Dr Nicholas Baamlong, Plateau’s Commissioner for Health, says dementia is a disease, not a curse, urging greater public awareness, early diagnosis and improved care for affected persons.
Baamlong said this on Tuesday May 26 in Jos, when he briefed newsmen to commemorate the 2026 Dementia Africa Week. He described dementia as a medical condition that affects the brain and gradually damages a person’s memory, thinking, behaviour, communication, and ability to carry out everyday activities.
Baamlong said dementia was a condition that required understanding, care, and proper treatment. He however lamented that the disease had remained misunderstood, underdiagnosed, underfunded and hidden behind stigma. He called for more research in dementia, saying research was critical to Africa rising to its Dementia challenge.
The Commissioner gave assurance of the state government’s continued support for initiatives aimed at addressing dementia through awareness creation, early diagnosis and care.
Leave a comment