Understanding Dementia and the Needs of People Living with Dementia: A Brief Focus on Nigeria

"Understanding Dementia and The Needs of People Living with Dementia: A Brief Focus on Nigeria" is a concise and informative book designed to raise awareness about dementia, specifically within the Ethnically Diverse (Black and Minority Ethnic) communities in the United Kingdom and across Africa, but firstly focusing on Nigeria. The book is created to address the critical need for increased dementia awareness, as studies have shown that individuals from Ethnically Diverse communities are more likely to delay seeking help for dementia and other health-related issues. By providing a straightforward and culturally sensitive resource, the book encourages families to seek early diagnosis and treatment, and it promotes high-quality, person-centred care that respects cultural heritage and addresses specific challenges of the individual living with dementia. The book aims to assist carers, service providers, and family members in understanding the unique needs of individuals living with dementia and how to support them effectively throughout their dementia journey. The book will be translated into various African languages, starting with the three major Nigerian languages: Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa.

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, including difficulty remembering information, which can interfere with a person's ability to carry out daily tasks. (nia.nih.gov, 2022). The book briefly highlights different types of dementia, focusing on the most commonly known types: Alzheimer's disease, Vascular, Lewy Bodies, Frontotemporal, and Mixed dementias.

The needs of people living with dementia are simplified in the book and complement the cultural, social and religious beliefs of the person living with the condition. Although the focus of the book is on people of Nigerian heritage, the application and use of the book will benefit people of the African continent in general, and families caring for a loved one with dementia, including anyone with a Lived Experience who has lost a loved one to dementia.

It is, however, important to stress that the book does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.