psychiatrist, Dr Ayokunle Felix Akinsade
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria must strengthen its healthcare system to prepare for a growing number of dementia cases as the country’s population ages, a consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Ayokunle Felix Akinsade, has said.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Africa Health Report on Saturday, Akinsade called for greater investment in dementia care through early diagnosis, specialist services and long-term support for older persons, warning that the current health system is not fully equipped to meet future demand.
“Nigeria has made progress in recognising the health needs of older persons, but our healthcare system is not yet adequately prepared for the growing burden of dementia,” Akinsade said.
He noted that while Nigeria has taken important policy steps to support ageing citizens, more practical measures are needed to improve access to quality dementia care.
Nigeria approved the National Policy on Ageing for Older Persons in 2021 to promote the wellbeing, protection and participation of older citizens. The country also established the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) to coordinate programmes and interventions for elderly Nigerians.
Despite these initiatives, Akinsade said dementia services require significant expansion as the country’s ageing population continues to grow.
He urged the government to integrate dementia screening into primary healthcare services for older adults to improve early detection and timely intervention.
According to him, strengthening community-based healthcare services would allow more patients to receive diagnoses earlier and access appropriate treatment before symptoms worsen.
“Strengthening community-based and primary care services is essential if we are to improve early detection and long-term management,” he said.
The psychiatrist also called for increased training of healthcare professionals in geriatric mental health and dementia care, noting that Nigeria needs more specialists capable of managing age-related cognitive disorders.
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Mirian Gom 
Korede Abdullah