78 per cent of elderly Nigerians at risk of Parkinson disease – Experts

A physiotherapist Professor Matthew Olaogun, has said  at least 78% of Nigerians aged 60 and older are at danger of developing Parkinson’s disease.

He made this statement on Tuesday at the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo State, at the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria’s 7th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting.

He said that in order to treat the illness early on, those who exhibit signs of it ought to speak with medical professionals right away.

Olaogun, the conference’s keynote speaker, said that the illness is age- and genetically-related.

He said, “Most people who have it are over 60 years old.” A significant portion of Nigerians over 60 are vulnerable to the illness.

“It’s unknown what caused it in their progenitor, although the cause may be hereditary. It can be brought on by mining or blacksmithing-related water contamination.

“It’s critical that individuals recognize it and notify medical professionals of it. Rather than reporting it, some individuals would lock the sick inside the home.

“Hand shaking and improper hand use are among the symptoms. Keep them outside, not in prayer houses.

“Report them if walking appears tough. Although there is no known treatment, it can be caught early to prevent worsening of the illness.

He advised Nigerians to notify a physiotherapist of any unusual body movement patterns.

Dr. Chris Okafor, the National President of ACAPN, stated during a speech that the purpose of the conference was to explore new developments in the field of physiotherapy medical rehabilitation research.

The conference’s theme, according to him, is “Recent advancements in movement disorders.”

He claims that some individuals confuse a number of myths, spiritual attacks, and strokes for Parkinson’s disease.

“Parkinson’s illness is neither a spiritual assault or a stroke. We are thus here to raise awareness and have more conversations about it in order to educate others.

“We have students and specialists from related medical professions in addition to physiotherapy practitioners. Both stroke and Parkinson’s disease are neurological disorders.” Okafor explained.

He clarified that while both disorders impact the brain and areas around the nervous system, they are not interchangeable, saying that “one may have a stroke because of one problem in the brain.”

He went on to say that while both illnesses are age-related, youngsters are not often affected by them.

“Those over 60 have a higher incidence of it.” Therefore, a person’s risk of having a stroke or Parkinson’s disease increases with age. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by muscular weakness, making walking awkward.” Okafor said.

He urged Nigerians to prioritize their health and emphasized the need of engaging in regular physical activity.

“Slumping is a result of stress. The nation is under stress. While some people are not eating properly, many others are thinking about other topics.

“People should exercise, eat healthfully, see physiotherapists, and, most importantly, take care of themselves,”  Okafor said.

He asserts that individuals may exercise without spending money, but they need speak with a physiotherapist to determine the best type of exercise.

“Since the exact reason is unknown, exercise is essential. Thus, neurologists and physiotherapists play a critical role in the care of Parkinson’s disease.” Okafor stated.

Professor Adesegun Fatusi, the vice chancellor of UNIMED, expressed his gratitude for organizing the meeting and said that the association was an essential component of the medical workforce.

As people age, they may get Parkinson’s disease, according to Fatusi, who also mentioned that medical students should be more knowledgeable about the condition given the nation’s aging population.

According to him, the medical staff now in place ought to be up to date on the most recent developments on the illness, and “as a nation, we should know what to do to address it.”

The state government has added physiotherapy and medical rehabilitation to its contributory health insurance policy, according to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by Professor Dayo Faduyile, his Special Adviser on Health Matters. The governor said that the elderly might greatly benefit from the program.

– NAN