QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH EARLY ONSET DEMENTIA IN NIGERIA

Dementia is a major cause of disability and mortality among the elderly, it becomes early onset of dementia, when it occurs before the age of 60years. It is the loss of cognitive abilities, particularly the loss of memory; it is one of the most dreaded conditions of old age. Around 5% of the population aged 65 and above is affected by dementia, and its prevalence rises with the rate nearly doubling every 5 years. The paper examines the effects of EOD on QL of patients. The study used the key informant interview research tool to achieve its aim and objectives, thereby collecting data to answer its research questions. Purposive sampling was used, while ethnographic summary and content analysis were used to analyse the data. The results showed that the quality of life of patients with EOD is generally poor, in that the illness brings about the crippling of finance, loss of memory and independence, loss of position in the society. The study recommends detecting factors that can prevent or postpone the disease, and educating the public on OED. Such interventions would have a major positive public health impact and reduce some of the common fears and anxieties of becoming older.