The Provost, Lagos State College of Nursing, Mrs. Oyefunso Orenuga, has pledged her commitment to support and reward excellent research work of student nurses on Dementia and Care for aged people.
Mrs. Orenuga made the promise in her address during a seminar organised for Student Nurses by the College, in collaboration with Gabi-Williams Alzheimer’s Foundation for Alzheimer Disease, tagged “Dementia Awareness and Career Information”, noting that student nurses are key change agents in caring for the aged, especially those living with dementia in society.
She went further to advise students to take up challenges on research work to improve the quality of healthcare delivery, which ultimately makes them great nurses in future, adding that outstanding nurses are always remembered for the lives they touched.
While also informing that nurses derive pleasure in the wellbeing of their patients, Orenuga appreciated the Foundation for partnering with the College to create awareness of such magnitude as it will serve as an eye-opener for the student nurses.
A Trustee of the Gabi-Williams Foundation, Mrs. Olatoun Gabi-Williams, stated that Alzheimer Disease is the general term used in describing the ailment that leads to loss of memory and other incapacities, which consequently interferes with daily life activities.
She further explained that the disease is irreversible because it is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking process to eventually impede the ability to carry out simple regular tasks.
Also speaking at the forum, a resource person at Gabi-Williams Alzheimer’s Foundation, Dr. Funke Alabi said that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of ageing, but is most common in the elderly above 65 years of age and can also be found in younger people.
While emphasising that the disease has no cure but can be managed through the support of caregivers, Dr. Alabi explained that Gabi-Williams Alzheimer’s Foundation is a charity organisation established to promote Alzheimer’s disease awareness and reduce its related stigma in Nigeria with a special focus on Lagos State.
She further stressed that the foundation also identifies and strengthens the available patient and caregiver infrastructure for Alzheimer’s disease in Nigeria.
