Health experts have called for greater public awareness, early diagnosis and stronger healthcare support for people living with Parkinson’s disease in Nigeria, warning that widespread stigma, poor awareness and limited access to specialist care continue to delay diagnosis and treatment across the country.
Speaking on Trade FM during a discussion on “Parkinson’s Disease in Nigeria: Breaking the Silence Through Awareness and Early Detection,” Parkinson’s advocate Mr. John Akinola and Physiotherapist Peace Erima Akwuma explained that Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s production of dopamine, a chemical responsible for smooth body movement, coordination and emotional regulation.
According to the experts, Parkinson’s disease is often misunderstood as simply a condition that causes tremors. However, they noted that the disease presents with a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms, many of which appear years before the more obvious physical signs.
Mr. Akinola explained that while tremors remain one of the most recognised symptoms, patients may also experience slowed movement, difficulty swinging their arms while walking, dragging of the feet, muscle rigidity, poor balance, frequent falls, stooped posture, facial stiffness, reduced handwriting, constipation, insomnia, depression, loss of smell and sleep disturbances. He stressed that although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, its progression can be managed through medication, physiotherapy and other rehabilitative therapies.
The experts noted that obtaining accurate data on Parkinson’s disease in Nigeria remains difficult because awareness is still very low. Many Nigerians mistake the symptoms for normal ageing or attribute them to spiritual attacks and other misconceptions, preventing many patients from seeking medical attention until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
Physiotherapist Peace Erima Akwuma said lack of awareness, financial constraints and the shortage of trained healthcare professionals—including neurologists, physiotherapists and speech therapists—remain major barriers to early diagnosis and quality care. She added that environmental exposure to industrial chemicals, pesticides, smoke and repeated head injuries are among the factors that may increase an individual’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, although advancing age remains the greatest risk factor.
The speakers also highlighted the critical role of caregivers in the management of Parkinson’s disease, noting that many patients depend on family members for medication reminders, mobility support and assistance with everyday activities. They observed that caregivers themselves often experience physical and emotional burnout due to the demands of long-term care.
Mr. Akinola explained that the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation provides caregiver training, patient education and evidence-based rehabilitation programmes designed to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. He said the foundation also operates a purpose-built rehabilitation centre equipped with low-impact exercise facilities, dance therapy, non-contact boxing sessions, handwriting rehabilitation classes and psychosocial support groups for patients and caregivers.
To improve public understanding of the condition, the foundation regularly organises awareness walks, symposiums, community outreaches, webinars, social media campaigns and innovative programmes such as walking football, which combines physical activity with rehabilitation for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
The experts stressed that Parkinson’s disease is not a death sentence, explaining that many people diagnosed with the condition continue to live productive lives for several decades when treatment begins early and patients adhere to prescribed medication and rehabilitation programmes. However, they warned that delaying diagnosis allows the disease to progress more rapidly, increasing disability and dependence on caregivers.
They urged Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention if they experience persistent symptoms such as tremors, slowed movement, poor balance, constipation, depression, sleep disorders or loss of smell, rather than dismissing them as signs of ageing or spiritual attacks. They also encouraged communities to support rather than stigmatise people living with Parkinson’s disease, noting that social inclusion and emotional support play an important role in slowing disease progression and improving overall wellbeing.
The speakers concluded that as Nigeria’s population continues to grow and age, sustained investment in public awareness, specialist healthcare services, rehabilitation programmes and caregiver support will be essential to improving early detection and ensuring better outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
