READ- ADSP plans to eradicate Alzhemers dementia disease through early detection – Dr. Osaigbovo

From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos

The READ-Alzhemers dementia spectrum Disorder ADSP, has concluded plans to carry  out research and eventually investigate and administer treatment to those dictated with the disease in Parts of Plateau State.

The State Principal investigator and team leader, Dr Godwin Osaigbovo, said the idea was conceived by a reknown professor of neurologist, of the Medical University College Ibadan, Prof. Rufus Akinyemi.

He said the program is in collaboration with Prof Akinyemi who is also the overall principal Investigator is to carry out research inoder to know the burden of dementia in Africans and Nigeria.

“Few countries were selected, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia are the five countries that are part of  the research in addition to United States of America”. He said.

Dr. Osaigbovo who made the disclosure at Fobur community of Jos East local government, while inaugurating the committee will that work with the team to achieve its goal,explained that the excise is for those from 60 years and above.

The intention of the excise is get rid of the disease at the early stage and nip it fast in the bud to avoid the embarrassment of losing a loved one when they go to the farm and are unable to trace their way back home due to loss of memory.

“Basically, we will ask them questions including their relatives to trace their family history, and they would also be examined through testing of blood samples”.

“Eventually, for those that would be diagnosed with such problems will be given prescription of medication (drugs) to purchase from recognised pharmaceutical departments, to properly manage  Dementia”

He was quick to say that the excise is completely free. “Affected patients will have to purchase their drugs themselves”

He however explained that the choice of Fabur is because the location is close to Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, would be alot easier to move its team of Medical Doctors to the community and to also administer treatment where necessary.

Dr. Godwin Osaigbovo added that “The involvement of the health sector of the Primary Health Care centre as team members, is because they have one on one contact with the people in the community as well as the leaders, and they will help in identifying such people, and they will be set aside to interact, screen, test them,and administer treatment to those that need medication”. That will continue until we are able to cover the whole community, then we will continue in another Local Government Area. He added.

Earlier, Prof.Tolu Afolaronmi, the community Engagement consultant who is also the lead coordinator for the dementia program, disclosed that the network is engaging communities in identifying older people with dementia or memory problems, so they can be screened and link to care as soon as possible.

He said the program also on ensuring that genetic typing is done, so that the gene responsible for dementia can also be identified and compared to what happens in other parts of the other world as well as parts of the country.

” In Plateau state,we are conducting the study in Fobur community and plan to extend it to the whole of Jos East local government. We already have the committee inaugurated and the work will start in earnest “. He said.

He said the committee is a small one that includes the traditional and community leaders, representative of the retirees, women leader, health and medical personnel, religion leaders and the media.

Appreciating the team for choosing and finding his community worthy to be the first beneficiary of their benevolence and humanitarian service, the traditional ruler, Adangwom Izang Abok, expressed gratitude and assured of complete and maximum support for the the program to succeed.

He said looking at the magnitude of the disease, he said it would be very important and of great help  to prevent such early, to  also enjoy a healthy old age.

The traditional ruler who was in company of other community leaders full of excitement said they will swing into action by disseminating information across to those concern ahead of the program. They also assured of cooperation, collaboration and support towards the success of the program.