Building healthcare capacity for neurodegenerative disease management in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are growing public health concerns worldwide, and their burden is particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. This perspective highlights the urgent need for tailored public health strategies to address the rising prevalence of these diseases, focusing on prevention, early detection, and management in the Nigerian context. With an aging population and limited healthcare infrastructure, Nigeria faces unique challenges in diagnosing and treating NDs. Cultural factors, such as stigma and misconceptions about cognitive decline, further complicate timely intervention. The paper explores the current public health strategies implemented to combat these diseases, including lifestyle modifications, national policy development, and public-private partnerships. It emphasizes the need for community-based programs, the integration of primary healthcare and neurology, and increased awareness to reduce the societal burden of NDs. Additionally, the manuscript discusses the essential role of training healthcare providers and the integration of traditional and modern medicine in enhancing care. It calls for a coordinated, culturally relevant approach to addressing the rising tide of neurodegenerative diseases in Nigeria, with recommendations for policy reform, healthcare system strengthening, and greater research investment.