Welcome to

GABI WILLIAMS
ALZHEIMER'S
FOUNDATION

We are a Nigerian charity established for the purpose of executing two broad missions:

  • To promote Alzheimer’s disease awareness and reduce its related stigma in Nigeria
  • To identify and strengthen the available patient and caregiver infrastructure for Alzheimer's disease in Nigeria

Through these missions, GWAF will support related research into the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s.

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Facts About Alzheimer's disease

Prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa: Alzheimer's disease is indeed the most common cause of dementia in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for approximately 57% of dementia cases, with vascular dementia being the second most prevalent at around 27%

Global Impact: As of the latest estimates, approximately 44 million people worldwide are affected by dementia, and this number is projected to triple by 2050, according to the 2014 World Alzheimer's Report

Economic Costs: The global costs associated with Alzheimer's disease have exceeded $600 billion, which is indeed more than the GDP of Nigeria. This highlights the significant economic burden of the disease

Future Projections: By 2030, it is estimated that more than 67 million people over the age of 60 will have dementia in Sub-Saharan Africa, indicating a growing public health challenge

Treatment Options: Currently, there are five drugs available for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine, Memantine, and a combination pill of Donepezil and Memantine. These medications help manage symptoms but do not cure the disease

Lecanemab (Leqembi) and Kisunla (Donanemab), treatments approved by the FDA in the USA, are not available in Nigeria, which limits treatment options for patients with Alzheimer's disease in the region. The introduction of these drugs could provide new avenues for managing the disease, particularly for those in the early stages.

How will GWAF accomplish its missions?

In order to fulfill its missions GWAF will engage in and build upon the following activities:

Develop local case studies of Alzheimer’s disease.

Partner with public health institutes to promote Alzheimer’s awareness through traditional and social media.

Partner with institutions of higher learning to incorporate Alzheimer’s awareness into curricula or other training activities.

Work with government entities to promote and culturally tailor global Alzheimer’s Awareness events such as International Alzheimer’s disease Month in September and Alzheimer’s Awareness day on September 21.

Create and dissemination of an inventory of caregiver agencies in Nigeria that are equipped to support families and patients living with the condition.

Create of an inventory of physician experts and local researchers in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Conduct specialized training workshops on Alzheimer’s disease-specific care across Nigeria.

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