By John Dike, Osogbo
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Osun State Directorate, has called for early diagnosis and increased support for people living with dementia as the world marks the 2026 World Alzheimer’s Day.
It made the call in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Bunmi Olaseinde, to commemorate the annual observance held every September 21.
The 2026 World Alzheimer’s Day is being observed with the theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.”
The State Director of NOA in Osun, Mr Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, urged families and members of the public not to dismiss memory loss and behavioural changes among older people as merely a normal part of ageing.
Adefarasin identified frequent memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, confusion, poor communication, and changes in mood and personality as some of the warning signs that should attract attention.
He said recognising such signs early and seeking medical advice could help families understand the condition and take appropriate steps towards managing it.
“Early diagnosis helps families understand the condition, access timely medical care, plan ahead and make informed decisions,” he said.
The NOA director also urged families and communities to treat people living with dementia with dignity, respect and compassion, while discouraging stigma and discrimination against them.
He called for greater public awareness of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, saying improved understanding of the conditions could encourage affected persons and their families to seek appropriate assistance without fear or shame.
The agency urged members of the public to learn about the warning signs of dementia, seek medical advice where necessary, support patients and caregivers, and promote the inclusion of people living with dementia in society.
According to the NOA, the awareness campaign is part of efforts to deepen public understanding of dementia and encourage communities to respond to affected persons and their caregivers with compassion and appropriate support.
