Ogunniyi A, Hall K S, Baiyewu O, Gureje O, Unverzagt F W, Gao S, Hendrie H C
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
West Afr J Med. 2005 Jul-Sep;24(3):259-62. doi: 10.4314/wajm.v24i3.28211.
Recent epidemiological data, mainly from cross-cultural studies, have revealed that the burden of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) the most common type, is significantly lower in developing than in the industrialized countries. Caring for individuals with dementia is a major consideration because most developing countries do not have the resources to provide comprehensive care in institutions. Home care that is practiced is ideal given the cultural scenario especially with the extended family support. Public policies on the care of the elderly however need to be well articulated and implemented. Hypertension was the most frequent medical co-morbidity of the demented subjects and about a third of subjects with AD were hypertensive, which may support vascular hypothesis in AD pathogenesis. The important behavioural disturbances experienced by caregivers and the associated stress levels were highlighted. The model used on the Indianapolis-Ibadan Dementia Study which involves periodic home visits, and empowerment of caregivers through regular meetings is envisaged to make caring for these individuals easier and adaptable in other African communities.
近期的流行病学数据，主要来自跨文化研究，显示痴呆症和最常见类型的阿尔茨海默病（AD）在发展中国家的负担明显低于工业化国家。照顾痴呆症患者是一个主要考量因素，因为大多数发展中国家没有资源在机构中提供全面护理。鉴于文化背景，尤其是有大家庭的支持，实行的居家护理是理想的选择。然而，关于老年人护理的公共政策需要明确阐述并加以实施。高血压是痴呆症患者最常见的合并症，约三分之一的AD患者患有高血压，这可能支持AD发病机制中的血管假说。文中强调了照顾者所经历的重要行为障碍以及相关的压力水平。设想在印第安纳波利斯 - 伊巴丹痴呆症研究中使用的模式，包括定期家访以及通过定期会议增强照顾者的能力，以便在其他非洲社区让照顾这些患者变得更容易且更具适应性。
