Dr. Udoka Okafor, National President of the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria, has highlighted age factors and contaminated water as major contributors to Parkinson’s disease in the country. Speaking at the 7th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting held at the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo State, Dr. Okafor described Parkinson’s as a neurological condition that impacts the brain and nervous system. He emphasized the importance of regular exercise to help prevent the disease.

Parkinson’s disease, which typically affects people aged 60 and above, is often related to insufficient blood supply to the brain, similar to stroke, according to Dr. Okafor. He noted that while both diseases are age-related, exercise is a key preventive measure as it improves blood circulation in the brain, potentially reducing the risk of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s.

Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the elderly population is at a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s in Nigeria. He also pointed to the shortage of physiotherapists in the country as a major challenge in addressing neurological conditions.