By Ijeoma Agbafo
A Consultant Psychiatrist and brain health advocate, Prof. Taiwo Obindo, has urged Nigerians to adopt healthy lifestyles that reduce the risk of dementia and other cognitive disorders.
Obindo, the immediate past President of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN), gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos, saying many brain disorders could be prevented through lifestyle changes.
He said maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet and learning new skills or hobbies could significantly improve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
According to him, more than half of dementia cases and about 90 per cent of stroke cases could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, poor diet and physical inactivity.
Obindo also encouraged Nigerians to seek mental health assessments whenever cognitive changes begin to affect their daily lives, while calling for greater public awareness and the inclusion of brain health education in schools.
He urged policymakers to invest in healthy ageing programmes, community-based initiatives and awareness campaigns to promote brain health and help Nigerians maintain cognitive wellbeing throughout their lives.
