ABOUT US
AFfIH works to promote inclusive health and care services through developing dementia friendly communities in Nigeria.
AFfIH demands a better life for people affected by all forms of dementia. We campaign for their rights and that of their carers through detailed policy analysis, lobbying and direct action.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.
Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as "senility" or "senile dementia," which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of ageing. .
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY
COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME IN NIGERIA
Dementia Friendly Communities Programme seeks to improve the lives of people living with dementia by raising awareness and promoting understanding of dementia with the general public and health professionals; ensuring that more people receive diagnosis and full support afterwards; helping to develop dementia-friendly facilities in communities; and providing expertise, focus and momentum in developing an inclusive agenda for advancing local action and engagement towards improving care for people with dementia.
Useful link for more information on dementia:
Alzheimer's Association http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp
Why is the programme important?
People with dementia have a right to proper diagnosis, effective treatment and full support afterwards. While it’s very common, dementia is not very well understood in most developing countries. Individuals with dementia and their families often do not ask for help because there is still a stigma attached. Or as wrongly perceived by many - the symptoms are a normal part of ageing, and that nothing can be done.
Cases abound of wrong/late diagnosis and poor support after diagnosis. To get across the message that people living with dementia can be helped, we’re raising awareness both with the general public, health professionals, and with key decision makers in Nigeria towards ensuring that people with dementia receive proper diagnosis, sustained support and live in safe communities together with their families/carers.