By MaryAnn Chukwuma
Health practitioners have called for greater public awareness, early diagnosis and compassionate care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, stressing that recognising concerns early can help families access appropriate support and plan for the future.
The call was made as the world marked World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, an observance that promotes greater understanding of dementia and encourages timely access to professional care.
The 2026 World Alzheimer’s Month campaign, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” highlights the importance of recognising persistent changes in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to carry out everyday activities.
According to the practitioners, early medical assessment can help individuals and families understand the condition, make informed plans and access appropriate medical, social and emotional support.
They urged families not to dismiss persistent changes in an older person’s behaviour or memory as simply a normal part of ageing, noting that professional assessment is important when such changes become noticeable or interfere with daily life.
The practitioners stressed the need to treat people living with dementia with dignity, patience and compassion, while discouraging stigma and discrimination.
They noted that dementia affects not only those living with the condition but also relatives and caregivers who often provide long-term support and assistance. Caregivers, they said, should seek professional guidance and support to help them manage the demands of care.
The health professionals encouraged families and communities to have open and informed conversations about dementia to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding.
They called for sustained public education and stronger community support to encourage earlier diagnosis, improve access to care and help people affected by dementia live with dignity and a better quality of life.
MaryAnn Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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