By Kamsi Anayo
No fewer than 500 aged persons on Friday received free medical treatment from the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (ADF) in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Nigeria (ADAN) in Anambra state.
Dr Chidi Okereke, National Secretary of ADAN said that the medical outreach tagged “Working and Walking the Talk on Dementia” was aimed at imparting good health to the ageing population in the rural communities.
Medical experts from the Koninklijke Nederlabdse Centrale Vereniging (KNCV), WHO, Diocesan Hospital, Amichi, Global Foundation Ageing Research Centre of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Nnewi and other partners were on ground in the one day medical outreach.
The beneficiaries recieved free medical consultation and treatments.
They also received free eye services, free eye glasses, free TB screening, cholesterol test, drugs, sugar test, blood test, free memory check, BP, stress, free Covid-19 screening, hormones and health talk, health walk and games.
Okereke commended Mrs Josephine Anenih, Founder of ADF and sponsor of the outreach for years for her love for the aged, particularly her community, Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra state.
According to him, aside the outreach, persons of 40 years and above comes to its Amawbia Centre every Tuesdays and Thursdays to seek medical treatment in addition to social and recreation activities.
“We found out that Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, but we also discovered that nonpharmacologic means such as games and others have been found to reduce the progression of the disease.
“And with special thanks to the founder who is giving us the enabling environment, it has been a wonderful opportunity. I also give special thanks to all the partners for ensuring that the outreach is a success.
“We are helping these people from 40 years and above in whatever stage, but we are saying do not stigimatise or discriminate against them, bring them to us, we will welcome them with open hands.
“We also call for volunteers which is rare in this part of the country. If you can’t give us your time, give us your supportin many other ways,” Okereke said.
Dr Onyinye Nwagbo, an oculist said that the increasing eye problems is as a result Nigerian weather environment.
“Nigerians normally watch everything with our ‘naked eyes’ , particularly working on computer sets, watching televisions and moving under the sun without face cabs.
“We should go for eye check at least twice a year, many of us don’t do it,” she said.
Mrs Aneni called encouraged the young ones to support the aged.
“We are advocating for our young ones to encourage the elderly to socialise, not seeing them as vulnerable or destitute.
“Old age is a blessing. Everyone looks forward to it. We are proud and happy when God grant us such opportunity in life. These people provided for us to be what we are today. Don’t look down on them. It is time to reciprocate the gesture by giving them a sense of belonging and always happy.
“Here at our centre in Amawbia, we have recreational activities for them, they are happy here, they always look forward to it. They play games, tell stories, meet old friends and make new younger ones. These helps to reduce filling of loneliness in them,” Aneni said.
Comrade Charles Amazuiro, 81, said he was fulfilled as he benefited in the medical outreach, and thanked the sponsor for contributing to make them happy and stronger.
