Of late, various cases of notable people in Uganda suffering from dementia have been reported in the media, bringing to the fore the critical need to raise awareness about this progressive medical condition.

Experts say dementia presents mainly with symptoms such as memory loss, wandering, disorientation, and other cognitive difficulties. However, there is currently no single recognised treatment that can cure all forms of dementia.

Those battling dementia are often stigmatised in society, with some cases wrongly attributed to witchcraft. Early detection, however, can help in managing the condition and improving the quality of life of patients, who are in most cases older persons. This highlights the importance of greater awareness, early diagnosis, and access to appropriate care and support.

In this episode of The Grind with Patrick Kamara, he has a deeply personal and informative conversation with medical practitioner Dr. Ruth Atukunda about how to identify the signs of dementia and the approach that should follow a diagnosis. The discussion also looks at the support required by patients and caregivers, the need for appropriate policy interventions, and the importance of creating greater awareness about the condition.

Dr. Atukunda’s family has not been spared either, as her mother has been living with dementia for the past two decades. This has taken a significant toll on Dr. Atukunda and the entire family. She speaks candidly about the huge financial costs of caregiving, as well as the frustrations, emotional strain, and devastation they have experienced while caring for their mother.

She concludes the conversation by offering advice to caregivers, encouraging them to remain patient and resilient through the difficult journey of providing support, despite the severe emotional, psychological, and financial burden that dementia can place on families