Alzheimer Foundation gives free medical care to 500 aged patients in Anambra

The Alzheimer's Disease Foundation (ADF), in association with the Alzheimer's Disease Association of Nigeria (ADAN), provided free medical care to no less than 500 elderly people in Anambra on Friday.

At the conclusion of a three-day medical outreach titled "Working and Walking the Talk on Dementia" held in Awka on Friday, Dr. Chidi Okereke, National Secretary of ADAN, said this.

The outreach, according to Okereke, is to promote good health among the ageing population in rural areas.

The Koninklijke Nederlandsche Centrale Vereniging (KNCV), the World Health Organisation, the Diocesan Hospital in Amichi, the Global Foundation Ageing Research Centre, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, among other institutions, provided medical specialists.

Beneficiaries received free consultations, therapies, eye care and eyeglasses, screenings for TB, cholesterol, medications, sugar, and blood as well as free blood pressure and stress tests, COVID-19 screenings, and health seminars.

Okereke praised Iyom Josephine Anenih, the founder of ADF, for her love of the elderly, particularly those in her town of Amawbia, close to Awka, and her support of the outreach for many years.

The medical professional suggested that people 40 years of age and older visit its Amawbia Centre every Tuesday and Thursday for medical counselling and entertainment.

“We found out that Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, but we also discovered that nonpharmacologic means such as games and others have been found to reduce the progression of the disease.

“And with special thanks to the founder who is giving us the enabling environment, it has been a wonderful opportunity. I also give special thanks to all the partners for ensuring that the outreach is a success,” he said.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Onyinye Nwagbo claimed that the changing weather in Nigeria is to blame for the rise in eye issues.

Nwagbo advised wearing shades and face coverings instead of exposing one's unprotected eyes to excessive amounts of sunlight, computers, and televisions.

“We should go for eye checks at least twice a year, many of us don’t do it,” she said.