Foundation moves to stem rising tide of Alzheimer’s

The newly launched Gabi Williams Alzheimer’s Foundation (GWAF) has reiterated its commitment towards effective combat of Alzheimer disease.According to a statement by the Foundation, the programme among others would focus on developing local case studies of Alzheimer’s disease, partner with public health institutes to promote Alzheimer’s awareness through the traditional and social media, partner with institutions of higher learning to incorporate Alzheimer’s awareness into curricular or other training activities.

It promises to also work with government entities to promote and culturally tailor global Alzheimer’s awareness events such as international Alzheimer’s disease month in September and Alzheimer’s Awareness day on September 21st. GWAF would also create and disseminate an inventory of caregiver agencies in Nigeria that are equipped to support families and patients living with the disease, establish a consortium of physician experts and researchers in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and above all, conduct specialized training workshops on Alzheimer’s disease specific care across Nigeria.

Notably, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness of the brain that causes memory loss and disorder of thought and behaviour. Although the cause of Alzheimer’s disease is shrouded in mystery, medical experts attribute it to a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environment factors. The condition usually begins with loss of short term memory that may cause the individual to forget names, instructions and recent conversations.

GWAF was inaugurated on September 11, 2017 in honour of Dr. Gabi Williams who celebrated his 80th birthday the same day. Dr. Williams is a renowned public health pioneer and served as Nigeria’s representative on the Executive Boards of World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.