Treatment pathways of Alzheimer in Nigeria

Abstract

Alzheimer poses lots of challenges in Low and Middle Income Countries, especially in Nigeria. Globally, the causes of Alzheimer are poorly understood. Cultural factors affect the preference of mental health treatment for treating people living with Alzheimer's disease (PLWA However, Alzheimer's and its gender differentials have been given little consideration in particular. Twenty-four in-depth study was conducted with caregivers and family members/relatives of people living with Alzheimer's (PLWA) residing in the study area. 52.2 percent of respondents were female out of the total while 45.8 percent were male. For male respondents, 40.4%; 49.4 %; 49.2%; 35 % and 28.3% indicated spiritual preference of mental health counseling; traditional; medical practitioner; both traditional and spiritual and psychiatrist respectively. On the other hand, 59.6%; 50.6%; 50.8%; 65% and 70.7% of female respondents indicated spiritual; traditional; medical practitioner; both traditional and spiritual and psychiatrist respectively. This research found that gender disparities primarily affected the mental health intervention care pathways. The availability of mental health resources to support adult mental health were key factors which could influence mental health status.

Keywords

• Clinical psychology
• Psychiatry
• Social sciences
• Sociology
• Gender differentials
• Alzheimer